Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

If you are missing teeth and are looking for the best lifelike restorative option, dental implants might be the ideal solution for you. These titanium posts are permanently placed in the jawbone, and allow our Jackson dentist, Dr. Kalil Abide, to deliver a beautifully crafted dental restoration that appears and functions just like your natural teeth. With today’s modern technology, whether it’s replacing one tooth or utilizing the All-on-4® method or Same Day Teeth™, dental implants have become the standard for tooth replacement. With a deep commitment to providing the absolute best dental care, Dr. Abide can oversee your entire dental implant procedure to ensure incredible, long-lasting results. To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact Harmony Dental Care of Jackson, MS today.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are missing one, several, or even all of your teeth, implant-supported restorations are a great option to restore the quality of your oral health. To qualify for implants, you must have an adequate amount of healthy bone in your jaw to support the implant post. Because bone degeneration is a common side effect of tooth loss, Dr. Abide will carefully evaluate your overall oral health to determine if there is sufficient bone for implant placement. If not, there are many bone grafting techniques available that can be performed to replace deficient bone. Ultimately, if you suffer from tooth loss or have severely damaged or decayed teeth, you are a candidate for dental implants.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Most experts believe that dental implants have become the optimal method of tooth replacement. Their benefits include:

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  The days of dentures slipping out of place are gone. Implant supported restorations are permanent fixtures of the oral cavity giving you back that self-esteem you might have lost over the years.

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  Because of their durability and Dr. Abide’s top-quality care, implants are a wise investment in your dental health. After integration of dental implants, they generally remain for a lifetime saving you significant expense in the future.

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  Your implant-supported restorations will be custom-made to match your natural teeth and complement your facial structure. They are virtually identical to your natural teeth in appearance and function while restoring your bite.

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  Implants are the only type of restorative dentistry that is beneficial in restoring your jawbone to good health. Due to their ability to resemble our natural root form, implants maintain and prevent further degenerative disease, reducing your risk of tooth loss while maintaining the shape of your jawbone and face.

The benefits of dental implants are many. If you suffer from poor dental health, we encourage you to consider all of your options.

What Types of Dental Implants Are Available?

Dental implants can be utilized for different types of restorations, depending on your specific tooth replacement needs. During your consultation, Dr. Abide will perform a thorough oral evaluation to determine which implant solution can provide you with the best possible results. Candidates for dental implants can typically benefit from either a single tooth implant, implant supported bridge, or implant supported denture.

Single Tooth Implants

If you are only missing one tooth, or have multiple missing teeth in different areas of your mouth, Dr. Abide may recommend single tooth implants. This implant type involves the use of one dental implant post in the place of each missing tooth root. A dental crown is then attached to each post to restore the look and function of the missing tooth.

Implant Bridges

When multiple teeth are missing next to each other, implant bridges may be the ideal replacement option. Similar to traditional bridges, implant supported bridges utilize one restoration to replace multiple teeth, but they differ in that they are anchored to the jawbone with dental implants, providing increased stability and preventing bone recession.

Implant Dentures

Patients missing entire arches of teeth can obtain the most natural-looking and -functioning replacement by opting for implant dentures. This advanced teeth replacement involves a full-arch restoration that attaches to multiple dental implants placed along the arch. For some patients, Dr. Abide may utilize the All-on-4® treatment concept, which only requires four implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

When dental implants are placed by a qualified and experienced professional, they gradually fuse to the jawbone and become a permanent part of your mouth. As a result, they are considered a lifelong investment that should never need to be replaced. However, the restorations that are placed on top of implants—whether this is a crown, bridge, or denture—are prone to gradual wear and tear over time. With this in mind, you may eventually need to replace your restoration after several years. To ensure your dental implant restorations last for as long as possible, Dr. Abide will help you understand how to care for them and what steps you can take to prolong their lifespan.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Insurance coverage for dental implants will vary based on your provider and specific plan. Many dental insurance companies will cover the most affordable tooth replacement option (such as a bridge or denture), but not the dental implant procedure, since it is typically deemed elective. The best way to learn if you have coverage for the cost of dental implants is to contact your insurance provider. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to assist you in navigating your dental insurance benefits to make the payment process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?

Since dental implants are designed to act like your natural teeth, caring for them will be similar to how you maintain your other teeth. Routine oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice and flossing once daily, as well as attending regular dental checkups and cleanings can help you preserve your dental implants for decades, if not a lifetime.

What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?

Whether you are not a good candidate for single tooth dental implants or would simply like to learn about your other tooth replacement options, Dr. Abide will help you understand all of your alternatives. Although dental implants can provide the most lifelike replacement for a missing tooth, other solutions are available for filling gaps. For instance, implant supported bridges and implant dentures provide similar benefits to single tooth implants, but they require fewer implant posts and can replace more teeth at once. This allows many patients who are not candidates for several individual dental implants to still be able to receive anchored restorations. As an alternative to all dental implant solutions, Dr. Abide can educate you on the benefits and limitations of traditional options like bridges or dentures.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Your comfort and safety are extremely important to us, which is why Dr. Abide will not recommend dental implants unless you have a high chance of success with minimal risk of complications. In general, dental implants are considered safe and effective, as they use a trusted titanium material that has been employed for decades. Although dental implant surgery is regarded as safe when performed by a qualified professional, the procedure does come with some degree of risk, as does any surgery. Dr. Abide will discuss these risks with you during your appointment, thoroughly explaining the pros and cons of the procedure so you can make a well-informed decision about your care.