A dental implant is a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire set of missing teeth. Doctors Maria Burmaster and Valerie Hemphill work with periodontists and oral surgeons to complete this multistep restorative dentistry procedure with the highest degree of accuracy.
We offer the convenience and benefit of in-office CBCT scanning. This 3-D digital scanning machine can provide in-depth imagery of all tissues and structures for evaluating dental problems and planning your treatment. CBCT scanning is a necessary part of placing dental implants with a stable and successful outcome.
Why Choose Dental Implants for Missing Teeth?
- Superior durability and longevity
- Better preservation of the bone structure
- Virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth
- Eat, drink and speak comfortably without special restrictions or risk of slippage
- Improve the appearance of the face by adding fullness to the lips and cheeks
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Our dentists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants require a significant investment of both time and resources to ensure a successful outcome. Patients must have the adequate bone structure to accommodate the dental implant. In some cases, bone grafting may be performed to build up the insufficient bone structure.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients who are missing several or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are an excellent option. As few as two implants may be needed to secure a denture or partial denture. Sometimes, an existing denture can be converted into an implant-supported one. Learn More
About The Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure for dental implants requires multiple visits over several months. After the comprehensive evaluation, our dentists will create a personalized treatment plan. Barataria Dental will coordinate the entire treatment, working closely with dental specialists, dental laboratories, and other professionals to ensure a predictable and successful result.
- Placing the Implant – The specialist will place the dental implant, a tiny titanium post, into the bone. The dental implant will be allowed to heal and integrate with the natural bone, serving as the artificial root for the new tooth. The healing process can take several months. Depending on your case and the position of the missing tooth or teeth, a temporary crown may be placed in the mouth while the implant heals.
- Restoring the Dental Implant – Once the dental implant has healed, our dentists will restore the dental implant by placing the prosthetic tooth. While the dental implant is healing, a dental crown will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. This will serve as the replacement tooth. The dental crown is secured to the dental implant for permanent restoration.
- How Long Do Dental Implants Last? – A dental implant is a permanent solution for missing teeth with proper care and maintenance. The materials used in dental crowns are carefully selected depending on where the tooth is being replaced in the mouth. With any dental restoration, regular visits to the dentist are recommended to monitor your condition and ensure that treatment continues to be successful.
Dental Implant FAQs
What can’t I do with dental implants?
Immediately after implant surgery, avoid hard and sticky foods. The area will be sore and uncomfortable for some time. These foods will only aggravate the area. You should avoid smoking with dental implants as well. Not only can it make it harder for the implants to heal right after surgery, but it raises the risk of implant failure even when the area is healed.
How do dental implants compare to other tooth replacement solutions?
Implants have one of the highest success rates of tooth replacement options, at around 95-98%. Meanwhile, other options like dentures have a failure rate of up to 30%, meaning around 70% are successful. Implants are also a lifetime replacement that you don’t have to worry about replacing or adjusting. Since implants stop jawbone regression, your bones don’t change the fit of your dental restoration.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
Because of the surgical component, getting implants is a longer process than other options. After we surgically place them, the posts take 3-6 months to heal and fuse with the jawbone properly. We can fit you with a temporary restoration as this heals. An abutment then attaches the final restoration to the implant posts when you’re ready.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
No, the process isn’t painful. We sedate you and give you a local anesthetic during the actual procedure. After the surgery, you will have soreness and discomfort for the first couple of weeks. Most patients find relief with over-the-counter pain medication, but we can also discuss prescription options. If you experience any severe pain in the days after the surgery, call us immediately, as this indicates a problem.
How long do dental implants last?
Implants are considered a permanent procedure. Many dental implants are still in good condition after 35 years or more, as long as you take care of them properly. We’ll give you instructions on how to care for your implants for the long haul.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Before any procedure, we’ll perform a full oral exam and talk to you about your medical history, budget, and goals. Because it’s a surgical procedure, you must be healthy enough to undergo surgery. Your current oral health issues must be treated before we can proceed with implants. You’ll also have to have a certain amount of healthy bone structure to support the implant. If you don’t, you may have to have a bone graft before we can give you implants.
