Dental Implants Birmingham Al
This presentation is designed to provide a better understanding of dental implants by addressing the most commonly asked questions of this oral facial procedure. Watch it now.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Good smiles go a long way. They communicate who we are and how we feel. But having a compromised smile and complicated oral health can leave you feeling defeated.
Still, if you suffer from a missing tooth or missing teeth, you know it’s about much more than a smile. It’s not just the teeth you’re missing.
Want to eat what you love again, build self-confidence and maintain jaw health and structure? Dental implant surgery will give you many reasons to smile again.
Dental Implants
A dental implant looks like a tooth, functions like a tooth, and even has the structure of a tooth. Truly the only difference is the material—an implant root is made of titanium.
This means not only can you achieve a natural-looking smile with dental implants, but you can chew food, maintain facial structure and promote a healthy jaw bone, too.
Natural teeth and implant-supported teeth both have a crown and a root.
The titanium root attaches the tooth securely to the jaw.
The crown is the visible part of the tooth used for chewing food.
Didn’t think you’d ever have healthy, functioning teeth again? We’d love to prove you wrong. Call our Birmingham Southside office today at (205) 933-1331 to schedule your dental implant consultation.
In the tooth replacement process, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant. Then time is allowed for the bone to heal and grow around the implant. Next, the bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Headquartered in Birmingham, Drs. Buck or Phillips will perform the implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting (if necessary). Then your dentist will fit and make the permanent prosthesis.
Dental Implant Technology
-
Dental implants are made of titanium, the same time-tested material used for artificial joints.
-
Titanium posts are inserted securely into the jawbone.
-
Implants can be used to support a single replacement tooth or an entire arc of replacement teeth with implant-supported dentures.
-
Dental implants do not move around or make sounds in your mouth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Combatting Bone Loss
A missing tooth or missing teeth may be embarrassing for you, but know that bone loss is also an additional consequence of teeth loss.
As soon as you lose a natural tooth, bone loss begins. Generally, people lose 25% of their supporting jaw bone structure within the first year after tooth loss.
The jaw bone will deteriorate and recede over time, and lacking the proper support of teeth and bones, your facial appearance will be altered. Without intervention, the loss of bone will increase over many years.
No one wants their appearance or dental health to deteriorate. Thankfully, dental implant surgery helps prevent the bone recession that follows tooth loss.
-
Have you recently lost a tooth, or teeth, or had a tooth extraction? Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first lost because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes.
-
A traditional denture or bridge may seem to function similarly to a tooth, but without the titanium root structure that dental implants provide, the jaw bone ultimately recedes and damage is done to the facial structure.
Additional Benefits
With proper placement and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime.
-
Durable and long-lasting
Implants are time-tested and are a true teeth-like replacement because dental implants fuse with the jaw bone.
-
Bone health and facial structure
Implants positively affect overall dental health by replacing the entire tooth and root, preventing bone loss.
-
Close to the real thing
Dental implants look and function like healthy, natural teeth, translating to increased confidence and quality of life.
-
Restored relationship with food
Dental implants free you up to eat what you always loved and in the presence of others.
Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a full dental bridge, supported by implants, that replaces an entire arc of missing teeth.
Traditional dentures are typically painful, inconvenient, unstable, and not secured to the jaw bone. Lower dentures in particular pose the most problems. As chewing food becomes more difficult, you become limited in what you can enjoy.
Traditional dentures are also initially less expensive, but this is short-lived. Because they require repair and replacement every 5 to 10 years, dentures are often more expensive over time.
With implant-supported dentures, expect:
-
Fewer implants required
-
Reduced overall treatment time and cost
-
Greater stability in the bone, minimizing the need for bone graft surgery to increase bone volume
-
Options for both upper and lower jaws
Implant-supported dentures are removable but stay connected to implants via bar and clip attachment methods. The most appropriate attachment system for your individual needs will be determined early in the treatment process.
If you desire a solution that is more like your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you should consider individual dental implants and replacement crowns.
Reach out today to our Birmingham Southside Office at (205) 933-1331 and schedule your dental implant consultation.
THE DENTAL IMPLANT SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Dental Implant and Implant-Supported Denture placement involve anesthesia and oral surgery.
The surgeon first extracts the tooth or teeth, when necessary, then replaces tooth roots with small dental implants. After implant surgery, time is allowed for the bone to heal and to grow around the implant.
Once the bone bonds with the titanium implant, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth, a support post, or abutment, is secured to the implant, and a new crown is placed on top.
Implant dentistry involves a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Buck or Dr. Phillips will perform the surgical procedure, including initial tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and bone grafting, if necessary.
After a brief healing period, your dentist will place the permanent prosthesis.
After Dental Implant Procedure
Healing time varies from person to person. Most patients do not experience significant postoperative pain. Medication and antibiotics will be prescribed to make your recovery as easy as possible.
Typically, a temporary set of teeth can be placed on the same day of surgery, meaning you can immediately return to normal life—and even enjoy the foods you’ve been missing.
Dental Implants Cost and Insurance Coverage
We strive to provide accurate estimates of all expenses in the implant process and in the making of your replacement teeth. We will evaluate your insurance coverage and consult with you.
Note: some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage, so consider your personal financial investment for treatment.
We recommend you factor in the cost of each of these steps:
-
Exams and office visits
-
Tooth and root extractions
-
Bone grafting
-
Placement of the dental implant
-
Placement of the crown
-
X-rays
-
Pre- and postoperative care
JAW BONE HEALTH AND APPEARANCE
When a tooth is missing, it results in bone loss. The jaw bone deteriorates over time. So while a denture or bridge may seem to function similarly to a tooth, underneath the surface, damage is being done to the jaw bone and ultimately to the facial structure. This can alter the shape of a person’s face, leading to additional cosmetic costs down the road.
THINK ABOUT THE LONG TERM
While dentures and bridges are initially less expensive, their affordability can be short-lived. Because these older methods require repair and replacement every five to ten years, they are often more expensive over time. By contrast, dental implants, when properly placed and cared for, can last a lifetime.
REPLACING MISSING TEETH
No one wants their appearance and health to deteriorate. But bone loss is the natural consequence of missing teeth—the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. It will continue to increase over many years. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes.
IMPLANT SUPPORTED OVERDENTURE
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
An Implant Supported Overdenture is a restoration that has revolutionized the way surgeons and dentists think of replacing a full set of teeth. Most often, standard dentures are painful, inconvenient, and unstable. This can make chewing foods difficult, limiting the foods that you once enjoyed. Thankfully, Drs. Buck and Phillips can help with implant-supported dentures.
The Implant Supported Overdenture treatment replaces your missing teeth with a full dental bridge supported by dental implants. Fewer implants are needed and overall treatment time and cost is reduced. This solution also ensures greater stability in the bone, reducing the need for bone graft surgery to increase bone volume.
Implant-supported overdentures stay connected with bar and clip attachment methods, or use a variety of abutment-based attachments (ball, magnets, and resilient stud attachments such as locators). The most appropriate attachment system for your individual needs relates to a variety of factors that is determined early in the treatment.
Typically, a temporary set of teeth can be placed on the same day of surgery. The temporary teeth allow you to lead a normal life immediately after surgery. After a short healing period, your dentist will place the final bridge. And you can start enjoying your favorite foods again with renewed confidence.
MISSING ALL LOWER TEETH
Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.
Ball Attachment Denture
Two implants are placed in the lower jaw and a denture is made that snaps onto these implants.
Bar Attachment Denture
Four to six implants are placed in the lower jaw and connected with a custom-made support bar. The denture is made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling it to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.”
Screw Retained Denture
Five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture.
The denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it.
Individual Implants
The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so that they will appear to be growing out of your gum tissue and will most closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth. This option usually requires eight or more implants. Separate abutments or support posts for each one of these implants will be made and crowns for each missing tooth will be placed.
MISSING ALL UPPER TEETH
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacements.
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a full arch complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. It will feel more natural and it will still be removable. Which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
If you want a restoration that is similar to your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you probably will need eight to ten individual implants placed. This is followed, after healing, by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.
Why Buck and Phillips Oral Surgery?
We’re a family business that began in 1960, and we prioritize quality, affordable care.
Dr. Buck and Dr. Phillips are committed to the proper diagnosis and treatment of each patient. You can expect to communicate with your surgeon regularly.
Our team has many years of experience, and our practice covers the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, from corrective jaw surgery to dental implant procedures.
We think you’ll really love our friendly and focused people.
Call our Birmingham Southside Office at (205) 933-1331 and schedule your dental implant consultation.
QUESTIONS?
Drs. Buck and Phillips are experts in dental implants. If you’re considering tooth replacement, please give us a call at 205-933-1331 to schedule your consultation. We’re here to help you improve both your oral health and well being. We love our patients!
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
The only way to receive an accurate price quote is to call us and come in for a consultation, and we can give you a specific price for your case. Please call our staff, at our Birmingham Southside Office (205-933-1331), to schedule your consultation.