Dental Implants – Mobile, AL
A Lifelike Replacement for Missing Teeth
Losing even one tooth is a devastating blow for health, oral function, and your beautiful smile – but thankfully, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Dental implants are a revolutionary solution that offers patients exceptional strength and seamlessness, especially when compared to more traditional treatment options like dentures and bridges. Our team at Parker Dental & Orthodontics takes you through the entire procedure under one roof. If you have any questions or are interested in an implant consultation, contact us today! We have multiple separate office locations to choose from, with two in Mobile, AL, serving West Mobile and University patients, as well as one in Hurley, MS and the other in Vancleave, MS.
Why Choose Parker Dental & Orthodontics for Dental Implants?
- In-House Dental Implant Placement
- Affordable In-Office Membership Plan
- Comprehensive Dentistry for the Whole Family
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants themselves are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gumline. They’re designed to replace the missing root structure of one or more teeth, providing a truly comprehensive restorative approach. Because the implants are biocompatible, they’re able to fuse with the bone to provide it with important stimulation and blood flow as well as anchor a free-standing restoration firmly in place.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. They offer so many additional benefits, like additional stability, longevity, and comfort. To achieve this, they require a unique multi-step process that takes place over the course of several months. Each person’s treatment looks a little bit different, but here are the four main steps that everyone can expect.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first part of the dental implant process is your initial consultation. At this point, your dentist will examine your smile and discuss your history with you to determine if you are a good candidate. Some patients need preliminary procedures, like bone grafting and gum disease treatment, before they are able to get dental implants. If any of these apply to you, we will help you get them scheduled. Once your gums and jawbone are in good shape, we can move forward with the rest of the process.
Dental Implant Surgery
At Parker Dental & Orthodontics, we are proud to complete the entire dental implant process in house, including the surgical procedure, so you don’t need to worry about working with a specialist at a separate location. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, an incision is made in your gum tissue. Then, the dental implant is placed into the jawbone at a precise, strategic location for optimal support. Lastly, the gums are closed, and a protective cap is placed over the end of the implant to keep it safe as the area heals.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Next is the recovery period. Over the next three to six months, the osseointegration process takes place. This is when the titanium implant fuses to the jawbone, essentially making it one with your jaw. Once this is complete, we will attach a metal connector piece known as an abutment to the end of the implant. Impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab so your final restoration can be created.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration
When your restoration is complete, you can return to our practice to have it secured to your implant via the abutment. If everything looks and feels great, you will be sent on your way to show off your complete smile!
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Although dental implants have a higher up-front price tag, they offer a variety of life-changing benefits that make them a top choice among our patients looking to restore and rejuvenate their smiles. Some of the advantages you can enjoy from choosing this state-of-the-art treatment include:
Who Can Dental Implants Help?
Dental implants are able to help a wide range of patients, regardless of what type of tooth loss they’re experiencing. Whether you’re affected by multiple gaps within your smile or need to replace an entire arch, implants are able to provide an unwavering support system that makes replacement teeth feel more lifelike and functional.
Missing One Tooth
For a single missing tooth, we will likely replace it by securing one dental implant below the gumline and into the jawbone. After it has fused with the bone, we can attach a free-standing dental crown to it to fill the gap in the arch.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Instead of having to use your natural teeth to anchor a traditional bridge, we can secure the prosthetic to two dental implants placed at either side of the gap in your arch. We often use this method for patients missing anywhere between one and four consecutive teeth.
Missing All Teeth
For an entire arch of missing teeth, we can anchor a full denture to anywhere from one to eight dental implants secured along your arch. These will keep the prosthetic from slipping or shifting within the mouth, making eating and speaking much easier, as well as eliminating the need for denture adhesive.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Every dental implant procedure varies in cost. It depends on a variety of factors, including what kind of restoration you’ll need, how many implants need to be placed, and whether you need any preparatory procedures. Some patients require a tooth extraction, gum disease therapy, or a bone graft before their implants can be placed. Of course, these will be an additional cost.
If you’re wondering whether your dental insurance provider will contribute to the cost of the procedure, it’s best to contact them directly. At Parker Dental & Orthodontics, our team will be more than happy to help you find out. We also offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit with little to no interest.
Dental Implant FAQs
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are made from titanium. Not only is it strong and durable, but it’s also less likely to corrode and is lightweight. This allows it to reduce the force placed on your jawbone while restoring the strength of your bite. In addition, it’s an incredibly biocompatible metal that is able to form something called an oxide layer when it’s surgically placed under your gums. This allows them to last for decades without breaking down or failing. Another great benefit of titanium is that it has the ability to fuse with your jawbone. This allows for a strong foundation for your replacement teeth, while also stimulating blood flow and preventing deterioration and bone loss.
How long do dental implants last?
With the proper maintenance and care, dental implants have been proven to last over 35 years. Because they’re a relatively new advancement in dentistry, there haven’t been too many long-term studies conducted on their lifespan. This means that they could last even longer.
To make sure your oral health is in good shape and your gums can support your implants, all you’ll need to do is brush twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and regularly rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. You’ll also want to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
Can dental implants fail?
Dental implants utilize the latest technology that dentistry has to offer. This allows the procedure to be precise, and is the reason that implants boast an impressive 95 percent success rate. However, there are several factors that can cause implants to fail. Some of these include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Infection
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
If you’re concerned about implants failure, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist. They can put your worries to rest and alert you of any possible risks.