TRADITIONAL AND MINI DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Rosenberg proudly offers traditional and mini dental implants in St. John, Larned and Great Bend, Kansas. Patients who visit Rosenberg Family Dentistry come to our office for their entire implant treatment. Our dentist will be able to complete your implant, from surgical post to restoration, all in our dental office. Give us a call to schedule an implant consultation to learn more!
Dental implants are lasting, stable tooth replacements that can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth or complete arches of teeth. The dental implant post, which is a screw made of titanium, is surgically placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. It replaces the missing tooth root and ensures that your dental restoration is stable. A period of healing is then often required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post.
Following this healing period, our dentist will place the dental implant restoration, or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Depending on which teeth are missing and your personal dental needs, your implant restoration might be a dental crown, dental bridge, or a complete or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom-made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically.
Mini dental implants are both less invasive and smaller than traditional implants. Most often they are used to support an implant-supported denture. If you would like to find out more about the differences between a standard and a mini dental implant, reach out to our office team.
Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal health, function and appearance. A dental implant is a great option for restoring your smile because the implant is designed to look, function and feel just like your natural teeth, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. For more information about the benefits of implant dentistry and to schedule your implant consultation, please call or visit us soon.
FAQ'S ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS
What are dental implants?
A dental implant by itself is not a tooth! A dental implant is a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Essentially, it is a small titanium post/fixture that is inserted into the jawbone, on top of which a single crown (cap), a fixed bridge, a partial denture, or full denture can be attached. Once the implant integrates to your bone, a structure called an abutment is connected to the implant and then the artificial tooth/teeth are attached. Therefore, there are 3 parts to an “implant tooth”: the dental implant itself, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth are candidates for dental implants. Talk to your prosthodontist for your specific needs.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Humans are “blessed” with 2 sets of teeth (baby teeth and adult/permanent teeth). When a single permanent tooth or multiple teeth are lost due to dental decay or gum disease, dental implants can now replace them as the 3rd set of fixed teeth! Dental implants can last a lifetime and can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worrying about your teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and can never get dental decay!
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
Like any minor oral surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain, but your prosthodontist will discuss how these can be managed for your specific situation. If there is no available bone to place the implant, then bone and gum grafting procedures may be required, which can increase the cost of your treatment. However, the upfront investment can pay off in the long term.
How much do implants cost and does insurance cover the cost?
In general, the cost of replacing a single tooth with a dental implant is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge. Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations vary. The cost will vary by patient needs, bone quantity, and region. A prosthodontist will make an assessment based on your unique needs.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
It varies from individual to individual and with health and habits. For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90-95 percent.
Do dental implants last?
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to dental disease such as decay; however, the health of the gums is vital to maintaining lasting implant success. Conscientious home care by the patient and regular professional cleanings and check-ups are essential elements for dental implant sustainability. Each patient is different, and success relies upon diagnosis and planning, medical history, and a variety of other factors.
Are dental implants removable like dentures or do they stay in your mouth?
No, dental implants are fixed solidly in the bone and allow teeth to be replaced in a manner that is closest to natural teeth.
How do dental implants help if I have full dentures or partial dentures?
Actually implants are most popularly used in patients who wear full dentures or partial dentures. Dental implants can be used to provide retention and support for a removable implant overdenture, which basically snaps on the implants! Therefore the partial or full denture does not move and reduces the dependency on denture adhesives/denture glue. Or, dental implants can be used for a fixed denture, where a patient’s dentures are fixed/bolted to the implants through titanium components. Only the dentist can remove this from the mouth.