Implant Dentistry

What are Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace one or more missing or extracted teeth. They are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth. The dental implant process involves one or more titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone and artificial teeth are attached to that implant to replace damaged or missing teeth. Through a process called osseointegration, over time the bone in the jaw will grow and fuse to the implant making the implant extremely durable while providing a strong anchor for natural-looking artificial teeth.

The entire dental implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the dental implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple dental implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured.

The dental implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time, you can have temporary crowns installed so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile.

After the dental implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. One this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Some offices have an onsite lab to create the crown, but others will have to send it to an outside lab. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant, it will feel just like one of your own teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

The benefits of dental implants are extensive, which is why dentists often recommend implants over traditional tooth replacements such as bridge or dentures.

• Implants look and function like natural teeth
• A permanent solution – nothing to take in or take out!
• Do not damage adjacent teeth or bone structure
• Allows for normal flossing and oral home care
• Very secure and comfortable
• Significantly improves the ability to chew
• Preserves bone in the jaw
• No adhesive or powders required
• Restores lip support
• Helps maintain facial structure
• Minimizes wrinkles

Financing

Dental implants can be a significant expense. We will work with you to understand the costs and options associated with your individual treatment plan so you are able to make the best decision for your oral health and your finances. We offer financing through a number of organizations including Sunbit, CareCredit and Greenstate Credit Union. In addition, for larger cases we often recommend you contact the bank you do your personal banking through as they may be able to offer loan options with lower interest rates.

Sunbit

Sunbit is used by thousands of people every day to pay-over-time and is designed to approve 90% of people who apply – with fair, transparent rates and no late fees, origination fees, or penalties. Best of all, you can find out if you’re approved in less than 3 minutes when you apply. To learn more about Sunbit, ask our team or complete an application online by clicking here:

CareCredit

Our office also accepts financing through CareCredit. Unlike a regular credit card, CareCredit offers shorter term financing options of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months with no interest on purchases of $200 or more when you make the minimum monthly payments and pay the full amount due by the end of the promotional period. If you do not, interest is charged from the original purchase date. You can use CareCredit for deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance and costs for procedures not covered by insurance. And, once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again.

CareCredit also extends longer term financing for 24, 36, 48 or 60-month periods with reduced APR and Fixed Monthly Payments Required Until Paid in Full. For complete details, including interest rates and terms, see the CareCredit account agreement within the credit applications. All offers are subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions are subject to change and the practice will provide all options that are current at the time of treatment.

The process to apply for CareCredit is quick and easy. Simply click the button below to complete the online application and you’ll receive an instant credit decision.