What are Dental Implants?        

What they do | How they work

Missing teeth can happen for a number of reasons. Accidental trauma, disease, or decay can damage teeth so badly that they can’t be saved. But without your full set of teeth, you can experience difficulty chewing and speaking, and, in many cases, they can detract from your bright smile. Dental implants also act as an "artificial tooth root" that keeps your jaw bone healthy and intact. Without this stimulation, either via an actual tooth root, or an artificial one, you will begin to lose jaw bone, which over time can cause other issues, such as a "collapsed" or sunken mouth appearance.

Additional Reading                        

Dental implants solve this problem by providing a sturdy, lasting foundation for dental prosthetics or “false teeth”, that also stimulates the jaw bone, keeping it healthy and intact. They are surgically installed synthetic structures — typically made of titanium — that are implanted into the mandibular (lower) or maxillary (upper) jaw bone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once installed, the bone heals around and within the device in a process called "osseointegration." This means that an implant is fused to the bone and could even last the rest of your life.              

Once the implant integrates, our dentists place a custom-crafted crown on top of the implant to precisely replicate the look of your existing teeth. Only your dentist will be able to tell the difference!

Uses of Dental Implants      

Where beauty meets versatility

These dental implants can be used to replace an individual tooth, several distinct teeth, or act as anchors for other prosthetics that replace multiple teeth at once. Some of the devices that utilize implants are:

     
• Implant Crowns — used to replace individual teeth
     
• Bridges/dentures — fixed prosthetics used to replace multiple contiguous teeth ("bridge" or "fixed partial denture") or even a full set of teeth along a given arch (“fixed complete denture”), including All-on-4 dental implants
     
• Dentures/Overdentures — removable prosthetics that replace multiple teeth but utilize implants for support and retention
     
• Orthodontics — used for shorter-term applications to provide needed support for orthodontic apparatus
   

During your consultation at Whole Dental Wellness, our Birmingham dentists will work with you to determine the appropriate solution for your specific needs.

Benefits of Dental Implants        

More than just a pretty smile

There are many benefits that dental implants can provide.

         
• Appearance — prosthetics with implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth
         
• Function — chewing and speech are easier and more natural
         
• Comfort — implants are permanently fixed, so they will not move
         
• Oral health — adjacent, healthy teeth are not altered, so there is less risk of decay
         
• Support — dental implants stimulate your jaw bone like real teeth, keeping your jaw bone healthy and intact
         
• Durability — implants can last a lifetime with proper care and cleaning
       

Dental Implants Procedure        

What to expect during Dental Implant surgery

The process for installing dental implants can be accomplished in just a few visits to Whole Dental Wellness.

In your first visit, our highly-trained providers will perform a thorough examination of your current condition. They’ll take x-rays or other images, make measurements, answer all your questions, and recommend a fully customized treatment plan designed specifically for you.                

The second visit is typically when the implants are installed. While the exact procedure will vary according to your treatment plan, this is typically done using a local anesthetic. Once complete, the implant is allowed to heal before applying the prosthetic, usually four to six weeks. In some cases, implants can be installed on the same day as your consultation.        

Schedule your Dental Implants consultation with Whole Dental Wellness today      

Enjoy your smile again!

When you're ready to stop living with missing teeth, and are looking into dental implants Birmingham dentists at Whole Dental Wellness will guide you through the entire process, answer your questions and concerns, and get you on the path to a bright, whole and healthy smile!

FAQs        

Will it hurt?                            

The process of installing dental implants typically only produces minor discomfort, as you'll receive local anesthesia before any treatment is performed. Many patients say the pain of extraction is much worse. Usually, any pain patients experience after treatment can be managed with over-the-counter medication.              

What are the risks?                            

Dental implants have a low rate of failure, with studies showing a 98% success rate after five years. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection and excessive bleeding. Initial post-op concerns relate to the osseointegration process, as there is a risk that the bone does not fuse with the implant properly.                

Long-term risks include complications due to bone or gingival tissue loss, as well as hygiene deficiency. While patients can generally follow the same cleaning practices recommended for natural teeth, following through is critical for the long-term success of an implant.      

How much do dental implants cost?                            

The cost of dental implant procedures can vary widely. Factors include:                

                 
• Number of implants
                 
• Location
                 
• Need for pre-implant procedures (i.e., extractions, root canals)
                 
• Type/complexity/material of prosthetic
               

The cost for the implant surgery alone can range between $2,000 and $4,000 per tooth. For the complete implant and crown, the average cost will be between $4,500 and $7,000 per tooth. Our specialists will present you with a best case scenario estimate when you come in for your consultation.                                        

Does my insurance cover dental implants?                            

Dental implants are typically NOT covered by insurance. However, we recommend you confirm your coverage with your insurance provider before your consultation.