Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a surgical-grade titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone below the gum surface. The bone bonds directly to the implant post forming a secure foundation for your new teeth.

Why get an implant?

When a tooth is missing or needs to be extracted there are many options for tooth replacement. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a complete set of teeth.

Implants offer several advantages over bridges, crowns, or removable partial dentures. Replacement teeth attached by implants look and feel like your natural teeth. The dental implant integrates with your jawbone providing superior support for the dental crown.  Once an implant is placed and restored, it feels and functions like your real tooth.

Also, implants are easy to clean, so your gums remain healthier.  With bridges, on the other hand, your gums may recede, leaving you with a visible metal base and a less attractive smile. The cement in bridges may also wash out, leading to decay between teeth.  Bridges are attached to adjacent teeth, which have to be ground down to make room for the bridge.  A tooth implant doesn’t require that grinding, so your adjoining teeth remain intact and less susceptible to decay.

The major benefits of implants include:

• A better ability to chew
• An improved appearance
• Increased confidence with speaking, smiling, and chewing
• Maintenance of a healthier diet
• Implants don’t decay over time
• Compared to traditional crowns and bridges implants are considered far more beneficial over time
• Implant placement success rates today are nearly 95%
• Greater predictability for a positive outcome

Implant Procedure

Getting a tooth replaced with an implant requires three steps:  The implant placement, which replaces the root of the tooth, the placement of the abutment,  and the placement of the implant crown, which replaces the top part of your tooth that you see when you smile.

If you still have your tooth it will be extracted and the implant will be placed immediately into the jawbone beneath the gumline. Once the implant is placed, the patient must wait eight to twelve weeks for the implant to bond with the bone and integrate fully.  When the implant is solid, it can support the implant crown, the part that looks like your natural tooth.

Teeth in a Day!

If your missing tooth is in your smile line (people can see it when you smile) Dr. Pawlowski can place a temporary crown on the implant the same day so that you go home with a tooth for aesthetic purposes. That way you won’t have to be embarrassed by holes in your smile.  The final implant crown can be placed by your general dentist.

Implant Supported Dentures

Implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a complete set of teeth.  Implant supported dentures provide a more comfortable alternative to conventional dentures,  allowing you to enjoy the temperature and texture of your food.  The dentures are securely mounted on the implants providing extra stability.

How much do implants cost?

Most insurance plans cover part of the expense of an implant.  The cost of an implant will vary depending on your specific needs.  The great thing about investing in an implant is that the tooth is replaced completely and will most likely not require re-treatment.  The success rate for implants is nearly 95%.   With a root canal or a bridge, the outcome is not as predictable and future treatment will likely be necessary down the road.

We are happy to look into your insurance coverage at your initial exam to give you an accurate estimate of the total cost.  If you do not have insurance coverage we also participate with discount plans, patient financing through Care Credit, and we offer cash discounts.  We will work with you to find a financial arrangement to make your treatment possible.