Dental Implants
Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a progressive condition and the leading cause of tooth loss amongst adults in the developed world. Periodontal disease occurs when the toxins found in plaque begin to irritate or inflame the gingiva (gum tissue). The resulting bacterial infection often known as gingivitis, can eventually lead to the destruction of the gum tissue and underlying bone. If periodontal disease is not treated, it can also lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
There are many common types of periodontal disease including aggressive, chronic, necrotizing periodontitis, and periodontitis associated with systemic diseases. Each of these types of periodontal disease has its own distinct characteristics and symptoms, and all require prompt treatment by a dentist to halt subsequent bone and tissue loss.
The technology for performing dental implants has advanced enormously in the last few years. Today’s implant procedures are better and easier than ever before, and the performance of implants exceeds that of any replacement alternative.
The success of a dental implant depends mostly on the condition of the underlying bone. At Arcadia Perio Care, you will be very carefully evaluated to determine your suitability for dental implants. We recommend implants only if it is the best option for you.
If you have missing teeth, or currently have a bridge or other appliance, we encourage you to come in for an evaluation of your suitability for dental implants.
Single Missing Tooth
If you have loose adult teeth that are hopeless, there are many replacement options available. Restoration methods for a single tooth include removable partial dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Dr. Donna Klauser recommends dental implants for the closest replication of the form and function of your natural teeth. While removable partials and fixed dental bridges may be successful alternatives, most times dental implants offer greater benefits to our patients who are concerned about loose adult teeth.
With single dental implants, a titanium post placed in the jaw bone serves as your tooth root while the abutment, or connector, rises up from the gum line to allow the crown the same positioning as your other teeth as well as a stable, permanent hold. Another method includes a screw-retained crown where the crown is secured to the actual implant itself.
Removable Partial Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Removable partial dentures consist of an artificial tooth attached to a metal and plastic foundation manufactured in the color of gums. These are removable solutions for your loose adult teeth and must be attached to your existing teeth with metal clasps. Most patients are not satisfied with the look or feel of this prosthetic. Dental implants are permanent. They stay securely in your mouth, becoming a part of you. There are no visible metal portions, and no one will notice the difference between dental implants and your own natural teeth.
Dental Implants vs. Three-Unit Bridges
Three unit bridges are a permanent, fixed solution for loose adult teeth that are comprised of three crown units. The center crown spans the space of the missing teeth while the end crowns anchor the dental bridge in place. The disadvantage of this method is that your healthy natural teeth on either side of the space must be ground down to accommodate the crowns, which puts you at higher risk for needing a root canal on these teeth in the future. Dental implants do not require any alteration to your healthy natural teeth – a more conservative option!
Common Questions About Dental Implants
More than two-thirds of us will lose a tooth by age 45 due to gum disease or decay. There are, fortunately, several methods used to fix adult teeth, including partial dentures, dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. When at all possible, dental implants are recommended by Dr. Donna Klauser to fix adult teeth as they have many advantages over some conventional treatments.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to fix adult teeth. Each dental implant consists of a post, abutment, and dental crown. The titanium posts are implanted into the jaw bone, integrating with the bone over a period of four to six months. This osseointegration process creates a strong foundation similar to that of your natural tooth root.
These dental implant “posts” are then fitted with abutments, which serve as a connector between the post and the crown, or a crown is directly screwed into the post itself. Dr. Klauser works with your restorative dentist to create the healthiest and most cosmetic way to secure your crowns, which appear to rise up from the gum line and are designed to match your surrounding teeth.
Conventional crowns and bridges are generally expected to last 5-20 years. Dental implants, if maintained well by the patient at home and by having regular dental professional care, can last 20 years to a lifetime!
Cost of Dental Implants
If you are considering dental implants, you may be wondering about dental implant cost. In Arcadia, CA, Dr. Klauser offers dental implant consultations so that you may discuss your concerns, learn more about the procedure, and find out what the procedure will cost. During a dental implant consultation, Dr. Klauser evaluates your oral health and reviews your medical and dental history, and works with your restorative dentist allowing her to give you an accurate projection of your dental implant cost.
The cost of implants fluctuates depending upon many factors, such as the number of implants you need to have placed, the planned final restoration, and any additional procedures that must be performed before the implants can be placed such as bone grafting. This is why a comprehensive examination and dental implant consultation is necessary to determine your dental implant cost. Dr. Klauser believes in beginning with the end in mind to create treatment plans that are both advantageous and cost-effective for you.
Key Factors That Influence Dental Implant Cost
The number of implants you require will influence the cost of the implants. Replacing a single tooth individually or with a bridge will cost far less than restoring a full mouth of teeth. The type of implant restoration will also change the dental implant cost. Implants are a versatile application that may be used for implant supported single crowns, bridges,dentures, All-on-4, Teeth-in-a-Day, etc. Each planned restoration has a unique cost of treatment based on the patient’s needs and desires.
There are circumstances in which you may need additional procedures before implants can be successfully placed. Each additional procedure will raise the final cost of having implant therapy. This includes sinus lifts, tooth extractions, bone grafts, gum grafts, and the treatment of existing periodontal disease.