Dentures secured by implants are permanent dentures held in place with permanent metal screws or posts. The metal posts are also called tooth implants or dental implants. Tooth implants can be used in many different ways. In this article, we describe one application for tooth implants; the sturdy base for securing a denture to either the upper or lower arch.
How are the posts inserted?
The implants are first surgically anchored into the jaw bone.
The patient is then given time to heal with the posts in place. In the months after implantation, the post meshes with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration.
Once healed, the implant recipient returns for a final fitment of his/her new permanent dentures.
Who is a suitable candidate for dentures secured by implants?
When contemplating whether to get implant-secured dentures, standard dentures, or some other restoration option, the number of teeth missing will be a determining factor. If you have experienced severe tooth loss but still have good bone then you may be an appropriate candidate.
For people with one or two missing teeth, an implant for each missing tooth may be a better option. Each post would have an abutment (connecting piece) and crown attached.
People with three or four adjacent missing teeth may consider two implants bonded to a dental bridge. This configuration is similar to dentures secured but the bridge covers less gum tissue at the location.
If you live in Modesto, Patterson, or Turlock (where Turlock Dental Care is located) call 209-667-7889 to book a consultation.
If you’ve visited our website before you know that implants are the preferable tooth restoration for most people with a missing tooth.
The dental implant process can take several dental visits over a period of months.
Don’t let this discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is critical.
Remember that the tooth implant timeline is not a drawback. It is indicative of the permanent nature of a tooth implant.
The Dental Implant Timeline
1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment
A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).
It all starts with a consultation.
At your first visit to Turlock Dental Care, we’ll take X-rays and evaluate your mouth. We will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Be prepared to discuss your physical health in general and your medical history.
If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting surgery. This common procedure is described on our website.
2. Tooth Implant Placement
The first step is to insert the titanium alloy implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how rapid and easy the procedure is.
First, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the implant location.
doctor McCulla will make an incision in the gums. This opens the gums so the bone is accessible.
Then, we drill a small hole. The hole is the precise diameter and depth of the post.
The implant post is screwed into the hole in the bone.
We’ll take an X-ray to validate the implant is in the correct place.
We will then sew the gums back over the implant.
Dental implant placement will take from one to two hours.
OTC pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery soreness. Most dental implant patients can go back to work after the surgery.
Soreness and swelling should subside after a few days. An ice pack (used on the cheek, not inside the mouth) can reduce swelling.
If the implant location (and missing tooth) is visible when you smile, we will create a removable partial denture or flipper. You can wear this while you are waiting for the final restoration.
Make sure you practice daily dental hygiene but be extra gentle when cleaning around the surgical site.
3. Osseointegration
Implant surgery would not be successful if your jawbone did not welcome a non-biological tooth root. Amazingly, in the vast majority of cases, the jawbone tightly fuses with the implant. This is necessary to construct an extremely heavy-duty foundation for the final restoration.
Titanium readily integrates with bone. The official term for this quality is ‘osteophilic’. For most patients, it takes from three to six months for the post and jawbone to become inseparable.
4. Placing the Final Restoration
The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.
When you have your new smile at the end of this process, it will all be worth it!
Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.
A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.
Dental implants are life-changing! With regular checkups and proper care at home, a dental implant can last a lifetime. When you get your implant, we will have specific instructions for daily care. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.
Dental implants like those from Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA have become the tooth replacement solution of choice. People from Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale also come to our office for other restorative dentistry options. Contact us today!
A dental implant is a tooth replacement that is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to the adjacent teeth like a dental bridge. The post replaces the tooth root and is implanted where the tooth root used to be. When the post fuses with the bone, the dentist attaches an abutment and then a crown for the visible portion of the tooth.
It’s important to understand that a tooth implant involves several elements:
The post (screw)
The abutment
The crown
So, how much does a tooth implant cost?
Give me a rough estimate….
In Michigan, you can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,000 for one implant (the post that is screwed in).
Then there is the abutment (connector piece) and crown. These fundamentals could cost from $900 to $3,000.
This would bring the total price tag from $1900 to north of $5,000.
Remember, this is for ONE post, abutment, and crown.
What if I need a whole bunch of implants?
Some people spend between $20,000 and $50,000 for a total mouth reconstruction.
Wow!
Implants seem really costly…
An implant procedure is an oral surgery. It requires consultation and additional visits. It requires X-rays and impressions. You might need bone grafting to augment the bone where the implant will be placed.
There are indirect expenses as well…
Your dentist will pick up the components from a dental supplier. The dental crown is custom-made in a lab. Dental laboratories have pricey equipment. They employ professionals who are specially trained.
Consider your dentist’s schooling. Just one year of dental school costs between $30,000 and $70,000… (Don’t forget, your dentist earned an undergraduate degree before attending dental school.)
Your dentist employs a team of professionals. A dental office must purchase and maintain expensive equipment and supplies.
According to the American Dental Association, it costs at least $500,000 to open a dental practice. The yearly overhead can run over $200,000.
Does my dental insurance cover dental implant procedures?
Some dental insurance carriers cover dental implants. Some only cover the crown portion. Others don’t cover any portion of the procedure. It’s unfortunate that more dental insurers don’t cover implants. They are significantly less expensive over the long run. They preserve bone. They don’t require removing tooth structure like dental bridges. They don’t have as many complications as dental bridges.
Talk to your provider. If your insurance company doesn’t cover them, or if you don’t have dental insurance, talk to us about financing.
Dental implants are pricey. No doubt about it.
But if you talk to our patients, each one will tell you that they are worth every penny.
Dental implants have been called one of the most important steps forward in the history of modern dentistry, and we are proud to make them available to our patients at Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA.
Dental implants as we know them today have been around for decades, but they’re one of those things that most people to learn about until they need one. When they do, certain questions crop up pretty consistently:
Are dental implant procedures too expensive?
Are implants safe?
Are they experimental?
Is the surgery painful?
Does it take a long time to recover?
The answer to all of these is short and sweet: No. Dental implants are an investment in a better quality of life
They might not be cheap. But, when it comes to a permanent addition to your mouth, why would you want it to be? Plus, you gain so much more than a titanium post and porcelain crown or denture.
You regain the ability to chew steak and raw vegetables. You gain self-confidence. You preserve the shape of your face. You prevent your teeth from shifting after an extraction. You avoid embarrassing dentures slipping around in your mouth.
Permanent dental implants are a safe, mainstream dental procedure and they are definitely worth it! The cost of not doing anything could be far worse.
In healthy patients who are good candidates for the procedure, implants have a success rate around 98%. If you get a permanent dental implant, it could last the rest of your life!
Something else to note is that dental implant surgery involves very little pain and patients usually recover swiftly.
The procedure doesn’t usually take very long, though it depends on how many implants you’re getting. When it’s finished you may experience:
Minimal pain at the implant site
Minimal bleeding
Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks
These effects should subside after a few days. Ibuprofen and ice packs usually take care of the pain. Our team will provide you with specific care instructions when you leave the office, in order to ensure your implant’s longevity.
Dental implants from Decatur Smiles in Decatur AL restore smiles and change lives! Patients from Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale come to us for this and other restorative dentistry options, as well as extractions. To find out if we are the right practice for you, contact us today!
At Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA, we improve smiles with cosmetic dentistry every day. From the questions that some patients ask, though, it seems there are some myths about what cosmetic dentistry can and cannot do. So we’re using this blog post to clear up a few of them.
Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile
Many “cosmetic” dental procedures are not solely cosmetic. Procedures such as tooth replacement prevent potential issues like tooth movement, bone loss, and difficulty chewing and speaking.
Myth #2: A Dental Bridge is the Only Way to Replace a Missing Tooth
Dental bridges have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. Implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.
Myth #3: At-Home Teeth Whitening is as Effective as Professional Whitening
Commercially purchased whitening systems cannot compare to professional-strength teeth whitening treatments. They may remove surface stains, but do not provide the best results.
Myth #4: Dental Bonding is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth
Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers.
Myth #5: Braces are the Only Way to Correct Crooked Teeth
Braces can transform a smile, even in adults. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, porcelain veneers can reshape your teeth and help you get a beautiful smile. If the misalignment is thorough, you can also try our clear aligners and realign your smile without the need for metal.
At Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA, we want the best possible smiles for all of our patients, who come to us from Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale. Our services include complete cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!
A smile communicates your emotions better than words ever can. The absence of a smile also sends a clear message. What if you want to smile but the issues with your teeth prevent you? Cosmetic dentistry from Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA can help.
You may have a warm and engaging personality, but no one can observe that personality without a smile. If you are usually too embarrassed about your teeth to smile, this post is for you.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
Dental Veneers: Thin shells of medical-grade ceramic are affixed to the fronts of your teeth. They cover chips and cracks, and gaps between teeth.
Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening surpasses any commercially available products you’ll find at the store.
Clear Aligners: Straighten your teeth subtly but effectively, without metal.
Dental Implants: Missing a tooth? A dental implant is inserted in your jaw, and an artificial tooth is mounted on top.
Cosmetic dentistry from Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA can give you a whole new smile, and one you’ll love! People from Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale also come to us for complete family dentistry. Contact us today!
At Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA we want to see each one of our patients for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. Most of the time we try to get you to schedule your next appointment even as you leave the office from your latest one.
There are some very good reasons for seeing us twice a year. Regular cleanings and checkups are the best way to ensure you have good dental health. That means clean teeth with no cavities, and pink healthy gums.
Most appointments begin with a cleaning from the hygienist. During the checkup itself we look for any new cavities that may have appeared since your last visit. We might take X-rays, although this is not done at every visit. We’ll examine your gums, too, for any signs of gum disease.
Your Smile
Then there is the appearance of your smile. We offer a range of procedures to address it, from teeth whitening to dental implants.
We know that your time is important to you, and in many instances we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. Ask us when you schedule your appointment!
At Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA we are committed to providing the community with excellent services. People from Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale come to us for cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
Dental implants are tooth replacement marvels that have been placed in millions of people. They look and function just like the real thing, and are available at Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA.
Technically, dental implants are not replacement teeth. The actual implant is a titanium post that is inserted into your jaw. In a few months’ time it fuses with the bone. One implant is a solid support for one artificial tooth. Several can support a bridge or full dental arch.
Humans have tinkered with implanting teeth for thousands of years. The origins of modern dental implants date back to the early 1950s, when it was discovered that titanium can fuse with bone. An implant was successfully placed in a human in 1965. The technology has steadily improved, and today dental implants have gone from experimental to mainstream.
It’s the ability to fuse with the bone that make implants so successful. Some studies have shown a success rate as high as 98%! Cases of the body rejecting them are rare.
Dental implants dramatically improve your ability to bite and chew. In most patients it is normal to near-normal. They restore your smile, too. But they also prevent the bone loss common to people with missing teeth.
Are dental implants experimental? Far from it! At Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA, we have placed many implants, on patients from Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale. People also come to us for other restorative dentistry options. Contact us today!
As we grow older we experience many physical changes, from wrinkles to gray hair, to those aches and pains that come out of nowhere. Fortunately your smile can remain attractive and healthy, with a little help from cosmetic dentistry at Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA.
Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear such as enamel loss, staining, and chips, you can restore your youthful smile. Teeth can last a lifetime, so don’t think tooth loss is inevitable. But if it happens, there’s a state-of-the-art solution for that, too.
Cosmetic dentistry is a group of procedures that focus on the appearance of your smile. We can remove years of stains with professional teeth whitening. We can cover up cracks, chips, and gaps with dental veneers.
For missing teeth, dental implants are an ideal solution. An artificial tooth can be mounted on a titanium post that’s been implanted in your jaw. Multiple posts can support a dental bridge, and even a full dental arch.
At Turlock Dental Care in Turlock CA we believe that your smile doesn’t have to show your age! We’ve used cosmetic dentistry to improve smiles on patients from Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale, who also come to us for family and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
Professional, knowledgeable dental staff. Front office is courteous and friendly. Highly recommended for general dentistry and Clear Aligner treatment.
Michael W.
Today was my daughter’s last day of wearing the aligners. She is a very pleased with her new smile and the fast results thank you so much to Dr McCulla and the staff for making this a very easy experience 😁
Crystal C.
This place is great! State of the art equipment. Friendly staff and they have cookies! ?? Fresh ones!
Vanessa P.
I have finally found a dentist/hygienist that I feel comfortable with. I was there today and felt relaxed the entire time and am actually looking forward to going back for more dental work. Weird, but true.
Carol S.
Wow what a great place: treated like a queen Staff are friendly and genuine care about my health.
Noreen S.
What a warm and professional office. It really shows that they care a great deal for their patients. Dr.McCulla is wonderful and has an amazing chairside manner.
Charlene T.
New Patient Online Offer
FREE Cosmetic or Dental Implant Consultation (including necessary x-rays)
~ OR ~
FREE Second Opinion
($199 value)
Call 858-201-4542 today to schedule.
