Dental Implants – Lebanon, NH
Turn Back the Clock on Tooth Loss
Tooth loss presents a host of problems, from aesthetic considerations to eating difficulties and even jawbone deterioration. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a number of reliable tooth replacement solutions. Among them, dental implants stand out for their unmatched stability and longevity. They are the only tooth replacement option that rebuilds lost teeth from the roots up. This page further explains what dental implants from our Lebanon, NH dentist are and how they may be able to help you reclaim a complete, healthy smile.
Why Choose O&S Dental for Dental Implants?
- Advanced Treatment Planning with CBCT Scanner
- Natural-Looking, Long-Lasting Restorations
- Experience Renewed Chewing Power
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small cylinders made out of a titanium alloy that serve as prosthetic tooth roots. They get inserted beneath the gumline in a minimally invasive surgery, after which they form a strong bond with the surrounding tissue. Once that bond has solidified, we design a custom restoration — such as a crown, bridge, or denture — to attach to the tops of the dental implants and replace the visible portion of the lost teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dental implants include:
- With proper care, dental implants may last a lifetime.
- Dental implants provide a strong bite force that can stand up to practically any food.
- Natural look and feel. Dental implants mimic the structure of natural teeth, making them feel and look as real as possible.
- Jawbone preservation. The implants stimulate the jawbone and can prevent much of the deterioration that occurs after tooth loss.
Are Dental Implant Right for You?
Dental implants are a versatile treatment that is suitable for most patients who have suffered a degree of tooth loss. They may be appropriate for you whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth (either in a row or throughout your mouth), or even all of your teeth.
Missing One Tooth
To replace a single tooth, one dental implant gets inserted beneath the gumline. After it fuses with the surrounding bone, we design a single crown to attach to the top of the implant. An implant is superior to a traditional bridge because it does not rely on nearby natural teeth for support.
Missing Several Teeth
If your missing teeth are all adjacent to one another, we may recommend that you receive an implant-supported bridge. One implant goes at each end of the empty space. Each implant supports a crown, and the crowns support 1 – 3 artificial teeth between them.
Missing All Teeth
For patients who are missing all of their teeth, we typically recommend an implant-supported denture, which may be supported by as few as 4 – 6 dental implants. Such a denture may be permanently attached to the implants, or it may “snap” onto and off of the implants via small attachments.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient and depends on the number of implants needed, the extent of any preparatory treatment, and other factors. During your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a personalized cost estimate and help you explore your payment options. Although dental implants tend to have a higher upfront cost than non-implant alternatives, they are worth the price because of the many benefits they offer.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
In the vast majority of cases, dental implants are successful — for most patients, their implants are still thriving many years after placement. However, due to infection or other circumstances, implants can fail on occasion. If you ever start to believe that is happening to one of yours, reach out to us immediately. We will evaluate the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment. Our goal is to get your oral health back on track as soon as possible and allow you to continue enjoying the many benefits of dental implants.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants in Lebanon are the best form of tooth replacement. However, since they represent a big commitment of time and financial resources, it is understandable if you want more information before you schedule your consultation. To help you out, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about this treatment, along with succinct answers. If you would like further explanation on anything you discover, feel free to get in touch with our team.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime — or at least several times longer than traditional forms of tooth replacement. With proper care, they can continue to thrive for decades. Of course, there are some factors that might shorten their life expectancy. For example, poor oral hygiene could lead to a dangerous infection that compromises the implants’ base of support. Underlying health conditions, tobacco usage, and physical trauma can also shorten their lifespan. Our team is ready to help your implants last as long as possible. Through regular checkups and coaching, you can minimize the risk that anything bad will happen to them.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
During the placement surgery, your mouth will be numbed, and you may be sedated. Therefore, you should feel little to nothing while our team is working. After the anesthesia and sedation wear off, you can expect some soreness. Taking pain medication and getting adequate rest can facilitate a comfortable recovery. Most patients are feeling well enough to return to work within a day or so of their procedure. If you experience any severe pain during your post-op period, call our practice right away for assistance.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?
Candidacy for dental implants is determined on a case-by-case basis. Smoking is just one of many factors that we must consider when we are deciding whether a patient would be a good fit for dental implants. It will not automatically disqualify you from the procedure. However, keep in mind that it will increase your risk of dental implant failure because it slows down the body’s healing processes and heightens the chances of infection.
It would be best if you quit smoking before your implant surgery. If you do not quit, you should at least abstain from cigarettes during the weeks before and months after your procedure.
Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?
As your implant dentist in Lebanon, we carefully place the implants so they are as well-concealed as possible beneath the gumline. The restorations on top of implants are custom-designed to fit your unique mouth. Their size, shape, and color are all carefully selected with the goal of making your new smile look as natural as possible. Additionally, they are made out of high-quality materials that strongly resemble real tooth enamel. Onlookers are unlikely to be able to tell that your teeth are not the same ones that you had since your youth.