Dental Implants Springfield

Treatment Planning & Preparation

Before we begin the dental implant supported tooth replacement process, we’ll carefully assess your oral and overall health, discuss past and current health conditions and medications, and capture diagnostic images to create a precise implant supported tooth replacement plan. In order to ensure you have the best chances for successful dental implant placement, we may need to provide one or more preparatory treatments, including tooth extractions, tissue grafts, and services like gum disease treatment to help patients achieve optimal oral health before starting the tooth replacement process. Once we have prepared your smile and fully planned your dental implant procedures, we can schedule the surgical placement of one or more dental implant posts.

Surgical Dental Implant Placement

Once you’re in good oral health and all preparatory treatments have been completed, we’ll surgically place the dental implants. This process is not as invasive as you may think. We simply make a small incision in the soft tissue and place the implant post into the jawbone. Then, a protective cap is attached over the top of the dental implant to protect the surgical site. This allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone and maintains space in the soft tissue that is necessary to access the implant after it fuses with the supportive bone and soft tissue. Over the course of three to six months, the implant posts undergo a process called osseointegration. This is a long word that essentially means your implant posts integrate with the rest of your healthy dental structures, recreating your lost tooth roots.

Abutments & Restoration Design

Once the dental implant posts have fused with supportive structures and the surgical site has healed, we’ll place the abutments. These are connector pieces that attach the dental implant posts to your replacement crown, bridge, or denture. After placing the abutments, we’ll capture bite impressions and design your replacement tooth or teeth. These replacement teeth may be a single tooth dental crown, a consecutive tooth bridge, a partial, or a full denture.

Placement of the Prosthetic Tooth or Teeth

Finally, when we receive your custom crafted dental restoration from the lab, you’ll return for the final stage of treatment. This process is simple. We check the fit of your prosthetic. Then, it’s attached to the abutment posts where it will seamlessly integrate into your smile. Once in place, the implant supported dental crown, bridge, partial, or full denture will remain in place and flawlessly functional for years to come.

Day-to-Day Benefits

There are many things that your teeth do for you every day that you may take for granted. Without them, you’ll experience a drastically decreased quality of life. Here are some of the ways dental implants can help you regain daily function:

• Speak Clearer: Missing teeth can cause speech impediments by making it harder to pronounce certain words or syllables. Dental implants can restore your ability to speak clearly.
• Eat Your Favorite Foods: With large gaps in your smile, you may find it difficult to enjoy foods you once did. With dental implants, you’ll see much of your bite force return, making it possible to continue eating your favorite meals.
• Socialize with Confidence: Large tooth gaps can be a source of embarrassment for many patients who feel they need to hide their smile. Restoring your aesthetics with dental implants will make you more engaged and energized when speaking to loved ones.

Health Benefits

You’ll probably notice the daily benefits of dental implants right away, but they also work behind the scenes to keep you healthy in many hard-to-notice ways, such as:

• Strengthening Your Jawbone: Dental implants are embedded into your jawbone, providing artificial tooth roots that stimulate the bone with every bite to prevent deterioration.
• Reducing Oral Health Problems: Lost teeth can cause their neighbors to shift over time, throwing your mouth into misalignment. This can make it more difficult to clean your smile. Dental implants stop this shift, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Facilitating Digestion: Without a thorough chew, large chunks of food can enter your digestive tract and cause unpleasantness like indigestion and acid reflux. With dental implants, you can ensure that every bite is chewed well and keep your gut health intact.

Long-Term Benefits

Dental implants can last for decades with proper care and boast a 95 percent success rate. Since you’ll have them for a long while, it’s reasonable to look to the benefits you’ll have in the future. Here are some things to look forward to:

• A Youthful Appearance: Patients with severe tooth loss often find their jaws and faces sinking or shrinking over time. Dental implants prevent facial collapse by providing structure for the bones and muscles in your face.
• Saved Money: Dental implants prevent many oral problems you would otherwise need to pay for individually. Even one dental implant can save you money in excess dental costs over time.
• Easy Restorations: In most cases, you won’t need to replace an implant fixture once it’s healed. Instead, you can simply have the restoration on top switched out if it's damaged!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Before we begin the dental implant process, we’ll need to make sure that you’re a good candidate for the treatment. To determine this, your dentist in Springfield will thoroughly examine your oral structure and mouth to find out of you need any preparatory procedures, including a bone graft, sinus lift, or gum disease treatment. Once you’ve healed, we’ll schedule your dental implant surgery.

Missing 1 Tooth

For a patient that is missing one tooth, we’ll use what is called an implant-retained crown to bring it back. For this, a custom-made, all-porcelain dental crown will be attached directly to an implant post using a metal connector called an abutment. The crown will be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, and because it will have the same basic structure as a natural tooth, it will seamlessly blend in with the rest of the smile.

Missing Multiple Teeth

For someone who is missing multiple teeth in a row, implant crowns can also be used to support a bridge. Two implant crowns are placed on either side of the gap in a person’s smile, and these are bonded to prosthetic teeth to close it. Implant-retained bridges look natural, are strong, and can be a lifetime restoration.

Missing All Teeth

Implants are extremely versatile and can also be used to support a denture to replace multiple teeth located around the mouth or even an entire arch. For this, the prosthetic teeth will be anchored directly to the jawbone using multiple implants placed within the mouth. This gives implant dentures multiple advantages over traditional removable ones:

• Stronger Hold:  Because the denture is attached to the jawbone just like natural teeth, it is much less likely to slip, slide, pop, or click while in the mouth.
• More Consistent:  Dental implants actually support the jaw from within, which will help stop the bone loss that causes many dentures to lose their fit in a short amount of time. With implant dentures, you can trust them to fit like the day you got them for a long time.
• Better Bite:  Regular dentures only bring back 10-12% of a person’s bite force, while implant dentures bring back 70%! This means a patient will be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods with ease, leading to an overall healthier (and more satisfying) diet.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Types of Dental Implants

There are different factors that come into play when determining how much your implant procedure will cost. Some include:

• The number of implants you’ll need (single tooth, multiple teeth, implant-retained dental implants)
• How the implant is placed (the type of procedure)
• How the implant is made (different manufacturers)

During your initial consultation with our doctors, they will discuss all these factors, as well as if you need any additional dental surgery completed prior to dental implants. This will give you a better idea as to how much your implant procedure will cost.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Without a doubt, the answer is yes! Dental implants are the superior method of tooth replacement restorations. Your dentist in Springfield can offer a wide variety of treatments; however, none of them will offer the stability, longevity, and natural look and feel like dental implants. While they may be a costly endeavor, the results speak for themselves. Not only will you have a fully restored smile that can last a lifetime, but you’ll have increased confidence in your ability to speak and eat!

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Since each dental insurance company is different, you’ll need to check your individual policy to see if your insurance will cover your dental implants. If you’re unsure how to navigate this process, talk to one of our office team members. They will be happy to discuss your coverage with you and determine how you can get the most out of your benefits.

It’s also important to know that our office does offer flexible financing options through CareCredit, Lending Club and Green Sky Financial. You may be eligible to qualify for low-to-no interest payment plans that can break up the cost of your care, so it works best for you.

A Long-Lasting Investment

No two budgets are the same, and no two patients are the same. This means, if you only need a few dental implants in Springfield, your cost will be significantly less than someone needing a full row. At Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, we understand dental implants are a costly option; however, we can assure you that the investment you’re making now is one you’ll be happy with for years to come.

CBCT Scanning

A CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scanner is a special X-ray machine that can create a three-dimensional image of the inside of your mouth. The machine will fully rotate around your head, taking somewhere between 150 and 200 pictures at various angles; at the end, special software combines these images into a digital 3D model.

Unlike traditional X-rays, CBCT images can show the dentist various dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths and craniofacial bones in great detail; this gives your dentist in Springfield a more comprehensive understanding of your jaw and other anatomical structure. The technology can be used to improve all kinds of dental surgeries.

Thanks to the models produced by CBCT scans, patients with missing teeth can enjoy various benefits of an enhanced dental implant procedure, such as:

• Better Precision:  An improved, more accurate understanding of your mouth will make it easier for the dentist to anticipate potential obstacles during a procedure and plan accordingly. Furthermore, CBCT images tend to be of higher quality.
• Higher Success Rate:  Enhanced precision means that the entire procedure is more likely to succeed than if we merely relied on traditional X-rays.
• Safe and Comfortable:  The scans are painless, noninvasive and leave no radiation remains in your body afterwards.

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

CBCT scans can also be used to directly guide the implant surgery itself. A model is created that lets us “perform” a virtual surgery. This is invaluable in situations that require a particularly careful touch. For example, if all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing, there won’t be any landmarks to indicate where an implant is supposed to go. A computer-generated guide will make it much easier to visualize the correct position for the implant.

Because a guided surgery is much more precise, patients will often experience less pain, swelling, bruising and discomfort afterwards. Smaller incisions are usually required as well, which means your gums will heal faster.

Bone Grafting

When teeth are lost, the unused portion of the jawbone will begin to deteriorate or “resorb.” (This can also be the result of gum disease). Bone grafting is a technique that can help rebuild the damaged structure. This is done by adding grafting material – usually processed bone minerals – in strategic areas of the jaw.

There are several different kinds of bone grafts that each use a different type of material:

• Autografts use your own bones. Usually the necessary material is taken from the hip or the back of your jaw.
• Allografts involve bone tissue that came from a separate human donor.
• Xenografts use bone taken from an animal. In most cases, it will be a cow.
• Alloplasts employ synthetic materials that contain calcium, phosphorous and hydroxylapatite.

The different types of grafts have various advantages and disadvantages; we’ll make our recommendation based on the state of your oral health.

After the surgery, you may experience some minor soreness that can be controlled with anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers or ice therapy. The discomfort shouldn’t last longer than a couple of days. Once you’ve recovered, it’ll take several months for your body to replace graft with its own bone; when that’s done, your jaw will be ready to receive a dental implant in Springfield, bringing you one step closer to enjoying your new teeth.

Sinus Lifts

Like with bone grafting, a sinus lift uses transplanted materials (your own bone, a donor’s bone, etc.) to encourage the production of new bone tissue. However, a sinus lift is specifically for the upper jaw.  It’s used when there’s not enough bone present or if the sinuses don’t leave enough room for implants to be placed.

During the procedure, an incision will be made in the gum tissue near the back for your mouth. This will give your dentist in Springfield access to the membrane separating the sinus from the jaw. The membrane will be gently pushed up, and the grafting material will fill the space left behind. The site will be closed, and after a few months, you’ll be ready to get your implants!

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Like with your normal teeth, you’ll want to practice daily oral hygiene to keep them safe and healthy, which includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. While your implants won’t get cavities, it doesn’t mean the surrounding teeth and gum tissues will be immune to decay or infection. The last thing you want is for the connective tissues and jawbone supporting your new teeth to become damaged and risk failure.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Now that you’ve replaced your missing teeth with strong and lifelike dental implants, you’ll be able to expand your diet to include more solid foods. For this reason, it’s best to stick to more nutritious options, such as lean meats, veggies, and fruits, which can promote stronger and healthier gums and bone tissue. Be sure to avoid sugary and starchy foods that can end up inviting bacteria to settle around your mouth and implants.

Break Bad Habits

Smoking is already harmful to your oral and overall health, as it can increase the risk of oral cancer as well as other complications. On top of avoiding tobacco products, you’ll want to also refrain from poor oral habits like chewing on ice or using your teeth as tools. One wrong bite can damage your teeth as well as your dental implants.

Protect Your Dental Implants

If you tend to participate in physical sports, you should invest in athletic mouthguards that can cushion and protect your new pearly whites. You might also consider getting custom nightguards for Bruxism if you struggle with clenching and grinding your teeth during sleep. The more protection you have for your dental implants and restoration(s), the longer your renewed smile can last.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

While cleaning your teeth every day is important, you should also visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. These appointments are essential for both monitoring your smile and dental implants as well as addressing underlying issues that could risk failure in the future. Plus, our team will also provide professional teeth cleaning so that you can show off a brighter smile every six months.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

The most important thing you’ll need to manage directly after your surgery is the blood clot that forms around your implant sites. These clots are vital to healing and keeping your implants healthy. Here’s how to keep them intact:

• Avoid spitting, even during oral hygiene. Instead, let the liquid fall from your mouth to the sink or use tissues to absorb it.
• Don’t drink anything through a straw. Creating suction in your mouth is the easiest way to accidentally dislodge your clots.
• Hold off on smoking for at least 24 hours to let the clots form properly.
• Avoid touching the area with your tongue, fingers, or toothbrush.

Common Side-Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

There will be some mild side effects after your procedure, and they’re nothing to worry about. Here’s what you can normally expect:

• General discomfort will probably be the first thing you notice. Over-the-counter pain medications can help you manage.
• Swelling around the implant area may also occur over the first 72 hours. A cold compress can help reduce the issue.
• Spotty bleeding may also happen sometimes. Use gauze or a clean cloth and apply gentle pressure until it stops.

If any of these symptoms get worse or last more than a week, call us to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

For the first few days after your surgery, we highly recommend a diet of soft and nutritious foods. These will prevent damage to the implant site and promote better healing. Here are some of the best foods that can help you achieve a happy mouth and fill you up:

• Mashed potatoes
• Warm (not hot) soup
• Yogurt
• Eggs
• Soft pasta
• Steamed vegetables
• Fruit smoothies
• Oatmeal

As you progress, you can start to introduce other foods back into your diet but try to remain cautious and chew around your implant instead of on it.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is still crucial when recovering from dental implant surgery. Here are some guidelines to follow for a smoother experience:

• Brush your teeth as normal the day after your implant surgery but avoid the implant site entirely.
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm salty water two to three times per day, especially after meals.
• Don’t use mouthwash that contains alcohol. Try to find a good natural brand you enjoy.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Once you’ve had your new permanent crowns attached, the hard work is over, and your patience has paid off! You may experience some minor sensitivity around the gumline near your new restoration, but there shouldn’t be any swelling or bleeding. From here on, you can enjoy the full benefits of your dental implants!