Things To Know About Dental Implants

Misconceptions About Dental Implants

Tooth loss is a problem that affects approximately 100 million people each day in the United States.  Nearly a third of those adults are missing all of their teeth on the upper or lower jaw, which can be corrected with dental implants.

Not only does tooth loss affect one’s appearance, it also compromises one’s health, nutrition and self-confidence. When a decaying or missing tooth is allowed to advance without correction, gum and bone tissue around the missing tooth deteriorates, causing even more damage to one’s appearance and health.

For those suffering from missing or damaged teeth, dental implants can be an excellent tooth replacement option to restore smiles and confidence once again. Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are a more permanent solution that look, feel and function just like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat all of your favorite foods again.  Dental implants are also a great alternative to bridges, which require healthy adjacent teeth to be shaved down and used as anchors.

Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement solution that can last a lifetime. The tooth replacement procedure is growing in popularity among adults in the developed world; yet still, there are many myths and misconceptions about the risks, success rates and patient experiences of dental implants that prohibit victims of damaged or missing teeth from getting the permanent teeth replacement solution they deserve.

The following are five common myths and explanations about dental implants to clear up the confusion once and for all:

The Implant Procedure Is Not Painful

Dental implants are a minimally invasive surgical procedure that takes 20 minutes or less to complete.  During the procedure, patients are placed under local anesthesia, and the majority of patients report feeling little to no discomfort or disruption to their daily life during or after the procedure. While cases vary, recovery is often prompt, and patients are permitted to return to work or school the following day.  While every patient’s case differs, response and recovery are generally pain-free. Some people may experience longer treatment and recovery times if bone grafting procedures are necessary prior to placing dental implants, but the procedure or recovery should not be painful, disruptive or inhibiting in any way.

 Dental implants are not costly

Over the long-term, dental implants are a one-time investment that is more economical than other teeth replacement alternatives. With proper oral hygiene and maintenance, dental implants will last a lifetime.  Compared to other teeth replacement procedures, like bridges and dentures, dental implants are not likely to require any additional, costly or ongoing dental procedures over the long haul, making them a sound investment in your overall dental health.

Dental implants not only restore one’s appearance; they also keep one’s jawbone intact and preserve adjacent teeth from damage. Bridges require the shaving of one’s healthy surrounding teeth into points, exposing them to a higher risk of decay and fractures, which may require costly root canals, extractions or additional replacements down the road. Dentures not only require ongoing costs for adhesives, but they also do nothing to prevent the gradual loss of jawbone and gum tissue, which causes traumatic shrinkage of the gums and bone. When this occurs, denture relines must be performed regularly to avoid slippage and help dentures maintain their proper fit. Over time, these ongoing expenses add up.

Nowadays, more and more insurance carriers provide coverage for dental implants due to its prevention of further health risks that may result when missing teeth are left uncorrected. Additionally, many offices offer financing options that allow you to begin your treatment immediately and make low monthly payments to accommodate your dental health needs as well as your budget.

Dental implants have a very high success rate

Patients who have undergone the dental implant procedure reported over a 96% success rate over the past 50 years. Dental implants are made of a titanium alloy, which is both safe and 100% biologically compatible with jawbone. Implants heal naturally within the jawbone and gum tissue safely and effectively.   Complications resulting in infections or poor healing are extremely rare, and success rates are near 100% making it one of the most successful teeth replacement procedures available.

Most people are candidates for dental implants

Anyone who has been told that they don’t have sufficient bone left or that they are too old for dental implants is not automatically disqualified as a candidate for dental implants. Jawbone may deteriorate as a result of periodontal disease, age, injury or tooth loss; however, the bone can be regenerated using modern grafting techniques, making almost anyone a candidate for dental implants.  Bone grafting procedures should be completed by a skilled oral surgeon to ensure optimal success.

Dental implants in older patients – even those with osteoporosis or weak jawbones — can be just as successful as implants in younger candidates, thanks to advanced grafting and surgical techniques that allow just about anyone to be able to enjoy the benefits of dental implants.

Not all dental professionals can perform the implant surgery

Dental implant placement requires surgical skill and aesthetic finesse to achieve optimal results. When a team of dentists – including a skillful surgeon, an experienced restorative dentist, and a quality laboratory technician — work in conjunction with one another, the best success rates for dental implants are achieved. Dr. Kachele has been surgically placing and restoring dental implants for 30 years and has received the additional training and expertise needed to restore and replace a patient’s missing teeth. In order to achieve optimal aesthetic and functional results, it is crucial to have someone with the surgical skills and restorative knowledge with the longstanding experience and training needed to handle complex dental implant procedures safely and effectively.  

Using cutting edge technology and advanced techniques, dental implants are nearly painless and can have you in and out of the dentist office in a single day.  Dental implants are a safe, successful and permanent way to restore your teeth and improve your smile regardless of your age or jawbone density, particularly when performed by a skilled team of dental surgeons and restorative dental professionals. For more information about the dental implant process, cost, success rates, or candidacy, contact our office today, and we would be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

On a final note, there is a consideration that is rarely discussed among Implant Dentists that can be important for anyone considering Dental Implants.  When comparing implant placement by multiple providers, Dr. Kachele feels that he  has several advantages in not having to pay a group of doctors which can  involve more visits, more time, and of course, more costs.   There can be a distinct advantage when the need for adaptations occur as treatment is delivered.   Even with the best in technology, like the 3D Cone Beam Scan used to  strategically plan and design treatment with the high degree of precision available, the ability to deliver all stages of implant treatment can need a slight adjustment or revision that can be missed when switching from the surgeon to the prosthetic doctor restoring your smile.  This step can be critical and is a source where things can be missed if there is a communication issue.  Having the same Doctor performing the surgery and placing the final prosthesis, whether a crown or a permanent denture can result in a decrease of errors caused by transfer of treatment that can occur between multiple providers.   

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*We Are Medicare Part B Certified*

Did you know that in certain circumstances, Medicare Part B will pay for medically necessary surgical procedures like Bone Grafting, Sinus Lifts, Ridge Augmentation and issues that accompany Jaw Bone Loss and Deterioration that effect your health? 

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