Dental implants were invented in 1952 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon. Since that time, implants have become the standard of care when it comes to replacing missing teeth. In fact, every year, more than 5 million dental implants are placed.
Esteem Dental Implants specializes in dental implant placement. We have locations all across the country. We are different because, from start to finish, we focus on our patients. We understand how important your smile is, so we strive to make sure that you understand the procedure from start to finish and are 100% satisfied with your treatment.
Dental implants consist of three components:
Implant: this is the piece that is inserted into the jawbone and acts as a tooth root
Abutment: this is the piece that connects the implant to the prosthetic tooth or teeth
Prosthesis: this is the visible part of the implant, which may be a single crown, several teeth, or a full set of teeth. Patients who need several teeth replaced will need at least 2 implants, while patients who need all teeth in one arch replaced need at least 4.
Dental Implant Options at Esteem Dental Implants
At Esteem Dental Implants, we have several options for patients who need tooth replacement.
2 Techniques
First of all, we have two techniques for placing dental implants: endosteal or subperiosteal. The appropriate option will depend on the patient’s jawbone quality and density.
Endosteal
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. This is a small, titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone. Over time, the bone will heal around the implant through a process known as osseointegration. In order to qualify for this technique, patients have adequate jawbone density and be healthy enough to undergo oral surgery.
Subperiosteal
If a patient does not have sufficient jawbone density to support dental implants and does not want to undergo a bone graft, subperiosteal implants are an ideal solution. These implants are inserted into the gums, on or above the jawbone. This type of implant is rarely used.
One- or Two-Stage Implants
The professionals at Esteem Dental Implants can place your dental implants in 1 or 2 stages, based on your condition and your needs. Two-stage implants have a higher success rate because you’re given time to heal in between placing the implant and placing the prosthetic tooth.
One-Stage Procedure Explained
One-stage dental implants, also referred to as same-day implants, require one surgery. This procedure quickly improves your smile, as you will leave the clinic with a new tooth the same day. This is a great option for front tooth replacement. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an option, especially for patients who have low jawbone density.
If you do qualify for one-stage implants, the benefits include:
- ● Only one surgery
- ● Less pain
- ● Quickly improves aesthetics
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of one-stage implants. Primarily, the fact that the prosthetic tooth is put on the same day as the implant. This often results in overload because patients forget that they need to be careful and bite too hard on the implant, which can damage the osseointegration.
Two-Stage Procedure Explained
The two-stage implant procedure involves two surgeries, which result in a higher success rate. The first surgery is to place the dental implant. Patients are given 2 to 3 months for osseointegration to occur. Since the prosthesis is not attached, bite force is not applied, which results in a 98% success rate.
After your jawbone has fused with the implant, we can move forward with the second procedure. At this time, we will uncover the implant and connect the abutment and the prosthesis. There is not as much discomfort with the second surgery as with the first.
Types of Dental Implants
Finally, we have several options for dental implants based on your needs. For patients who are missing only one tooth, we recommend a single-tooth implant. For patients missing a few teeth, we recommend an implant-supported or fixed bridge. For patients who are missing all of their teeth in one arch, we recommend implant-supported or All-on-4 dental implants.
Single-Tooth Implant
For patients who are missing only one tooth, a single-tooth implant is appropriate to restore function, comfort, and aesthetics. Only one implant and crown is required for this procedure. Single-tooth implants typically cost between $3,000 to $4,500.
Implant-Supported Bridge
For patients who are missing three or more teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge is the most appropriate option. In this tooth replacement solution, implants are placed on both sides of the gap to support the bridge. The bridge can be permanently attached or removable. A traditional bridge is supported by the natural teeth on either side of the gap- which can cause additional problems in the future. The average cost of an implant-supported bridge is between $5,000 to $16,000.
Implant-Retained Dentures/Overdentures
Implant-retained dentures, or overdentures, sit on top of your gums and are held in place by dental implants. They can be used for both the upper and the lower jaw. In most cases, we use 4 dental implants. This option is much more functional and stable than traditional dentures- but must be removed before bed. The average cost of implant-retained dentures is up to $6,000 per arch.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
The All-on-4 dental implant solution requires the placement of four dental implants in the jaw. Two in the back at a 45° angle, and two in the front straight, providing enough support for a full arch prosthesis. All-on-4 looks, feels, and functions the most like natural teeth compared to the other types of dental implants. On average, you can expect to pay between $15,000 to $30,000 per arch.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Most dental insurance providers do cover a portion of dental implant solutions. Our friendly office staff will contact your provider to determine coverage. From there, we will structure your treatment to fit within your budget.
Schedule Your Consultation at Esteem Dental Implants Today
If you are missing most or all of your teeth in one or both arches, consider Esteem Dental Implants to help you get your smile back. We have locations across the country to help you get the treatment you need. We look forward to working with you to give you your smile back.
Dental Implant FAQs
The team at Esteem Dental Implants understands that you have questions when it comes to dental implants. We will always address your questions and concerns with the utmost care. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from our patients:
What type of dental implant is best?
We believe the endosteal implants are best because they are implanted directly into the jawbone. This provides the most stability. We recommend All-on-4 for patients who need a full set because they are permanently attached. They look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth.
How many teeth can you put on one implant?
One single implant can support one tooth. For more than one tooth, we recommend at least two implants for the best stability.
What kind of implants are safest?
The safest type of implants are the two-stage because this gives you time to heal between the implants being placed and the prosthetic being attached. Many patients forget that they need to be careful and go back to their normal eating habits, which often leads to breaking the implants.
What is the best material for all-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are available in acrylic, porcelain, or zirconia. It’s difficult to label one as being the “best”. It all depends on your needs and goals and what the dentist feels is the best option for you.
What can you not do after dental implants?
Once you heal, you should be fine to go back to your normal habits. However, while you are healing, it’s important to avoid the following:
- ● Smoking or using tobacco products as that can impact healing
- ● Eating hot or hard foods
- ● Intense exercise
- ● Drinking with a straw