Implant Dentistry

At Comprehensive Dental, we strive to make every visit to our office comfortable and every treatment effective. No two patients are alike, and no two patients should have the same treatment plan. If part of your personalized oral health plan includes replacing one or more teeth, Dr. Samir Rana may recommend implant placement and restoration all in our comfortable practice. We have an oral surgeon on staff, Dr. Shahin Ghobadi, and utilize high-definition 3D Cone Beam scans to plan the precise surgical placement of implant posts, so we’re able to complete even the most complex dental implant placements and restorations in our Lincoln Park practice. Contact our office to schedule a dental implant consultation today!

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a tooth root-shaped prosthesis that is designed to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The basis for modern dental implants is a biological process called osseointegration, in which materials such as titanium form an intimate bond to bone, allowing us to use these implants for restorations such as crowns, bridges and screwed-in prosthesis.

Not only do implants replace missing teeth, but they also maintain the natural aesthetics of your smile. Dental implants are a permanent solution that do not move or slip inside of the mouth and require no extra daily maintenance outside your regular brushing and flossing. Dr. Rana and his team provide the Greater North Jersey area with painless and precise implant dentistry services.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Once we’ve determined that you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the process of actually receiving them will require several different appointments. Rest assured, it’s worth the wait to enjoy a solution that can last for decades. Our Lincoln Park dental team will be sure to guide you through this transformative experience smoothly, prioritizing your comfort and safety at all times. While every patient’s treatment will look a little bit different, the dental implant process has four basic steps:

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Generally, if you have good oral and overall health, you’ll be eligible for dental implants, but you’ll still need a consultation. Your implant dentist evaluates your oral health through a visual examination, digital X-rays, and a CT scan. With a complete picture of your oral structures, we may find you need additional procedures before undergoing your placement surgery, such as tooth extractions, periodontal therapy, or bone grafting.

Dental Implant Surgery

After you’ve healed from any previous treatments, it’s time for your placement surgery. The CT scan from your consultation is used to pinpoint the precise location to insert a titanium post into your jawbone. This serves as a new root to stabilize your restoration. The number of posts needed varies depending on your severity of tooth loss.

A local anesthetic or sedative is used to ensure your comfort as your gum tissue is opened to gain access to your jawbone. A small hole is drilled into it to insert a post. Your tissue is sutured closed, and you’ll spend the next several weeks healing.

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

Since the implant post acts as a new root, it stimulates your jaw to encourage new growth. Over the next few weeks, your jawbone will fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. This provides a secure foundation for your restoration while also allowing the implant to stay in place forever with the right aftercare.

After your jawbone is healed, an abutment is needed for each implant post. It acts as a connector piece between your dental implant and restoration. You will need a minor surgery to open your gum tissue to expose the implant post, but don’t worry, you should be completely healed in about two weeks.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

While you recover from your abutment procedure, the dental lab is hard at work creating your restoration. It’s made from high-quality material to withstand everyday wear and tear. It’s also constructed from all-ceramic material to ensure your new teeth match your real ones. No matter if you need a single crown, bridge, or denture, you’ll enjoy natural-looking results that will stand the test of time.

Benefits of Dental Implants

When it comes to deciding how you want to replace your missing teeth, you’ll probably want to spend some time reviewing the pros and cons of different methods. However, once you begin to learn all the benefits of dental implants in Lincoln Park, it’s hard to justify any other dental replacement solution. From improved oral health and greater functionality to ease of cleaning and a smile that can last a lifetime, millions of people are already pleased with their investment.

If you’d like to learn more about the unique advantages that only dental implants can provide, check out the following list:

Lifestyle Benefits

• If you prefer a permanent solution that won’t fall or slip out, it’s best to choose dental implants in Lincoln Park. Traditional dentures can easily slip because they only rely on your natural suction to hold them in place. However, with implants, they are surgically affixed to your jawbone and surrounding tissue, creating a more stable smile.
• Eating the foods you love and consuming hot beverages is easy with dental implants. Regular dentures can become damaged or cause unevenness while trying to eat, increasing the risk of slippage. Also, hot coffee or tea can cause acrylic to warp. But dental implants allow you the confidence of eating and drinking.
• No one wants to feel embarrassed or worried when smiling around others. Research shows that 63% of denture-wearers have kept their prosthetic a secret from someone, and 10% avoid most social gatherings. However, with dental implants, you can embrace a better quality of life and actually enjoy the prospect of smiling freely once again.

Health Benefits

• According to DentalHealth.org, individuals with 20 teeth or more by the age of 70 have a higher chance of living longer than those with less than 20 teeth. This statistic is all the more reason why replacing your missing teeth with dental implants is a good idea.
• Your oral health will improve drastically since your implants act just like regular teeth. You can easily brush, floss, and rinse your smile just like before. This will reduce your risk of decay (to your natural teeth) and gum disease, which can pose a serious risk to the longevity of your implants.
• Your implants are surgically put into place, which means they mimic the natural tooth root and continue to stimulate your jawbone. Unlike dentures that offer no stimulation, implants can prevent facial collapse and other changes to your facial shape over time.
• Dentistry Today reports that people ages 65 or older with 5 or more teeth missing are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. By replacing your missing teeth, you can help to reduce your risk for these common health problems.

Long-Term Benefits

• If you like the idea of saving money, you shouldn’t think twice about dental implants. Yes, they are costlier up front, however, in the long run, you won’t need to buy dental adhesive, cleaning products, or pay to have your prosthetic relined or replaced. Instead, you will simply keep your regular appointments with your implant dentist in Lincoln Park to ensure your prosthetics are in good shape.
• Most dental implants, when placed by a skilled professional, have a 98% success rate. After 10 years, the rate falls between 90-95%!
• Unlike dentures and fixed bridges that require regular replacement after several years, your dental implants can remain firmly in place for a lifetime as long as you commit to maintaining them.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Depending on how many teeth you need to replace, there are three types of dental implants you can receive. After a thorough examination by our dentists, they will determine which one is right for your individual needs.

Missing One Tooth

Traditionally, dental crown supported fixed bridges were the standard replacement option for those patients missing a single tooth. While crown and bridge tooth replacement offer patients stability and natural look and feel, two healthy teeth are damaged in the process and the underlying root structure is not replaced. Dental implant-supported tooth replacement restores patients’ missing teeth starting from the roots up.

Missing Multiple Teeth

For those patients missing two or more teeth on a single arch, fixed bridges were traditionally recommended for two or three consecutive missing teeth and partial removable dentures were recommended for those with numerous nonconsecutive missing teeth. Both options offered restoration of only the visible portions of teeth, but implant-supported bridges and partial prosthesis replace both the crowns and roots of these missing teeth for optimal stability, comfort, and longevity.

Missing All Teeth

Patients who are fully edentulous (without teeth) stand to benefit greatly from replacing missing teeth with implant-supported dentures. For those patients who have used traditional, removable dentures know that they restore the appearance of smiles but are only able to renew about 25% of dental function. Implant-supported removable or fixed dentures provide a more stable alternative, but in the past, many patients were unable to receive implant dentures due to a lack of jawbone density or diminished oral and overall health. Innovations in implant materials, technologies, and techniques make it possible for more patients than ever to restore their smiles implant-supported dentures and dental prosthetics.

When a full arch of teeth needs replacement, an alternative to implant-supported dentures is the All-on-4 system, which may be the ideal solution for patients in need of speed and convenience. Instead of relying on six to eight traditional implants, this procedure utilizes just four that are placed at strategic angles to use the natural support of the bone to the fullest. In most cases, patients won’t even require bone grafting. Our doctors will also place a temporary set of teeth immediately following the surgical procedure, which means you’ll never be without the oral strength and function you need as your permanent prosthetic is crafted.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

At Comprehensive Dental, we know that cost can be a major deterrent when it comes to advanced dentistry services like dental implant tooth replacement. That’s why we always take the time to discuss every step of your dental treatment plan, including pricing. During your dental implant consultation, we’ll review your treatment costs, discuss dental insurance benefits, and help you plan your budget.

Types of Dental Implants

The first factor that impacts dental implant tooth replacement costs is the price of the dental implant posts. The cost of an individual dental implant post can vary dramatically from case to case. Pricing depends on the type of dental implant, manufacturer, and materials. Every dental implant post is custom crafted to address your individual needs and ensure the optimal end result, a long-lasting, natural-looking smile.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Every patient’s dental implant treatment plan is different, but in most cases, you should expect the following:

• Preparatory procedures – bone or soft tissue grafting, tooth extractions, health and surgical history, and treatment planning.
• Dental Implant placement – surgically place one or more dental implant posts to support the replacement tooth or teeth
• Osseointegration – the dental implant posts fuse with the supportive tissues mimicking the function of tooth roots
• Replacement teeth – abutment posts are attached to anchor the custom dental crown, bridge, partial, or full denture

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

It’s important to remember that the overall cost of dental implant tooth replacement encompasses many smaller treatments, and you don’t have to worry about paying for the full process all at once. Even after reviewing this information, you may still be wondering if dental implant tooth replacement is worth the investment. Some of the benefits that make dental implants invaluable for many patients include:

• Long-lasting your restoration will stay in place for three decades or longer
• Replacement teeth will be anchored in place just like your healthy, natural smile
• The implant posts give gum and bone tissues the stimulus they need to maintain optimal oral health
• Flawless and functional dental implant tooth replacement ensures total confidence while speaking, chewing, and smiling

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Most dental insurance providers do not offer coverage for dental implant posts or their placement, but they will cover other aspects of the treatment plan. Our team will maximize your available benefits, review financing options, and help you budget for treatment costs.

Preferred Providers with Nobel Biocare

As one of the industry’s leading companies, Nobel Biocare excels at implant-based restorations. In fact, this company started some of the first dental implants and helped pioneer the concept of All-on-4® treatment. Our team at Comprehensive Dental are Preferred Providers with Nobel Biocare, meaning we have shown our proficiency in this area of dentistry. From our years of experience and advanced training, our success rate is relatively high, but you won’t know if dental implants are the right treatment option for you until you have a consultation. To learn how Nobel Biocare and Comprehensive Dental can give you a complete, strong smile again, call us for an appointment!