Dental Implants

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants not only improve the overall look of your smile, but they also give your oral health the boost it needs to avoid many of the most common problems associated with tooth loss. Because of the titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone, this area of your mouth remains stimulated, which is necessary to prevent a shift in your healthy teeth as well as facial collapse or “sagging.”

They also make it possible to eat, chew, and speak with greater ease because of the improved functionality and bite force you will regain. You can enjoy all the foods you love without worry about your restorations slipping or accidentally falling out.

It’s also worth noting that dental implants are designed to last decades if not a lifetime. With proper care and maintenance, you can embrace a smile that will give you the aesthetics and confidence you need when surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues.

Indications for Dental Implants

Since dental implants are a highly versatile method of tooth replacement, you can replace one, multiple, or all your teeth at our dental office near Teays Valley.

Missing Single Tooth

Using only one titanium implant, metal abutment, and a custom-made dental crown, we can replace your lone tooth without altering nearby, healthy teeth like we would if you were receiving a traditional fixed bridge.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Using an implant-retained bridge, we can replace multiple consecutive teeth in a row. Your healthy teeth will remain untouched. Instead, we will insert two implants into the outer sockets before securing a bridge comprised of fused dental crowns. This will give you a more stable restoration that fits perfectly like a puzzle piece.

Missing All Teeth

Instead of relying on traditional dentures to restore your smile, we can use between four and six dental implants to create a solid foundation for your custom-made implant-retained denture. Securing it to the top of your implants, you will enjoy a more stable, functional, and longer-lasting restoration that requires no messy adhesive to hold it in place.

Start-to-Finish Implant Placement

At Warnick & Semder Dentistry, you don’t have to worry about receiving a referral for the surgical phase of treatment. Our dentists near Teays Valley are trained to perform the entire process in-house, so you can remain with the same familiar faces throughout treatment. From the initial consultation to the surgical placement to the securing of your customized restoration, our team can take care of it all, allowing you to have a more convenient and comfortable experience.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

The only way we can provide you with a clear cost estimate for your dental implant placement is to begin with an initial consultation. It is during this visit we will examine your oral cavity and facial structures to determine how many implants you will need as well as if you require any pre-implant dental work (i.e. periodontal therapy, bone grafting, tooth extraction). Once we consider all the factors, our team can formulate a proper estimate and go over all available payment options.

While it is true that dental implants are more expensive than traditional tooth replacement solutions (i.e. fixed bridge, full or partial dentures), they are actually more cost-effective when you consider how many times you’ll need to replace your traditional restorations.

Dental Implant Aftercare

Once your dental implants are firmly in place, it will be necessary for you to follow these detailed instructions to ensure they fused with your bone and tissues:

• Apply moderate pressure with clean gauze to minimize any bleeding.
• Make sure to get plenty of rest the first 3-5 days and avoid any strenuous activity.
• We will provide additional instructions should you normally wear a full or partial denture.
• Avoid using tobacco for at least 24 hours. It is best to cease all smoking or tobacco use before dental implant placement because it can slow down your healing time and increase your risk for implant failure.
• Do not chew until the anesthesia has fully worn off. If you received a temporary restoration, do not chew for at least one half-hour, as this will give the temporary cement a chance to fully set.
• On the first day, eat soft foods and drink plenty of water. After the initial 24 hours, you can resume eating a normal diet, but it is advised to slowly incorporate harder foods over time.
• When cleaning your teeth, avoid brushing for the first 14 days. During this time, use a clean gauze to wipe your surgical sites.
• Do not floss your teeth for four weeks, as this can irritate your implant sites.
• Continue to brush and floss your regular teeth normally, and don’t forget to use mouthwash.
• Take any antibiotics or medications as instructed.
• Don’t be afraid to take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your anesthetic wears off to help minimize discomfort.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to encourage faster healing and decrease pain. You may also apply moist heat to the areas.
• If swelling is a concern, use an ice pack, abiding by the 20-on, 20-off routine.