There are many ways to replace missing teeth effectively, preventing neighboring teeth from shifting and causing additional complications. However, there is only one tooth replacement procedure out there that replaces the entire tooth’s structure, not just the visible portion that appears in your smile. This includes the root, which is responsible for many important oral functions. At Fromuth & Langlois Dental, we’ll make sure that your next restoration, whether it’s an implant-retained crown, bridge, or denture, looks as good as it feels!
It’s important to keep in mind that dental implants are intended to replace both the root and the crown. Not only does that mean that your smile is fully restored, but the jawbone underneath your gum tissue as well. When teeth are missing, the bone and gum tissue are no longer being stimulated in that portion of your jaw, leading to your bone resorption back into the body. This causes your jaw to lose a significant amount of biting force, making it impossible to enjoy certain foods. Dental implants restore this function as well as blood flow, which prevents premature facial sagging and your jaw from changing shape.
Additionally, dental implants are considered to be incredibly safe and long-lasting when placed by a professional. Average success rates reach as high as 98 percent and once placed, they can last between 25 years to a lifetime with ease. And, because they have integrated with your existing oral structures, chewing feels natural and your smile looks fully restored!
There are many ways we can incorporate dental implants into your tooth replacement treatment. As a patient, you can restore individual teeth, multiple teeth, or an entire row of teeth via a denture that’s retained with dental implants.
Replacing a single tooth starts by placing a titanium post directly into the jaw, then allowing it to heal and integrate over the next several months. Once fully healed, we’ll place an abutment on top of the implant post, which stabilizes the permanent restoration. We use porcelain to create our restorations thanks to their durability and incredibly natural esthetics.
Unlike traditional bridges, implant-retained bridges do not require the step of removing additional tooth structure of neighboring teeth. This step is performed so that the bridge can be reliably anchored. Since dental implants are strong enough to hold restorations on their own, you can retain more of your tooth enamel and still have your smile fully restored.
Patients who currently use a denture or recently had all of the teeth in their arch extracted can benefit most from an implant-retained denture. The good news is only about four to six dental implants are needed to hold a complete row of teeth. No longer will you need to rely on denture adhesive or relines just to use a comfortable restoration.
Dental implants consist of two main steps. This includes the placement stage and the restoration stage. While our dental office does not perform the placement stage of treatment, we will make sure that all of your needs will be met the day of your surgery. Once you’ve completed your placement and the implant has fully healed inside of your jawbone, you’ll come back to our dental office to have it restored. The length of the dental implant process will vary depending on the complexity of your treatment. For example, a single tooth replacement will take less time to plan and place than a three-unit bridge.
Lean More About the Cost of Dental Implants
If you’re considering dental implants, you may still have questions about this life-changing replacement option. Unlike dentures that have been used for hundreds of years, dental implants are a newer technology, which is why many people have questions about them. At Fromuth & Langlois Dental, we want our patients to have all of the information that they need to make a confident decision. Keep reading to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants in Manchester.
The dental implant process is longer than other replacements, but the results can last a lifetime. Once your implants are placed, we will wait at least 3 to 4 months to let them integrate into your bone. This osseointegration process ensures that they will be a sturdy support for decades to come. After, you’ll come back into our office, where we will place your custom-made restoration for a strong and beautiful smile. While this process does take months, you can count on implants to last for the rest of your life with proper care.
When people hear about the implant surgery, they may automatically think that it is painful. However, patients that have undergone this procedure relate the discomfort to a simple tooth extraction. Before surgery, you’ll be made numb and comfortable to ensure that you’re relaxed throughout the process. When the procedure is done, you may feel slight soreness for the first few days, but this is completely normal. Simply follow the aftercare instructions from your dentist in Manchester to manage any discomfort!
Unfortunately, most insurance plans don’t cover dental implants, but they can sometimes cover certain aspects of your treatment. For instance, before starting surgery, we have to treat any preexisting oral health issues such as gum disease. Required preventive care, your consultation, and other possible aspects of your treatment may be covered, but it will all depend on your insurance. Our friendly team is experienced in maximizing our patients’ insurance benefits to minimize their out-of-pocket spending.
Many people struggle with dentures that slide and slip around when they speak, eat, or laugh. This is not only uncomfortable, but it can cause self-consciousness when in public. Thankfully, we offer dental implants as a way to stabilize dentures, giving patients beautiful full smile replacements with the stability and health benefits of dental implants. With an implant-retained denture, you can eat all of your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth shifting around.
The only way to know with certainty whether you’re a candidate for implants is to schedule a consultation with our office. We will carefully examine your smile to determine if dental implants are right for you. Good candidates for implants will typically have decent oral health, a strong enough jawbone to accommodate the replacement, and a commitment to a positive healthcare routine after receiving them. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, or have any additional questions, contact our office today!