Beautiful Smiles provides one-stop treatment for most patient’s dental implant needs. We know you have plenty of questions: Will this hurt? Am I a good candidate for treatment? How long does treatment and healing take? How much do dental implants cost? Read more to discover the answers and our patient education section has videos to walk you through the process.
Beautiful Smiles utilizes the last in technology to provide a safe and predictable result. Am I a good candidate? Our implant patients will have a 3D Scan (CBCT) to evaluate them for treatment. Our focus is not only to determine if you are a candidate for implant treatment but what will the final restoration look like and how will it function. Dr. Nangle and Dr. Ohnezeit are highly trained in the placement and restoration of dental implants. They take much pride in their experience, training, and continuing education, to ensure their patients are getting the best care. They pride themselves on knowing the latest trends By providing comprehensive implant care, our providers do not view this as a mechanical process; but an art form, that requires strict planning and protocols. Dr. Nangle and Dr. Ohnezeit can provide lasting and predictable results. If you are interested in restoring the functionality and beauty of your smile, we invite you to contact our Auburn office to schedule a consult. From placement to restoration, Beautiful Smiles can provide your dental implant needs.
Dental Implants: Overview
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that integrate to the jaw through a process known as osseointegration (once placed, the bone will grow around the implant, securing it to the implant). On top of these artificial roots, dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures can be affixed. As the purpose of dental implants is to provide a long-term solution to dental health problems, the dental roots themselves are made out of titanium alloys. With proper maintenance, titanium dental implants can last several decades, and they have proven to be both reliable and durable.
When placing dental implants, a pilot hole is drilled into the edentulous site of the jaw (the former location of the missing or extracted tooth). Will it hurt? To ensure the patient’s comfort and health, an anesthetic is used during the procedure to numb the area. Implant placement will be pain-free, and great care is taken to avoid hitting nerves or overheating the bone. Once the pilot hole has been drilled, it will be slowly widened so that the titanium screw can be tightened into place. The titanium screw is set to a precise torque measurement to avoid causing undue stress on the surrounding jaw bone and is often self-tapping. After the titanium screw has been secured, a temporary crown will serve as a placeholder while the permanent crown, bridge, or denture is being crafted. How long do treatment and healing take? The placement of the implant is pain-free and the time of treatment depends on the complexity of your case. After you are numb and comfortable, placing a single implant and post-operative procedures usually last about 20-30 minutes. Most implant cases will require a healing time after placement of the implant of 4 months or more. In some cases, immediate restorations can be placed atop the implant body.
Dental Implants: Risks and Benefits
When considering dental implants, patients should consult with a dentist to discuss the risks and benefits, as well as the implantation procedure itself, before deciding whether to undergo treatment. The placement of dental implants can prove greatly beneficial; not only can dental implants improve function by correcting tooth alignment and bite, but they can also have a tremendous impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. The effects of having a beautiful smile can be truly transformative, and our patients often find that the results of a procedure improve their lives in more ways than they had anticipated.
Though dental implants offer tremendous benefits and have a success rate of roughly 95 percent (according to studies published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants), there are still some risks that patients should be aware of. In some instances, an implant post may be rejected or may cause damage to surrounding teeth or jaw structure. Additionally, dental implants may cause increased sensitivity or discomfort. We also inform our patients that living with dental implants may require both mental and physical adjustments.
Dental Implants: Candidates
A cone beam or 3D image will be taken at our office to help determine if you are an implant candidate. A full review of your medical and dental health is also required. Ideal candidates for the placement of dental implants are individuals with good overall dental health, and who have realistic expectations for the aesthetic and functional results of their procedure. The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure, so it is important to weigh the risks, benefits, and alternatives with Beautiful Smiles before committing to treatment.