
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.
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.
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dental implants include:
Dental implants in Lebanon 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. During your consultation, we will verify your candidacy for treatment and map out your unique plan to achieving a complete, strong, and functional smile.
Most adults who have lost one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. Some common traits of well-qualified patients include:
Even if you are not a good candidate for dental implants right away, you may become one after some preliminary treatments, such as a bone graft or gum disease treatment.
To replace a single tooth, one dental implant gets inserted beneath the gumline. After it fuses with the surrounding bone over a period of a few months, we design a single crown to attach to its top. An implant is superior to a traditional bridge because it does not rely on nearby natural teeth for support. This also means that your existing natural teeth will not need to be filed down to support a prosthetic. Plus, an implant looks and feels as natural as possible and has the potential to last for many years.
If your missing teeth are all adjacent to one another, your dental implant dentist in Lebanon 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.
On the other hand, if your missing teeth are not consecutive, you might benefit from multiple single implant crowns. Alternatively, a partial denture might be the best solution. During your consultation, we will be able to determine the best type of multi-tooth replacement for your unique situation.
For patients who are missing all of their teeth, we typically recommend implant dentures, which may be supported by as few as 4 – 6 dental implants per arch. Such a denture may be permanently attached to the implants, or it may “snap” onto and off of the implants via small attachments for easy cleaning and maintenance. Implant dentures tend to be much sturdier and provide a stronger bite force than their traditional counterparts. They also support jawbone health, meaning that your face can retain its lovely natural shape for as long as possible.
The cost of dental implants in Lebanon 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 price than non-implant alternatives, they are worth the price because of the many benefits they offer, such as outstanding longevity, a strong bite, and more.
Before they are eligible for dental implants in Lebanon, some patients must undergo preparatory procedures. For example, you may require a bone graft, periodontal therapy, or tooth extractions. Each preliminary service has its own cost.
The implant surgery has a separate fee. In most cases, we are able to handle this complex procedure right here in our office, so you will not need to worry about dealing with an outside specialist’s pricing structure at this point in your treatment.
There are quite a few aspects of your treatment that can influence overall costs, including:
Our practice strives to use high-quality materials. If you have questions about where your dental implants come from, you are more than welcome to ask!
Dental implants have a higher upfront cost than other forms of tooth replacement. However, they may actually be able to save you money in the long run. For example, they have the potential to last a lifetime, whereas a traditional denture may lose its function after just 5 – 10 years. Replacing a traditional prosthetic multiple times can become quite expensive over the course of a few decades.
Additionally, because dental implants protect your oral and overall health, they can spare you from having to spend money on treatment for gum sores and other issues.
Dental insurance policies vary greatly in their approach to dental implants. Some consider them to be a major treatment and pay for half of their price, up to the amount of a policy’s annual maximum. Other plans do not provide any coverage at all. Our team will be happy to help you navigate your benefits and file your claims. Even if your plan does not cover your implants, it is likely to cover other parts of your procedure, such as preliminary treatments.
As an implant dentist in Lebanon, we offer a few provisions that may make your treatment easier to afford:
Your dental implants in Lebanon could very well be with you for the rest of your life. However, they can only live up to that potential if they receive proper care. Below, you will find practical and simple tips for reducing the risk of infection and damage to your implants.
Maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine is one of the best things you can do for dental implant care in Lebanon. It will lower your risk of infections that could lead to dental implant failure. Here are some basic hygiene tips:
Dental implants can handle virtually any food, so you can feel free to enjoy all of your favorite treats. However, just like natural teeth, some foods are better for implants than others. Be careful not to overindulge in hard, sticky, or extremely sugary foods. Instead, adhere to a diet that is rich in healthful nutrients. Leafy green vegetables, calcium-rich items, and crunchy fruits are all excellent choices.
A few habits that can endanger dental implants include:
The effort it takes to stop such habits will be well worth it. If you are struggling to break free from a tobacco addiction, your primary care practitioner may be able to offer practical guidance and helpful resources.
If you play sports, you should wear a mouthguard when you are on the field or court. It can prevent injuries to your soft oral tissues, protect your natural teeth, and safeguard both your dental implants and the tissue around them.
If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you could damage your implants and the surrounding bone. You may need a special mouthguard to place a barrier between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep.
As your implant dentist in Lebanon, we want your restored smile to stand the test of time. We recommend that you visit us twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. In addition to caring for your natural teeth, we will also inspect your dental implants for any signs of potential problems. Additionally, we may remove your restorations so we can thoroughly clean around the tops of your dental implants.
Following your dental implant surgery, you will go through a recovery period. Do not let that prospect intimidate you — as long as you carefully follow the recommended dental implant post-op instructions in Lebanon, it is likely that you will enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery. Here are some general guidelines on what to expect after your procedure:
Soon after your surgery, blood clots should form at your incision sites. These are an important part of your body’s healing process, so you should do everything you can to protect them. Here are some tips to that end:
During the first part of your recovery, you can expect to experience:
If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, call your implant dentist in Lebanon right away.
During the initial part of your recovery, you should adhere to a no-chew diet. Things like pudding, yogurt, smoothies, brothy soups, and meal replacement shakes are all acceptable choices. Later, you can progress to a fork-tender diet, which can include items such as meatloaf, soft breads, scrambled eggs, and anything else that is easy to cut with the side of a fork. As your mouth continues to heal, you will eventually be able to add in slightly tougher foods.
You can brush your teeth beginning the day after surgery, but you should be extra-cautious around your surgical sites. You should also rinse your mouth regularly with saltwater to control swelling and inflammation. If you have a prescription mouth rinse, be sure to use it as directed.
Once your prosthetic teeth are attached to the tops of your dental implants in Lebanon, you might experience some temporary soreness as your mouth adjusts. However, you should not experience any bleeding or swelling. No downtime is required. You will be able to use your new teeth right away!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.