If you are looking for a way to replace missing teeth that offers an alternative to traditional dentures, dental implants can often be an ideal solution. This is a permanent replacement option that utilizes a titanium post and a customized porcelain crown to create a stable tooth that will not move or slip along the gums. Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots composed of titanium posts topped with custom-designed dental crowns. The implants are delicately inserted into the gum and anchored to the jawbone, where they should fuse to the bone over time and become a permanent part of the mouth, mimicking the function of a natural tooth root. This makes it possible for the implant to serve as a secure foundation for a custom dental crown, ultimately resulting in missing tooth replacement that functions and feels as though you never lost the tooth in the first place.
The numerous potential benefits of dental implants make this procedure one of the most popular and effective alternatives to traditional dentures available. Advantages of this procedure include:
The best candidates for dental implants are those who have an adequate amount of jawbone density in the area where the teeth are missing. This is necessary in order to provide the implant with a solid foundation of support. If there is insufficient bone density in the area, Dr. Vereen can discuss treatment options that can address this concern and make it more likely for the bone to accommodate the implant. Good candidates for dental implants must also be in relatively good general health. Patients who are currently suffering from certain medical conditions and those who are undergoing radiation treatments or chemotherapy may not be eligible for the procedure at this time. Individuals who have periodontal disease at the time of evaluation may still be candidates for dental implants; however, the condition will need to be treated before the implantation procedure can commence.
Dr. Vereen will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your oral structures, take digital x-rays, and talk with you about your needs and goals. If he determines that you are a good candidate for dental implants, he will develop a customized treatment plan designed to meet your expectations. It’s important to note that advances in implant dentistry have made it possible for individuals who may have been told in years past that they were not candidates for this procedure to qualify today. If Dr. Vereen ultimately finds that you are not an ideal candidate, he can talk with you about effective alternative options, such as implant-supported dentures, dental bridges, or custom dentures, that can help you fulfill your goals with excellent results.
Once your personalized dental implant treatment plan is developed, Dr. Vereen and his dental team will take a state-of-the-art digital impression of your oral structures to serve as a kind of blueprint for the procedure. Our practice utilizes the advanced iTero® digital scanner for impressions, which does not require uncomfortable putties to be placed on the teeth for lengthy periods of time. This technique is capable of creating extraordinarily precise 3-Dimensional digital images that help to create an implant crown that can yield the best possible fit, function, and appearance.
An oral surgeon will insert the titanium post into the gum and anchor it to the jawbone. The implant will then go through the “osseointegration” process, in which it should fuse to the bone and become a permanent part of your mouth. This will occur over a period of months. A temporary crown can often be placed on top of the implant post during this time. Once the implant has fully fused to the bone, Dr. Vereen will affix a porcelain dental crown that has been custom-designed to look, feel, and function like the original tooth. With a final polish, you should have a new tooth (or teeth) that so closely mimics your natural tooth it may be challenging to distinguish the implant from your real teeth!
One of the major advantages of dental implants is that they are designed to last for many, many years. With the proper home care and routine visits to the dentist for oral health maintenance, many dental implant patients have experienced results that last a lifetime.
Dental implant procedures are completely customized for each individual patient’s needs; therefore, the price of the treatment varies. The total cost of dental implant procedures for a single tooth at our practice typically falls in the $4,000 range, unless an additional treatment such as a bone graft or sinus lift is necessary prior to implantation. With that in mind, there are many factors that go into the final cost determination, including the number of implants being placed, the complexity of the procedure, the materials utilized, whether sedation dentistry techniques are used, laboratory fees, and other components.
Once your treatment plan has been designed, a member of our team will calculate a cost estimate for the dental implant procedure that includes all associated expenses and go over it with you in detail. Dr. Vereen firmly believes that every individual who needs or desires quality dental care should be able to receive it, regardless of their personal financial situation. This is why our practice accepts a full range of convenient payment methods, and offers access to affordable dental financing options through CareCredit®. This reputable healthcare financing agency provides a number of low- to no-interest monthly payment plans for patients who qualify. We are more than happy to assist you with finding the payment option that works best for your budget.
Would you like to learn more about dental implants and how they can help you effectively replace missing teeth? Please contact us today for additional information, or to schedule an appointment.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our practice today. We will be happy to talk with you about our treatment options, or assist you with scheduling an appointment.
15 Tea Olive Court
Aiken, SC 29803
803.642.5747
Open Mon–Thurs
8am–5pm