Dental Implants

When properly designed and placed, dental implant supported tooth replacements have a 98% rate of success, and innovations in dental care make it possible for almost any patient to undergo dental implant supported tooth replacement. Implants provide a stable, permanent fixture that takes the place of a missing tooth. An implant consists of a small, titanium post anchored into the sockets left by missing teeth. The dental implant procedure consists of placing these titanium posts into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to twelve weeks. During this time, you will have a temporary crown in place to protect and aid in healing, as well as provide function for chewing and speaking. Once treatment is complete, the implants act like natural tooth roots and keep your jawbone intact and strong. These posts can be used to secure individual teeth, bridgework, partials, or full dentures. With implants, the patient does not have to worry about slippage, and no existing teeth are altered during placement.

The most versatile tooth replacement solution available, dental implants can be used to restore smiles following the loss of a single tooth or a full arch of teeth. Some of the many benefits of dental implant supported tooth replacement over other options include:

  • Because both the roots and crowns of teeth are replaced, the resultant replacement prosthetic is more natural looking and feeling
  • The improved stability of dental implant supported tooth replacements makes it easier to talk, smile, and chew with complete confidence
  • Compared to partials that are attached to surrounding teeth or full dentures that rub against the gum line, dental implant supported prosthetics are much more comfortable
  • When cared for with regular oral hygiene and checkup visits with the dentist, implant supported restorations can last for decades

Because dental implants require that you have a strong jawbone, our doctors will have to examine you and ask about your health history and medications you take before moving forward with the service.

Cost of Dental Implants

There’s no “one size fits all” price for dental implants. The cost will vary depending on how many teeth are missing, what kind of restoration you’ll need to get (and how many implants need to support it), the need for preparatory treatment, and other factors. During your initial dental implant consultation, we’ll examine your mouth and consider your situation so that we can estimate the final cost and let you make a decision.

Dental Implant FAQs

If you’ve been considering dental implants but don’t know much about them, you’ll want to keep reading. River City Periodontics and Implants is happy to offer as much information as possible to help you make your decision. Below, you’ll find the most common questions our office gets regarding dental implants. We encourage you to peruse them before your next visit. If you’d like to talk with us directly, schedule an appointment by calling our office at 434-799-1400.

How long does treatment take?

The length of your treatment can vary depending on your needs, but all patients considering treatment should keep in mind that dental implants are a long-term commitment. Once the implant(s) are placed inside of your jaw, several weeks of healing are required before a permanent crown can be placed on top. On average, the recovery process can take anywhere between two and six months. If you need additional treatments like bone grafts or periodontal therapy, treatment will take more time.

Are dental implants safe?

When placed by a professional, dental implants are one hundred percent safe. At our office, we utilize a CT/cone beam scanner in order to capture 3D images of your oral structures, including the nerve pathways underneath your soft and hard tissue. Not only does this make your treatment more predictable, but it also helps us avoid sensitive nerves when placing the implant. If you’re choosing dental implants to replace teeth, always go with a dentist who has the proven experience to place them if you want the most successful outcome possible.

How many teeth can I replace?

Dental implants can be used to replace single, multiple or all of the teeth in your arch. What’s even more incredible is the fact that you can replace an entire arch of teeth with only four to six implants. Additionally, a pair of dental implants can hold a three- or four-crown bridge. If you use a denture, we can modify it to work with dental implants in order to create a more stable fit, regardless of whether it’s a partial or full denture.

Am I eligible for dental implants?

All patients should have sufficient oral health and healthy gums before they receive dental implants. During your consultation, we’ll perform a detailed examination of your mouth, soft tissue and bone tissue before confirming your eligibility for dental implants. In most cases, patients can receive the treatment without much issue. However, if you’ve been missing teeth for a long time, it’s possible that you have lost too much bone tissue and therefore need to have a bone graft performed.

How long do dental implants last?

On average, dental implants last for at least 25 years and are capable of lasting a lifetime. Of course, this can vary if you use tobacco products, which increase the risk of gum disease and therefore tooth loss. If you want to make them last as long as possible, make sure to practice daily brushing and flossing and always commit to regular dental cleanings and checkups.