Dental Implants – Bella Vista, AR

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

The process of getting dental implants takes time; however, it is time well spent to ensure your new smile has a healthy foundation. While we work closely with local dental implant specialists for the surgical portions of your treatment, rest assured that you’ll received personalized care every step of the way. To give you a general idea of what to expect, here is a basic outline of the process of how dental implants work.

Read More

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

First, you’ll visit with Dr. Combs to discuss your goals for your smile and whether dental implants are the best way for you to achieve them. Our team will also thoroughly examine your mouth to determine if you can currently accommodate dental implants. For instance, your jawbone must have sufficient density to support the posts, but if it doesn’t, you may need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift. Once we’ve taken care of any necessary preliminary procedures, we can schedule your placement surgery with a skilled implant dentist.

Dental Implant Surgery

We’ll refer you to a local oral surgeon for your dental implant surgery. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the highest quality of care possible from a true expert in the field. Before the procedure begins, you’ll receive anesthesia to help you relax and stay comfortable. To place your implants, the surgeon will make incisions in your gums to access your jawbone, placing the posts at precise locations and angles. Then, they’ll carefully seal up the area and send you home to begin the healing process.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Over the next three to six months, a remarkable process called osseointegration will occur. Osseointegration is when the biocompatible dental implants fuse to the surrounding bone and tissue, creating the powerful bond they need to last a lifetime. You will likely receive a temporary restoration during this time so that you don’t have to go without teeth. After osseointegration is complete, you’ll undergo a brief procedure to have your abutments placed. These small metal connectors attach to the tops of your dental implants, allowing them to support a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

A few weeks after your abutment procedure, you’ll return to our office to receive your restoration at last. Your brand-new teeth will have been designed to mimic the size, shape, and color of your original pearly whites, ensuring a flawless appearance. After making any last-minute adjustments and cementing your restoration into place, you’re free to enjoy your new and improved smile!  

Benefits of Dental Implants

As more and more people learn about the benefits of dental implants, it’s not surprising that this method of tooth replacement is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, about 500,000 Americans get dental implants each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. It’s easy to see why – dental implants provide remarkable benefits that traditional solutions cannot. Read on to learn about some of the ways that dental implants can change your life! 

Read More

Day-to-Day Benefits

• Eat without worry – Denture-wearers tend to shy away from steak, apples, and other foods that can be tough to chew. While dentures only restore about 20-30% of the biting power that you had with your natural teeth, dental implants bring it back almost completely. With dental implants, you can eat all of the crunchy, chewy foods you want!
• Enjoy your favorite beverages – Traditional dentures are also known to warp when exposed to hot beverages like tea or coffee. In contrast, dental implant restorations are designed to maintain their shape no matter what you drink.
• Smile confidently – Your implant dentist will carefully design your replacement teeth to look exactly like your original ones. Other people shouldn’t even be able to tell that they’re not your “real” teeth! Plus, you can smile with the confidence that your teeth are securely in place – they won’t move around or fall out of your mouth.

Health Benefits

• Jawbone preservation – Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that stimulates the jawbone in the same manner that actual teeth do. Not only does this prevent the wrinkled appearance that typically occurs after teeth have been lost, but it also keeps the jawbone strong, preventing oral heath issues like further tooth loss.
• No tooth sensitivity or gum irritation – To place a dental bridge, some enamel has to be removed from the two natural teeth on either end of the gap, making them more susceptible to sensitivity. Dentures eventually lose their fit and slip around in your mouth, irritating your gums. Dental implants are self-supporting and remain firmly in place, so they eliminate both of these problems.
• Improved overall health – A study published in Periodontology found that individuals who had lost five or more teeth by age 65 were more likely to have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis than those with all of their teeth. Because dental implants function exactly like natural teeth, it’s reasonable to assume that they would prevent the increases risk of these medical conditions.

Long-Term Benefits

• Lasting results you can trust – Dental implants boast a remarkable success rate of more than 95%. As long as you take good care of them, your new teeth should be able to last for decades, possibly even for the rest of your life!
• Saved money and time – Dental bridges and dentures cost less up-front than dental implants do. However, traditional solutions only last five to ten years on average, while dental implants can easily last for 30 or more. In the long run, dental implants can save you countless hours and dollars that would otherwise be spent on repairs, replacements, cleaning products, and trips to our dental office.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

If you’re wondering whether dental implants are right for you, then there are a few indicators to keep in mind. For starters, the procedure provides a way for patients missing any number of teeth to have them replaced. Depending on the specific needs, here are the available options:

Read More

Missing One Tooth

Even if only one tooth is missing, it’s still important to replace it. That’s because over time, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift in attempt to find the necessary tension they need to maintain their position. Consisting of a titanium implant, abutment (titanium anchor) and porcelain crown, the single tooth dental implant procedure creates a full and attractive smile.

Missing Multiple Teeth

When multiple teeth are missing, the best solution is to receive an implant-retained bridge. Instead of resting atop the gums like a traditional bridge, the former, which consists of several porcelain teeth affixed to a single apparatus, attaches to the implant via an abutment. The result is a secure and lasting fixture that won’t slide or shift.

Missing All Teeth

For situations where all teeth are missing, a full mouth reconstruction is necessary. The procedure involves the insertion of a strategic number of implants that are angled perfectly to provide the best support possible. Because of this method of implant placement, patients don’t have to endure several invasive surgeries.

After the initial insertion of the implants and their fusion with the underlying jawbone, abutments are added that allow a set of dentures to be permanently fastened.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants allow you to enjoy a solution that looks and feels natural. Not to mention, they can last for a lifetime with the right aftercare to make a true investment in your smile. Although you’re excited to treat your tooth loss, we know you’re concerned about the cost of dental implants. There’s no need to worry. They are more affordable than many people realize. Here’s what you need to know to pay for your new smile.

Read More

Types of Dental Implants

There isn’t a set cost for dental implants because the price is determined by your specific treatment plan, like the number of teeth you’re replacing. Generally, you can expect to pay more if you need to treat several teeth because you’ll require more posts and abutments. The type of restoration you need will also impact the cost. We’ll provide you with an estimate and discuss the costs associated with your treatment during your initial consultation.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Unlike conventional prosthetics, the process of rebuilding your smile with dental implants will take several months to complete because there are various steps required. Although it may take a bit longer, it’s time well-spent because you will gain a solution with over a 95% success rate. This also gives you more time to pay because you won’t need to cover the entire amount upfront, which can make your treatment more affordable. Although every plan varies, you can expect to pay for:

• Initial Consultation: You’ll need an initial consultation to ensure you’re a candidate for dental implants. Besides a visual examination, you’ll also need digital X-rays and a CT scan.
• Additional Procedures: You may need additional procedures before your placement surgery, like periodontal therapy or bone grafting.
• Implant Surgery: Sedation or anesthesia is required as your implant posts are surgically placed into your jawbone.
• Abutments: Each implant post will require an abutment to connect your restoration.
• Restoration: Your restoration is made of high-quality material to last for years.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Although you’ll initially pay more for dental implants upfront, they are most cost-effective long-term because they should never need to be replaced with the right aftercare. Not to mention, they improve your oral health to reduce your overall dental expenses.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Many dental insurance carriers will pay a portion of the cost of the treatment until you reach your yearly limits, but you’ll need to pay your deductible first. We work on your behalf with your insurance company to reduce the amount you need to pay. We will explain any out-of-pocket expense and your payment options, like third-party financing with CareCredit.

You can permanently treat your tooth loss with dental implants. We have the solutions you need to keep your new smile affordable. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

Dental Implant FAQs

Dental implants are an excellent option to permanently replace your missing teeth. Although you’re excited to rebuild your smile, we know you still have several questions about what lies ahead. Don’t worry, we will take the time to address your concerns during your initial consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few of the top questions we hear to put your mind at ease.

Read More

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Age doesn’t determine your candidacy for dental implants as long as you’ve finished growing. Instead, there are several other factors your dentist will consider when determining if dental implants are right for you, such as your oral health and your lifestyle habits.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

The process of replacing your missing tooth will involve surgically inserting an implant post into your jawbone. As with any surgery, it’s normal to be concerned about feeling any pain, but you have nothing to worry about.

If you’re only having a single tooth treated, you may only need a local anesthetic; however, if your case is complex, we may recommend sedation or anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You will experience some discomfort while you heal, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Can Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants are the most successful and reliable tooth replacement treatment. In fact, their success rate is over 95%. Although they are proven to last for decades with the right aftercare, they can fail, but it is rare. The risk of implant failure is less than 5%, so you shouldn’t be concerned about it if you take the time to follow a few simple tips:

• Maintain your oral hygiene at home.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
• Don’t smoke.
• Don’t drink alcohol in excess.
• Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Have Gum Disease?

The long-term success of your new smile relies on remaining infection-free. As a result, you can’t get dental implants if you have active gum disease, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become a candidate for them.

Periodontal therapy will stop the infection to create the foundation your new smile needs to thrive. Besides treatment for gum disease, you may also need additional procedures to repair the damage caused by the infection, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting. Although it will add more steps to your treatment, they are essential for promoting the overall success of your dental implants.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

If you have dental implants, know that they have the potential to last a lifetime. Their durable materials, after all, can let them work for decades! However, these prosthetic teeth will only do so if you take good care of them. Damage or infection could make them fail otherwise. Therefore, we at Combs & Associates Family Dentistry have listed some tips on dental implant care. Please read them over to learn how to protect your new smile! Otherwise, call our office to learn more about implant maintenance.

Read More

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

True, dental implants are artificial and thus don’t suffer cavities. Even so, you still need to practice good oral hygiene! Dental health issues like gum disease and tooth infections can cause implant failure. That being said, remember the following:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss once daily with traditional floss, flosser tools, or similar products.
• Rinse your mouth once daily with ADA-approved mouthwash.

A solid at-home dental hygiene regimen can keep your smile in tip-top shape for life!

Eat a Healthy Diet

As you might know, dental implants will let you eat whatever you want. They can thus let you have a fuller, more nutritious diet! That said, these facts don’t mean you can pick your meals willy-nilly.

You see, overindulging in hard, sticky, or sugary foods can be problematic. Such items have sugar that causes oral issues, which then trigger implant failure.

In the future, eating a more “mouth-healthy” diet would be best. In particular, meals high in protein, calcium, and various vitamins will keep your jawbone strong and your gum tissues healthy.

Break Bad Habits

While implants aren’t natural teeth, they can still suffer from bad oral habits. As such, you should try to avoid practices that put any pearly whites at risk.

For example, consider smoking. It not only turns teeth yellow but also causes severe gum disease. Given these truths, you’re better off quitting tobacco for your smile.

Bruxism and ice-chewing are also bad news. Besides chipping your regular chompers, these habits can damage your restorations.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Although dental implants are strong and durable, these traits don’t make them indestructible. They can and will break down from dental injuries. To keep that from happening, then, wear a mouthguard for sporting events and a nightguard if you grind your teeth. These tools will protect your implants from additional wear and tear.

If possible, talk to our office about getting a custom-fitted nightguard. Our office would be happy to set you up with one!

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Your implants will benefit from regular dental checkups and cleanings along with the rest of your smile. These visits allow Dr. Combs to examine your mouth for potential health problems. From there, he can diagnose and treat any issues before they threaten the implants.

These visits also ensure your treatment is cost-effective. By preventing potential implant failure, they save you the time and money you’d spend getting replacements.