Did you know that millions of American adults are missing one or more teeth? When you start losing teeth, many oral and overall health issues results. Plus, once it starts, unless you intervene, it can be hard to stop. When a tooth comes out, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate- which causes the adjacent teeth to loosen and fall out.
Tooth replacement is critical to prevent the oral and overall health issues that result from this issue. There are several options for tooth replacement at Shahbazyan Dental Studio in Fresno. We offer conventional dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. The American Dental Association recommends dental implants as the gold standard because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth.
In this article, we’ll explain more about what dental implants are and what you should know before, during, and after the procedure.
What are Dental Implants?
According to dental professionals, dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. A dental implant has three parts:
Implant screw, which replaces the natural tooth root.
Abutment, which connects the implant screw to the crown or other dental prosthetic
Dental crown/bridge/overdenture, which replaces the visible portion of the tooth
The implant screw is inserted into the jawbone, which offers the stimulation to keep it healthy. This will, in turn, protect your oral and overall health.
Dental Bridge vs Dental Implants
Traditional Dental Bridge
Dental Implants
Designed to replace several missing teeth in a row
Designed to replace the natural look, feel, and functionality of one or more missing teeth
Supported by natural teeth on either side of the gap
Supported by the jawbone and gums
Lasts an average of 5 to 7 years, and may last up to 10 with proper care and maintenance
Designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, the crown or other prosthetic may need to be replaced after about 20 years
Costs $2,500 to $10,000+ depending on the type of bridge and how many teeth are being replaced
Costs $5,000+ for a single implant and up to $60,000+ for full-mouth restoration
Traditional Dental Bridge
Designed to replace several missing teeth in a row
Supported by natural teeth on either side of the gap
Lasts an average of 5 to 7 years, and may last up to 10 with proper care and maintenance
Costs $2,500 to $10,000+ depending on the type of bridge and how many teeth are being replaced
Dental Implants
Designed to replace the natural look, feel, and functionality of one or more missing teeth
Supported by the jawbone and gums
Designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, the crown or other prosthetic may need to be replaced after about 20 years
Costs $5,000+ for a single implant and up to $60,000+ for full-mouth restoration
Things to Know Before Dental Implants
There are a few things that you need to be aware of before you get dental implants:
You must be in good oral and overall health: this means that if you have any underlying dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease, those need to be addressed before implants can be placed. In addition, if you have any underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, you may not qualify for this surgery.
You must practice proper oral hygiene: this means that you must brush twice daily and floss at least once, in addition to visiting the dentist every 6 months for check-ups and in-between as needed to address any issues as they occur.
The surgery to place dental implants is considered invasive and takes several months to a year or more from start to finish. Also, it can be expensive, $5,000+ for a single implant and up to $60,000+ for a full-mouth restoration.
Things to Know After Dental Implants
There are a few things you need to know following dental implant surgery:
Dental implants restore your natural bite and chewing force, which means you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods even when you are missing multiple natural teeth.
Recovery takes several months to a year or more depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. If you are a smoker, healing will be much slower.
You must pay attention to indications of implant failure such as pain and tenderness, swelling, excessive bleeding, and more. If you experience any of these, schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible.
Dental Implant Options
There are a few different dental implant options based on your needs and expectations for treatment. Shahbazyan Dental Studio offers the following:
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
A single dental implant can be used to replace up to 2 teeth. However, in most cases, a single implant replaces a single tooth. If you need multiple teeth replaced, this can be expensive since the average cost of a single implant is around $5,000.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
The All-on-4 dental implants system is an option for patients missing all teeth on one or both arches that uses 4 strategically placed implants to support a full arch. This solution is ideal for patients who have little to no bone jawbone deterioration.
All-on-6 Dental Implants
The All-on-6 dental implants system is the same concept as All-on-4, only it requires 6 dental implants to be evenly spaced in the jawbone. This works well for patients who have some jawbone deterioration or who have a larger-than-average mouth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
A traditional dental bridge relies on the natural teeth on each side of the gap for support to replace several missing teeth in a row. An implant-supported bridge, on the other hand, requires the placement of 1 to 2 dental implants for support.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Conventional dentures sit on top of your gums, and often slip and slide around in the mouth. This can cause pressure and friction sores on the gums. Implant-supported dentures are secured in place with 2 or more dental implants. This provides improved stability and increased bite force over conventional dentures. Plus, the implants stimulate the jawbone, which prevents deterioration.
Dr. Zaruhi Shahbazyan: Best Dentist for Your Missing Teeth Treatment in Fresno
Dr. Zaruhi Shahbazyan at Shahbazyan Dental Studio in Fresno is highly qualified to perform dental implant surgery. She has received an award for Distinguished Implant Excellence and holds a Fellowship in the International Dental Implant Association. She has been working with patients in the Fresno area since 2001.
She is passionate about patient care and strives to make sure that her patients feel like more than just a number. She spends time with her patients, ensuring that they understand their needs and the best solutions to meet those needs.
We are located on North Cedar Avenue in Fresno. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Dental Implant before and after FAQs
Dr. Shahbazyan believes that it’s important for patients to understand their procedures and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about this or any other procedure. Below are some of the most common questions that we get from our patients:
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement solution and should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. This includes practicing proper oral hygiene and visiting the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning.
Do dental implants hurt?
Patients are given local anesthesia to numb the area during the procedure. Patients who have dental anxiety can be sedated to help them relax. This prevents pain during the surgery. You may have some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, primarily due to having your mouth open for so long. Some patients have some discomfort during healing. However, you should not have any unbearable pain. If you do experience significant pain, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are safe for most healthy patients. However, there are certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits that increase your risk of experiencing complications.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants replace the entire structure of the missing tooth. The implant screw is inserted into the jawbone, creating a stable base for the prosthetic tooth. The crown is attached to the implant screw with an abutment, which replaces the visible portion of the tooth.
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The entire process of getting dental implants takes several months to a year or more, including healing. The implant placement procedure usually takes less than an hour, depending on any additional procedures required.
