Tooth Replacement

Tooth extraction is quite common, and leaving the missing tooth space empty may not sound too serious, but the consequences of not filling in the space from the missing tooth can include:

1. The teeth adjacent to your missing tooth can change position to fill the gap;
2. The loss of your missing tooth’s root can cause your jawbone to shrink, making your face appear prematurely older; and,
3. A missing tooth in the front of your mouth can affect your smile and your self-confidence.

In many situations, a dental implant is the most pleasingly esthetic solution for replacing the missing tooth. An all-ceramic dental crown or dental bridge, secured to a dental implant, provides a complete and beautiful solution for improving your smile. A dental implant takes the place of the missing tooth’s root and helps prevent the above consequences.

Loose Dentures?

Millions of people are missing most or all of their teeth. For these people, a denture replacement solution that eliminates the need for denture adhesives would mean a new level comfort and ease in their life. Nobel Biocare denture replacement alternatives use dental implants for support, thereby removing the need for the use of messy and unreliable denture adhesives. Denture replacement solutions can even make sore gums obsolete.

Nobel Biocare dental implants provide the foundation for our dental replacement alternatives. The use of dental implants can return the look and function that your current dentures and denture adhesives probably aren’t providing. Nobel Biocare has a forty-year history of success stories using dental implants and leads the dental implant market.

If you’re in need of denture repair, or if you’re simply tired of wearing your dentures, consider our denture replacement alternatives and leave your denture adhesives behind. Ask Dr. Cox if you’re a candidate for Nobel Biocare dental implants.

It’s time to say goodbye to your denture adhesives.

FAQS about Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. A dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

Why dental implants?

There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:

1. Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is.
2. There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Are dental implants successful?

With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel Biocare dental implants*, and even higher for the bridges they support.

How much do dental implants cost?

That question has 2 answers.

1. Looking in the long run, dental implants are one of the least expensive services in all of dentistry, because they last so long. Unlike fillings, bridges, and partials, very rarely does an implant need to be replaced.
2. The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have Dr. Cox examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, he will recommend the treatment that is best for you and will be happy to discuss any of your questions.

Will dental implants work for me?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth may be a candidate for dental implants. When you come to see us, Dr. Cox will examine your mouth and your x-rays to determine the correct implant treatment options for you.

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?

1. Improved appearance: When you lose a tooth, your face may never look the same because shrinkage of the jawbone often causes the face to look older than you really are. Dental implants are the only way to prevent this process.
2. Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth next to the missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
3. Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

How will dental implants affect my life?

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function similar to natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink almost anything you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Will my new teeth look natural?

When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are difficult to distinguish from your natural teeth.

Will I be able to chew as well as I could with my natural teeth?

Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is very similar to that of natural teeth.

How much time is required for a dental implant placement?

Today, state-of-the-art techniques have significantly simplified implant placement for both patients and Dr. Cox. The placement process can take from three to six months. First, the Dr. Cox places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary crown or partial denture until the permanent one is put in place.

Is the treatment painful?

Most people say the placement process is much better than having a tooth removed. With today’s techniques and Dr. Cox’s sedation capabilities, implant placement is completely painless with only mild soreness during the recovery.

How will I feel after the treatment?

It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary pain medication. You should expect to be able to work the next day.

How will I care for my dental implants?

Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. You should brush and floss your implant-supported teeth just like your natural teeth. We’ll see you every 3-6 months for follow-up care to help make sure they stay clean and healthy.