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Innovative Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

If you have missing teeth, Dr. Grant Olson can restore both function and appearance with dental implants. An alternative to traditional tooth restoration options, dental implants can offer a more permanent and natural solution to enhance your smile and improve chewing and speaking. Unlike conventional crowns, bridges, and dentures, dental implants are supported by a titanium post placed into the bone, making them a permanent part of your mouth and mimicking your natural teeth in the way they look and feel. They do not move or slip along the gumline, and they require no extra maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing. These innovative solutions for replacing missing teeth have been revolutionary in the restorative dentistry field, and we are proud to offer them to our patients here in Springfield.

To learn more about dental implants, we invite you to view the detailed sections below, or contact Innovative Dental today to schedule an appointment.

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?

There are many benefits our patients can enjoy with dental implants, including:

  • Replacements for missing teeth that look and feel natural
  • Permanent results
  • Improved functionality—restored biting, chewing, and speaking abilities
  • Prevention of future complications of missing teeth on jaw joint
  • No slipping or falling out
  • Easy maintenance—only normal brushing and flossing required
  • Prevention of an imbalanced bite and unnatural wear of teeth

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implant Solutions?

Our doctors offer dental implants for the replacement of a single tooth, several consecutive teeth, and even an entire row of upper or lower teeth. These options can be categorized into three different types of dental implant solutions:

  • Single-Tooth Implants – Designed to replace individual teeth, this implant option consists of a single implant post capped with a custom dental crown. This restoration is often a good choice if you are missing one tooth or have multiple missing teeth that are not adjacent to one another.
  • Implant Bridges – If you have two or more consecutive missing or damaged teeth, an implant bridge may be an excellent solution. With this option, a customized dental bridge is held in place by at least two dental implants, making it much more secure than traditional bridges that are supported by natural teeth.
  • Implant Supported Dentures – Also called implant dentures or implant anchored dentures, this full arch restoration can be a great alternative to removable dentures. Generally secured by five to six implant posts, implant supported dentures can provide exceptional strength and stability when replacing a complete row of teeth.

Innovative Dental did my implants and they are amazing!!! Extremely impressed.

Joselyn Dodson

November 16, 2017

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Is Everyone a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Good candidates for dental implants typically include patients who:

  • Wish to replace one or more damaged and/or missing teeth
  • Desire a more secure, natural-functioning, and longer-lasting alternative to traditional tooth replacement options
  • Have healthy gum tissue with no indication of periodontal disease
  • Do not smoke or have any medical conditions that may interfere with proper healing

At the time of your consultation, one of our doctors will perform an extensive evaluation to determine if dental implants are right for you. In some cases, preliminary procedures—such as scaling and root planing for gum disease—can be employed prior to implant surgery in order to improve candidacy and increase the likelihood of treatment success. Our team will discuss all options available in full detail, ultimately helping you decide on the most appropriate course of action for your tooth replacement needs and goals.

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Photo of the Innovative Dental Implant Pricing and Information Guide

The guide will show you
  • Dental Implant Options
  • Average Pricing
  • Factors That Affect Eligibility
  • And More…

How Is the Dental Implant Procedure Performed?

At Innovative Dental, we offer advanced surgically guided dental implant techniques to ensure the best possible results. Dr. Olson will begin the implant treatment process by meeting with you for a thorough consultation to assess your jaw and gums and go over your expectations. If it is determined that you are a candidate for dental implants, he will use the Galileos™ 3D Imaging System to capture a 3D image of your teeth that will guide our team in designing and determining the best placement for your dental implants. The 3D implant planning software will help us view the intricate details of your bone structure, gums, and teeth, assisting us in creating the most precise fit for the implants. Ultimately, using this surgical guide can allow for quicker treatment and recovery time, as well as results that look and feel like your natural teeth.

At the time of surgery, your dentist will place a small, strong titanium post under the gums in the area of your missing tooth. This post is designed to integrate into the jaw and act like your natural tooth root. In about three to six months, the implant should completely fuse to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Many times, our doctors can place a temporary crown over the implant during this process. Once the implant has fused to the bone, your dentist will affix a custom-made, permanent crown on the implant, and the procedure is complete. Your new tooth should both look and feel like a natural part of your mouth.

Why Use a Surgical Guide For Dental Implants?

Here at Innovative Dental, we utilize advanced techniques in order to improve patient safety, comfort, and results. In addition to enhancing the appearance and functionality of your teeth, surgically guided dental implants can provide many other benefits, including:

  • Increased accuracy
  • Reduced risk of complications
  • More predictable results
  • Enhanced comfort with a natural fit
  • Long-term restoration benefits
  • Minimized treatment time
  • Lower cost of treatment

Dr. Olson and his team are committed to providing you with the best possible experience during every step of treatment. Surgically guided implants are just one of the many innovative services that our state-of-the-art dental technology and extensive experience allows us to provide.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Once fused to the jawbone, dental implant posts typically become a permanent part of the mouth. The crown, bridge, or denture secured to the implant(s) usually lasts several years—sometimes even decades—before potentially needing replacement. It is important to note that the longevity of dental implants can be impacted by oral hygiene, so brushing, flossing, and receiving professional dental cleanings on a routine basis are vital to helping prolong the lifespan of your restoration(s).

What Do Dental Implants Cost?

The average price of dental implants at Innovative Dental varies greatly from patient to patient. Factors that can influence the total cost of your dental implant procedure include:

  • How many implants are placed
  • The specific restoration(s) utilized—crown, bridge, or denture
  • Whether or not preliminary dental treatments are needed to improve oral wellness
  • The overall complexity of surgery
  • Any insurance coverage offered through dental healthcare plans

When considering dental implants, it is critical to keep in mind that pricing is often an indication of the training and experience of a dentist, the quality of materials and technology they use, and the success they’ve had in achieving excellent results. For these reasons, a “low cost” should never be the sole reason for choosing a particular dental implant provider.

Financing for Dental Implants

If you are interested in dental implants but concerned about the overall expense, our practice partners with several healthcare lenders to offer dental financing options that fit virtually any budget. During your visit, a member of our team will be happy to get you started on the application process for the plan of your choice. Once you have received word on approval—which typically happens within minutes—we can move forward with scheduling treatment as soon as you wish.

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Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Are dental implants safe?

Generally speaking, dental implants are considered a safe tooth replacement solution when treatment is properly performed by a skilled and experienced dentist. Of course, as with any surgery, there is some degree of risk involved, making it imperative that you select a dentist who has received extensive implant dentistry training, utilizes state-of-the-art technology for precision planning and surgical placement, and has a proven track record of successful treatment—such as the doctors on our team. By choosing the right dentist, you can minimize potential risks and complications while maximizing safety and long-term success.

Do dental implants hurt?

Typically, local anesthesia is all that is necessary to limit any potential discomfort during dental implant surgery. In fact, most of our patients say they experienced little to no pain at all—only slight sensations of pressure. Following treatment, our doctors often recommend over-the-counter medication should any postoperative discomfort manifest, though the majority of individuals have no issues with pain after the placement of their dental implants.

How do I clean and care for my dental implants?

Just like natural teeth, dental implants require regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings at least twice annually. While the implant post and tooth restoration attached to the top will not decay, ensuring the surrounding gum tissue and other oral structures remain healthy is essential to achieving long-lasting results.

How successful are dental implants?

The success rate of implant dentistry is very high when treatment is performed by a qualified provider. That said, success is not solely in the hands of the dentist—patients themselves also play a role. Factors such as how closely recovery instructions are followed, how well optimal oral hygiene is maintained over time, and whether or not detrimental habits like smoking and/or tobacco use are avoided can all influence the long-term success or failure of dental implants. Therefore, choosing the right dentist and doing your part to ensure the best outcome is critical to success.

Is it ever too late to get dental implants?

When it comes to candidacy for dental implants, age is not generally as important as having adequate jawbone density and sufficient oral wellness. In fact, our doctors have treated numerous patients who chose to receive dental implants or implant-supported dentures later in life. During your consultation, your dentist can determine if dental implants would be right for you at this time based on your unique situation.

How do I choose an implant dentist?

Selecting the right dentist for dental implants is an incredibly important decision, as it relates directly to your safety, results, and overall quality of care. To help ensure you choose the right provider, it can be beneficial to heed the following advice:

  • Make sure your dentist has the proper training and experience to perform implant surgery. To do so, you can usually visit the bio page on their website and/or various online directories, as well as simply ask them about their educational and professional background directly.
  • Inquire about the number of dental implant cases your dentist has performed, including an estimate of the overall success rate they have attained. Also, despite how unlikely implant failure may be in the right hands, it’s always a good idea to ask what steps would be taken in the event treatment is not initially successful.
  • Ask about the technologies your dentist will utilize to perform all aspects of treatment. In today’s age of dentistry, advanced technology isn’t simply a flashy way to attract patients—state-of-the-art planning software, surgical guides, milling systems, and more can truly improve the efficacy, efficiency, and long-term success of implant dentistry.
  • Check out online ratings, reviews, and testimonials for your dentist—preferably those pertaining to implant dentistry. What former patients have to say about their experience can give you a great indication of the quality of care (and potentially even results) you can expect.
  • Take a look at before-and-after photos of dental implant patients on your dentist’s website. Actually visualizing the outcomes your dentist has achieved for other patients can help to ensure your aesthetic goals align with theirs. You may even find patient cases similar to your own.
  • Listen to your gut. Even if your prospective dentist checks all other boxes, if you don’t get a good feeling or something seems off, trust your instincts and continue your search for the right provider. You want to feel completely comfortable and confident in whomever you choose—you deserve nothing short of top-quality care.

Does smoking affect dental implants?

Smoking is associated with slower healing, an increased risk of infection and gum disease, as well as a loss in jawbone density, all of which can negatively impact both your dental implants and your overall oral health. Smoking is also believed to increase the likelihood of implant failure, as nicotine restricts the flow of blood and oxygen to your oral cavity, potentially impairing the osseointegration process. Your dentist will likely recommend that you stop smoking as far in advance of your procedure as possible. Ideally, patients would never resume smoking, but it is imperative that the activity be avoided for at least the first two to three months after implant placement.

How do dental implants feel?

Once your implant has successfully fused with the jawbone, it is considered a permanent part of the mouth and should look, feel, and function almost exactly like a normal tooth. The only major difference is that the implant does not have nerve endings, so any sensation will be generated by the surrounding teeth and gum tissue.

How many dental implants will I need?

The precise number of dental implants you need will depend on a few different factors, such as how many missing teeth you have and whether you are interested in single-tooth implants or multi-tooth restorations. For patients missing only one or a few single teeth, individual implants can be used to replace the entire structure of each tooth. For those missing several consecutive teeth or even an entire arch of teeth, an implant bridge or implant-retained denture prosthesis can often be supported using just a few strategically placed implants.

Are there any dietary restrictions with dental implants?

Unlike traditional dentures, implants and implant-supported restorations typically do not involve long-term dietary restrictions. That said, patients may be asked to go on a soft food diet for a few weeks or months following their initial implant surgery, as this can help promote healing. Hard or chewy foods can disturb the newly implanted post(s) and the surrounding gum tissues, potentially causing pain or slowing down the healing process. Once the implant post has properly fused with the jawbone and the final crown restoration has been placed, patients can resume eating as they normally would.

How long do dental implants take to heal?

For most patients, it takes between three and six months to fully heal after dental implant surgery. That said, different patients heal at different rates, and it is important to follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth, efficient healing process. The good news is that the healing process itself is typically fairly straightforward. There may be some minor discomfort in the days following surgery, but this is usually quite manageable with over-the-counter medication. The remainder of the healing time is dedicated to allowing the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone for optimal stability.

How can I avoid dental implant failure?

One of the major keys to ensuring the success of dental implants is to ensure they are placed by a qualified provider. Our team has extensive experience performing implant procedures, and we utilize advanced imaging techniques and surgical guides to optimize your chances of dental implant success.

Another essential factor in avoiding dental implant failure is ensuring that you follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully and maintain good oral hygiene. Patients who smoke are also strongly advised to quit prior to the procedure, as smoking is associated with a higher risk of implant failure.

How strong are dental implants?

Dental implants are quite strong. Once fully healed, the implant post is considered a permanent part of your mouth. During the osseointegration phase, the implant post fuses with your jawbone, creating a secure, durable foundation for a dental restoration. Every custom implant crown, bridge, and denture is fabricated using strong, high-quality materials for a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing outcome.

How old do you have to be to get dental implants?

While there is not a definitive age limit on dental implants, a few different factors can influence candidacy. Patients should generally be adults in good overall health who have one or more missing teeth. Skeletal development often continues into the late teens and even twenties, so younger patients may be advised to wait before getting dental implants. This is because changes to the jaw and facial structures can compromise the stability of implants. Similarly, older patients who have experienced a loss of bone density may be advised to undergo a preliminary bone graft in order to ensure they have a robust enough tissue foundation to properly support dental implants.

How many dental implants can you get?

Theoretically, a patient with sufficient jawbone density can get as many individual implants as they have teeth that need to be replaced. That said, in most cases, patients requiring more extensive tooth replacement may wish to explore options such as implant bridges and dentures. These multi-tooth restorations are designed to be secured using just a few precisely placed implants.

Will I ever be without teeth during the dental implant process?

While the final dental restoration is typically not secured in place until after the osseointegration process has finished, a temporary crown, bridge, or denture can typically be placed on the same day as the implants. This ensures that patients never have to go without teeth during the dental implant treatment process.

Contact Innovative Dental

For more information about dental implants, or if you would like to meet with one of our doctors for a one-on-one consultation that includes a complimentary 3D scan, please contact us today.