Dental Implants – St. Albans, VT

Benefits of Dental Implants

What makes dental implants so different is that instead of just sitting on top of the gums, small titanium posts are placed within the jawbone in the space left by missing teeth, and these serve as the foundation for the new teeth. This approach brings with it a host of advantages other treatments simply can’t offer:

• Eat Up: Patients with implants can eat whatever they like without their prosthetics shifting or breaking, and that’s because they’re held within thick bone just like real teeth.
• Say “Cheese! ”: Because every implant is topped with a custom-made restoration and doesn’t require metal or acrylic attachments to remain stable, they have a realistic appearance that perfectly blends into every smile.
• Jawbone Protection: Right now, dental implants are the only tooth replacement known to stop and even reverse jawbone loss, which not only protects the remaining teeth but helps a patient retain a more youthful facial appearance as well.
• Made to Last: Just with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, dental implants can often endure for 30 years or more.

Indications for Dental Implants

Patients with any degree of tooth loss can potentially be good candidates for dental implants—all that’s needed is a mouth and jawbone healthy enough to support the new roots. Once in place, implants can be paired with a number of restorations to close the gap in a patient’s smile, no matter how large:

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How Dental Implants Work

As touched on above, dental implants involve placing small titanium posts into the jawbone that act as artificial tooth roots. These are then topped with a new crown, bridge, or denture once a patient’s mouth has healed (usually over the course of a few months). At most other dental offices, patients are forced to run between different doctors to have these procedures completed, but at St. Albans Dental, our team is able to handle everything ourselves. Dr. Aten is specially-trained to perform the entire implant treatment from start to finish, enabling our patients to rebuild their smiles in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

No two dental implant procedures are the same, and because of this, the price is always different as well. The number of teeth missing, the health of the jawbone, and the type of restoration needed can all affect the overall cost. At a one-on-one consultation, we can give you an accurate estimate of what you’ll be expected to pay for implants. While they tend to be more expensive than other treatments upfront, they are an investment that is intended to last for decades, and they often help patients save money in the long run because they don’t have to be replaced every few years (like with traditional bridges and dentures).

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Dental Implant FAQs

Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in St. Albans is a big commitment, but it’s worth the time and investment. It’s normal to have several questions about the road ahead, but your dentist will explain the process and address your concerns during your initial consultation. While you wait for your visit, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to feel confident in your choice to treat your tooth loss.

Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?

Although gum disease is preventable, it’s a leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. because it destroys the supporting structures of the teeth. If your smile is incomplete as a result of the infection, you cannot get dental implants without first having periodontal therapy. After treating the infection, you may need additional procedures to repair the damaged it has caused, like tooth extractions or bone grafting. While this will add more steps to your treatment plan, it is time well spent to ensure your new smile has the foundation it needs to thrive.

Am I too old for dental implants?

You’re never too old for dental implants. Your candidacy for the treatment isn’t based on your age as long as you’ve finished growing. Instead, it is determined by several other factors, like your oral and general health. Your dentist in St. Albans performs the thorough assessment you need to ensure dental implants are the right choice for you.

Does dental insurance pay for dental implants?

Unfortunately, most insurance carriers will not cover the entire cost of the treatment, but your policy may lower the amount you need to pay. Although every policy differs, you may be able to use your annual allowance after paying your yearly deductible to pay a portion of the expense for certain steps in your treatment, like the anesthesia or restoration.

A member of our office will work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We’ll find the solutions you need to replace your missing teeth without breaking the bank.

Although dental implants are more expensive than other treatments initially, they are the most cost-effective long-term because they have the potential to last for a lifetime. You’ll never need to worry about paying to replace them with the right aftercare.

Can dental implants fail?

Dental implants are the most predictable and reliable option to treat tooth loss; however, they can fail. Don’t worry, the risk of implant failure is less than 5%. Most often, it results from a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of infection to ensure your new smile lasts, such as maintaining your oral hygiene and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.

If you’re ready to learn more about dental implants, it’s time to take the first step toward a complete smile. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.