Dental Implants
Implant dentistry is considered the “gold standard” for replacing missing and/or damaged teeth. Composed of two main parts—a titanium post capped by a single- or multi-tooth restoration—dental implants are secured in the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, offering a biomimetic tooth replacement solution that provides exceptional strength and stability when chewing, speaking, and smiling. In addition, the crown(s), bridge(s), or denture(s) fixed on top of the implant posts can be custom-designed to match one’s smile preferences, ultimately providing a completely natural-looking and -functioning result.
At I.Dentical – All About Your Smile, Dr. Rafael Yanez is greatly skilled and a top dentist in tailoring dental implant treatments to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient. If you are considering dental implants to replace one or multiple teeth, we encourage you to continue reading the sections below to learn more about implant dentistry, or simply contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.
What Are the Main Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants can provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, and their popularity continues to grow for numerous reasons. Unlike other dental restoration options, this innovative method of tooth replacement does not require messy adhesives, they don’t slip along the gums, they help to prevent jawbone deterioration, and they can ultimately enhance both the form and function of your teeth with results that look and feel entirely natural. Since dental implants function just like individual teeth, they can also be cleaned and maintained with simple brushing and flossing.
In short, key benefits of dental implants can include:
- Lasting—often permanent—tooth replacement
- Improved ability to chew and speak
- Enhanced comfort in comparison to alternatives
- Prevention of future dental complications
- Zero additional maintenance
- Reduced wear to the gums
- A natural look and feel
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options with Dental Implants?
Depending on your particular case, Dr. Yanez can utilize one or more of the following implant-anchored tooth replacement options to restore both form and function to your smile.
Single-Tooth Implants
Single-tooth implants consist of a solitary implant post topped by a porcelain dental crown. This implant solution can be used to replace one tooth or several individual teeth.
Implant Bridges
Implant bridges are comprised of one or more implant posts strategically placed to support a dental bridge (or partial denture) for the replacement of multiple consecutive teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, this restoration does not require adhesives and/or the support of adjacent natural teeth for stability.
All-on-4® Implant Dentures
All-on-4® is an implant-supported denture technique that utilizes four implant posts to anchor a full-arch denture in place. This can be a more comfortable, convenient, and effective alternative to traditional dentures for individuals who need to replace an entire row of upper and/or lower teeth. For more detailed information, please visit our page devoted to All-on-4® implant dentures.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction, sometimes referred to as full mouth restoration or full mouth rehabilitation, is a customized procedure that can include several treatments designed to restore dental function, health, and appearance. A full mouth reconstruction can be an ideal solution for patients who are experiencing a range of serious dental conditions, such as missing teeth, damaged teeth, misalignment, deep stains, or others. Dental implants can often be part of a full mouth reconstruction for individuals who can benefit from high-quality missing teeth replacement.
You can learn more about this remarkable procedure on our full mouth reconstruction page.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are in good general health, have one or more missing or damaged teeth, and have sufficient bone structure in your jaw to accommodate the implant post(s), dental implants may be the right tooth replacement option for you. Some patients lack adequate bone density for the procedure; however, modern techniques and bone grafting make it possible to strengthen this area so you can still undergo treatment. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Yanez will conduct a thorough oral evaluation to determine if dental implants are right for you. If it is decided you are a good candidate, he can proceed with developing a customized treatment plan with the aid of state-of-the-art iCAT® Cone Beam 3D imaging.
iCAT® Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging
To make your dental implant experience as fast, comfortable, and effective as possible, Dr. Yanez uses iCAT® Cone Beam 3D dental imaging technology. This advanced system allows him to virtually place dental implants in the ideal position using visualization software. By producing more accurate images than traditional radiography, the iCAT® technology removes the guesswork during planning and surgery, which results in higher success rates for dental implantation. The 3D imaging platform also delivers high-definition images with low radiation in as little as eight seconds. We prioritize your safety and results in every procedure, and the iCAT® is one more way Dr. Yanez can supply exceptional care.
What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Entail?
All dental implant procedures at I.Dentical – All About Your Smile are custom-planned and performed by Dr. Yanez himself, as opposed to referring out to other specialists like some practices do. The first step of the procedure is to surgically implant the titanium implant post(s) through the gums and into the jawbone in order to ensure a stable and lasting tooth replacement. The optimal location and angle for insertion into the bone is previously identified using iCAT® Cone Beam 3D dental imaging technology, leaving any guesswork out of the equation.
Once successfully placed, the implant(s) will need time to heal and fuse to the jawbone (a process called osseointegration). During this period—which typically takes a few months— temporary restorations can be worn, allowing you to speak, smile, and chew with ease throughout treatment. When osseointegration is eventually complete, you will return to our office to receive your final restoration(s) designed for the most comfortable, precise, and natural fit possible. If necessary, Dr. Yanez can make any last touch-ups at this time in order to yield an optimal outcome.
How Is the Recovery Process Following Dental Implant Surgery?
When the implants are first placed, Dr. Yanez will attach temporary restorations. You will never be without a smile during this process. The implants should heal and integrate with your jawbone over the course of several months. Once they have fused, you will return to our practice for placement of the final, permanent restoration(s). Your treatment is complete once all restorations are affixed, and you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or moving in place.
Patients may initially experience minor swelling and discomfort following dental implant surgery. Those symptoms typically subside within a week. Pain during the recovery process can often be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Patients are advised to eat soft foods and avoid pressure on the implant area, especially right after the procedure is performed. Additionally, maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine can help preserve treatment results and promote a safe healing process.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implant posts are designed to be permanent structures in your mouth, and the restoration(s) placed on top can often last decades with proper care. As long as you maintain your oral health with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, your implants should remain in good shape for many years to come. Injuries, dental damage and decay, and disease can affect the longevity of implants, so it’s important to stay on top of your dental care throughout your life.
What Is the Cost of Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants may vary from patient to patient due to a variety of factors, including the number of dental implants needed, the materials that are used, and the complexity of the treatment. A patient’s specific dental needs, such as the condition of their oral health, number of missing teeth, and jawbone density, can ultimately influence their personal treatment plan, as well as the final cost.
To find out how much dental implants from our practice will cost, we recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Yanez. He will cover every detail of your plan and explain what goes into the fees to help you become knowledgeable about your options. To further assist you, we are “in-network” for many leading dental insurance companies, and we also work with reputable dental financing agencies CareCredit®, LendingClub®, and Proceed Finance in the event you would prefer a payment plan. We are here to help you find the best way forward for your dental needs, goals, budget, and lifestyle.
“I received first-class treatment with Dr. Yanez and his staff. He installed four dental implants for me and crowned several teeth a couple years ago. I received an EXCELLENT price as well as incredible results. I highly recommend Dr. Yanez! ”
Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?
If dental implants are not right for you, other options are available at our practice. If you have one or more missing teeth in a row, a traditional dental bridge may be able to help address your concerns. In the event you have a damaged tooth that doesn’t require extraction, a traditional dental crown may provide an effective alternative. Traditional dentures are also a popular choice for replacing several consecutive teeth or even an entire row, although this method does not suit everyone. At the time of your visit, Dr. Yanez can discuss all of your options with you, helping you select the most appropriate treatment for your needs and goals.
How Do I Choose the Best Implant Dentist?
Choosing the best implant dentist to perform your dental implant procedure is the first step, and can be the most important one. Some factors to evaluate as you research your options include:
- The dentist’s credentials, background, and experience
- The number of dental implant procedures they have performed
- The overall success rate the dentist has had with dental implant procedures
- The planning technology and treatment techniques the dentist utilizes
- Reviews of the dentist by previous patients, which can provide a general idea of their approach to care
- Before-and-after photos, which can illustrate the results the dentist is capable of achieving
Scheduling a consultation with the dentist to talk about your needs and evaluate your rapport is also a crucial step. This initial meeting can help you determine your level of confidence with the prospective dentist and give you an overview of their general philosophy of care.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dental Implants
To help you determine if this procedure is right for your needs and goals, Dr. Yanez has included some answers to other common questions not addressed above. If you would like to know more, we’re happy to help. Simply contact our team for more information and to schedule a consultation.
Who is best qualified to do dental implants?
We recommend choosing an experienced and highly trained dentist to perform your dental implant procedure. A professional with the proper education and certifications, as well as a track record of satisfied patients, is most likely to provide you with top-quality results.
Dr. Yanez has dedicated his career to combining his impeccable surgical skill with his compassionate chairside manner in order to produce sturdy, long-lasting outcomes. A member of numerous distinguished organizations—such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the International Dental Implant Association, and the American Dental Association—Dr. Yanez has earned the respect and trust of countless dental patients. For a better sense of what your experience at I.Dentical – All About Your Smile may entail, we welcome you to explore Dr. Yanez’s patient testimonials.
How do dental implants replace a tooth or teeth?
Dental implants completely take the place of the missing natural tooth or teeth. Each implant includes a rod or post which is integrated with the jawbone and topped with a crown or other restoration. As a result, dental implants can work and look just like your natural teeth. Furthermore, maintenance is the same as with natural teeth, and dental implants also help to maintain the strength and health of your oral structures.
Do dental implants look natural?
Absolutely. Our practice is dedicated to providing exceptional care, and that extends to the aesthetic appearance of our restorative treatments. Dr. Yanez utilizes the most advanced techniques available to achieve a natural-looking smile that also functions optimally. Once the dental implant procedure is complete, the results often look and feel so natural that many of our patients often forget they have an artificial tooth.
Are dental implants safe?
When treatment is correctly performed by a qualified and experienced dentist like Dr. Yanez, replacing teeth with dental implants is usually considered quite safe. With that said, any surgical procedure comes with a certain degree of risk, and implant dentistry is no exception—some potential issues include poor healing, infection, minor implant movement, and implant failure. The good news is, by choosing the right provider and strictly following all pre- and post-treatment instructions, the probability of experiencing any of these problems can be significantly minimized, if not eliminated.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
At our practice, the dental implant process is generally conducted in a few different steps:
- We plan the insertion of the implant using iCAT® Cone Beam 3D dental imaging technology.
- The titanium post is precisely placed in your jawbone.
- The implant fuses into the jawbone (osseointegration).
- The restoration is completed with a crown, bridge, or denture, and Dr. Yanez performs any necessary touch-ups.
The initial insertion of the titanium post(s) is typically completed in one session. After being placed, the new implant(s) will need time to fuse with the jawbone for a secure fit. The osseointegration process usually takes a few months, although that timeline may vary slightly depending on the extent of treatment, the number of implants placed, and other key factors. The final restoration will be placed once the implant(s) have fully healed, at which point the process is considered complete.
Do dental implants hurt?
Your comfort is one of our top priorities at I.Dentical – All About Your Smile. We will anesthetize you during the procedure so that you should not feel any pain. Some patients experience discomfort and anxiety whenever they visit the dentist. If this is the case for you, let us know in advance so we can help you feel more at ease and provide options to help you relax. Some soreness after the anesthetic wears off is normal, and this can generally be managed with over-the-counter medication.
How do I clean dental implants?
One of the many advantages of dental implants is that they require no additional maintenance apart from establishing consistent oral hygiene practices. They are designed to emulate natural teeth and should be treated with the same care. It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, and attend your scheduled dental exams to ensure your implants last as long as possible.
Why do dental implants fail?
In rare cases, the implant(s) may not successfully fuse with the jawbone during the osseointegration phase. This condition, known as “implant failure,” can be caused by a variety of factors, including severe decay or gum disease, untreated diabetes, or smoking during the healing process. Insufficient jawbone density can also result in implant failure, but rest assured that Dr. Yanez will thoroughly examine your mouth to ensure your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant before your treatment begins. Please also note that this phenomenon is extremely uncommon, especially when your procedure is in the hands of a highly-qualified dentist like Dr. Yanez.
How does smoking affect dental implants?
Smoking cigarettes or vaping during your dental implant treatment process can impair the flow of blood and oxygen to your jaw and gum tissues, significantly increasing your risk of implant failure. It can also increase your risk of infection, which can prolong the healing phase and/or impair osseointegration. In addition, the weakening of bone density is among the major side effects of long-term smoking, potentially leading to further problems over time. As such, we advise patients to stop smoking as far in advance of their procedure as possible and to refrain for at least 2-3 months after the implant is placed for the highest chance of a successful treatment.
Why choose dental implants over traditional dentures?
Traditional dentures were the standard option for replacing teeth for a long time, but advances in the field of restorative dentistry paved the way for dental implants. This revolutionary option significantly improved upon conventional dentures and enabled many patients to replace teeth with results that more closely aligned with the function of natural teeth. Dental implants offer improved structural integrity, more natural-looking results, and functionality that is as close to original teeth as one can get. In contrast to dentures, dental implants also do not require putties, pastes, or other types of dental adhesives to remain securely in place without slipping or moving on the gums. Additionally, it is typically much easier to care for dental implants on a daily basis—brushing and flossing as you would with natural teeth is all that is necessary. While traditional dentures can still be the more ideal treatment option for patients with certain conditions, the long-term benefits of dental implants and their ability to simulate natural teeth right down to the root help them stand apart as the new gold standard for teeth replacement.
How many dental implants will I need?
Each patient will be evaluated during the initial consultation to determine the number of dental implants necessary to successfully replace missing teeth. Factors that can go into this determination include how many teeth are missing, density of the jawbone in the areas of missing teeth, and the ultimate wishes of each patient. A single tooth may be replaced by a single dental implant. Multiple missing teeth may be replaced by a dental implant for each tooth, or perhaps an implant-supported denture (such as the All-on4® implant denture option) may be recommended. Implant-supported dentures utilize only a select number of dental implants to secure a denture in place, which can benefit patients with full rows of missing teeth. Our team will be able to provide a better assessment of your needs during the initial consultation.
Will I need a bone graft before dental implant surgery?
For some individuals, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary before the dental implants can be placed. Bone grafting involves the surgical insertion of a small piece of bone in the area of the missing tooth to enhance jawbone density, strengthening the jawbone to better accommodate and securely hold the implant. This additional “pre-dental implant” treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis and is not necessary for all patients.
How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants have a remarkably high success rate; however, the potential for success is dependent upon each individual patient and their oral health status, along with their compliance with after-care guidelines and regular oral health maintenance. Although it is rare for implants to fail, the chances of implant failure may be higher for some patients than others. Overall, most patients can experience the positive results of dental implants for many years (even a lifetime) if they take great care of their teeth by brushing, flossing, and maintaining a regular schedule of dental checkups and cleanings.
Can dental implants help preserve the jawbone?
When teeth are missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth and provide the necessary stimulation to maintain bone density and prevent bone loss. This makes implants an effective solution not only for restoring function and aesthetics but also for maintaining the structural integrity of the jawbone.
To learn more about dental implants, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
