How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

One of the reasons dental implants are deemed the best restoration available for missing teeth is their durability. Dental implants for single teeth last at least 20 years, but with excellent care and hygiene may last much longer, and even a lifetime. Implant-supported dental bridges and implant-supported dentures can also be expected to last decades. Read on for what to know about making your dental implants last. 

Dental Implants for a Single Tooth, Multiple Teeth, or an Entire Arch of Teeth

There are multiple types of dental implants, but all use surgically implanted screws to support artificial teeth. The implanted screws not only anchor the artificial teeth securely to the jaw, but they also help preserve and regenerate the jaw bone. This helps to prevent an altered facial appearance whereby the mouth looks sunken. Types of dental implants include:

Single-Tooth Implants

Consisting of a single implanted, biocompatible screw, an abutment, and a dental crown, single-tooth dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. In addition to restoring your smile, they help you enjoy a restored bite force, and chewing capabilities.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are best for patients with multiple missing teeth in a row. Two dental implants will be placed that will support a bridge of artificial teeth. 

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implants may be used to support either removable or fixed dentures. With as few as two implanted screws, custom dentures can snap onto the implants for a more secure fit.

Permanent or fixed dentures can also be attached using as few as 4-6 dental implants to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth.

How to Care for Dental Implants

To ensure your dentures last as long as possible, you’ll need to practice excellent oral hygiene. With single-tooth implants, you will need to brush twice daily and floss daily.  You should also see the dentist at least every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning.

Implant-supported bridges and permanent implant-supported dentures need to be cared for meticulously. Because you will not be able to floss completely between the teeth comprising the bridge, you may need to purchase dental tools including an interdental brush, floss threaders, or Super Floss. Many patients with implant-supported bridges and dentures switch to an oral irrigator such as a WaterPik, which uses pulses of water to remove debris. Your dentist may also recommend the periodic use of an antibacterial mouthrinse. You will need to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. 

Snap-on or removable implant-supported dentures should be removed and cleaned after each meal. You’ll also need to gently brush the implanted screws.  Frequent rinsing of your removable dentures is also recommended. You may need to see your dentist more frequently than every six months to ensure good oral health. 

Book a Dental Implant Consultation Today

There is no reason you should suffer from embarrassment, or an inability to enjoy all that life has to offer, including delicious meals, because you are missing teeth. Dental implants fix gaps in your grin and promote better oral health when cared for properly. To book a consultation for dental implants in Holyoke, MA call 413-536-1782. You may also send us a message to request an appointment.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Holyoke, MA?

As a provider of dental implants in Holyoke, we hear a number of questions from patients about the cost involved in getting implant-supported restorations. Although most people understand that dental implants are the ideal solution for missing teeth, it’s common for patients to have reservations about the price. Below, we answer some of the most common questions people have about paying for dental implants.

What do dental implants cost in Holyoke, MA?

In order to understand the cost of dental implants, it’s important to know the terminology involved. When asking about the price of dental implants, most patients are referring to the implant itself as well as the restoration attached to it. Technically speaking, though, “dental implant” refers only to the implant post that is placed in the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. The restoration is attached to the implant with a piece called an abutment.

The cost of a single dental implant fixture ranges from $2400 to $3800 in Holyoke, MA. Then, you must also add the cost of the restoration. Because the restoration could be a dental crown, bridge, or denture, the number of teeth being replaced and the type of restoration needed are significant factors in determining the total price of an implant-supported restoration.

You’ll also need to factor in any supplemental procedures that are required before dental implant surgery, including tooth extractions, a sinus lift, or bone grafting to restore the jaw after bone loss has occurred.

With so many different factors involved, the best way to understand the cost of dental implants for your unique circumstances is to visit our office for a consultation.

Why are dental implants so expensive?

When you compare the cost of implant-supported restorations with that of traditional bridges and dentures, there’s a significant difference in price. This is because traditional restorations only replace the visible portion of a missing tooth, while implant-supported restorations also replace the root.

This means that there are more costs involved—you’ll need to account for the surgery itself, the biocompatible implant posts, the restoration, and additional office visits, planning time, and imaging. Still, dental implants are worth the cost for most of our patients because they last a lifetime with proper care and preserve oral health by preventing bone loss.

Does insurance pay for dental implants?

More dental insurance companies are offering coverage for dental implants, but it varies from one provider to the next. We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to ask them about the benefits they provide. In some cases, medical insurance may also provide coverage for dental implants. Our billing team is happy to work with you to help make sense of your benefits.

Are dental implants worth it?

Yes, dental implants are worth it and we have countless happy patients to attest to this fact. There is no other solution that looks, feels, and functions so much like your own natural teeth. Dental implants prevent and reverse bone loss in the jaw and because they don’t need support from other teeth, they are the best option for your oral health.

Learn More About Dental Implants

If you have additional questions about dental implants or you’d like to schedule a consultation at Oakdale Dental Associates, contact us today at 413-536-1782 to make an appointment.

Financing Dental Work: What You Should Know

Are you in need of dental work and wondering how you’re going to pay for it? Dental procedures can be pricey and even if you have dental insurance, it doesn’t typically cover the full cost. But don’t worry, there are many ways to finance dental work in order to make it affordable.

Call Oakdale Dental Associates PC at (413) 536-1782 to inquire about our financing options. We strive to make dental work affordable so that you don’t have to compromise your dental health because of your budget.

CareCreditⓇ

One of the most commonly used lenders for medical-related financing, CareCreditⓇ allows you to make payments without interest for a promotional period of time. As long as you pay off the balance by the end of the promotion, you will not be charged any interest. You will even be issued a credit card to use for medical costs of any kind. There is an application and approval process required.

Credit Cards

You probably receive a steady stream of credit card offers in the mail offering 0% rates for certain promotional periods of time. These can be a useful way to finance dental work. The key is to budget properly so that you can pay it off by the end of the promotion and avoid paying the higher interest rate that applies to the remaining balance. To calculate how much you will need to pay each month in order to pay it off by the time the promotion ends, simply divide the total balance by the number of months you have in your promotion. If you know you won’t be able to make those payments, don’t get the card.

Dental Savings Plan

Oakdale Dental Associates recommends saving in advance for dental expenses. We offer a Dental Savings Plan for patients that don’t have dental insurance. This is not a loan and there is no application or approval process required. There’s no deductible and no annual maximum. This is not an insurance plan, it is simply a membership plan that entitles you to a discounted fee.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is usually established with a set amount that is borrowed, such as the cost of the dental procedure you require. You then pay it back in monthly installments until the balance is paid in full. This is different from an open line of credit that becomes available again after you pay off the balance. A personal loan is a one-time fixed sum.

Dental Loans

Many financial institutions offer dental loans and some lenders specialize in just that one type of loan. Start with your trusted bank or credit union to see what they can offer you. Beware of online only lenders that may offer extremely low rates. When you read the fine print you may find that your rate is subject to change and that there are extra fees added on.

Don’t Let Financing Get in the Way of your Best Dental Health

Have you been putting off dental procedures you need because you don’t think you can afford to pay for them? This is an unfortunate situation that many people find themselves in as dental costs rise and dental insurance is not always easily accessible.

 

Don’t let your budget stand in the way of your dental health. Call Oakdale Dental Associates today at (413) 536-1782 to discuss financing options for the dental procedures you need. So you can smile with confidence because of your dental health as well as your financial health.

A Step by Step Guide to Dental Implants

Until quite recently, dentures and dental bridges were the best solutions to replace teeth that were missing or failing. Today, though, dental implants have become the gold standard. They replace tooth roots, reversing jawbone loss and providing a strong, durable foundation for top-quality replacement teeth. A single dental implant with a crown is the right choice for one missing tooth, while just a few implants can support a full arch of replacement teeth that are anchored in place. No matter how many implants you need, the process remains the same.

Examination and Treatment Planning

First, we will use x-rays and cone beam scanning to carefully examine your teeth, soft tissues, and jawbone. We will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, goals, and budget.

Tooth Repair and Extraction

Your mouth must be clean and healthy to accept dental implants. We will correct any issues such as gum disease or tooth decay, and then extract the teeth that must be removed. We can provide a temporary partial or full denture at this point so that you never have to walk around without teeth.

Bone Grafting (if Needed)

Those who do not have sufficient healthy jawbone to support dental implants need a bone graft. This is a simple procedure in which we place powdered artificial bone or cow bone into your jawbone and allow it to heal for several weeks.

Implant Placement

Placing the implants is a minor oral surgery. After carefully numbing the area, the site is prepared, dental implant is inserted, covered with gum tissue and left to heal.  We can place as many implants as needed in a single procedure. If you have any temporary dentures, you will continue to wear those for the next few weeks, allowing the implant to fuse with your jawbone.

Abutment and Final Restoration

When your implant has osseointegrated with your jawbone, we will remove the cover screw or healing cap and add an attachment known as an abutment. We use the abutment to precisely attach your final restoration and ensure that it fits perfectly.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are ready to start your journey to dental health with a caring, compassionate, and highly experienced dentist, we invite you to contact Oakdale Dental Associates at 413-536-1782 to schedule your appointment.

4 Myths About Dental Implants

Archeological records show that primitive dental implants may have been used since prehistoric times, and they were surprisingly common by 600 AD. Modern dental implants were developed in Switzerland in the 1970s, and they grew rapidly in popularity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, dental implants are considered the gold standard to replace missing or failing teeth. Yet there are still numerous myths and half-truths swirling around this common procedure. Here are 4 common myths about dental implants, and the reality behind them.

Myth: Dental Implants Are Painful

Fact: Though it is true that dental implant placement is considered a minor oral surgery, most patients feel that it is far less painful than a tooth extraction. In fact, a skilled dentist working with state of the art technology can make the procedure virtually pain-free.

If you are given prescription painkillers, take them as directed even when you are not in pain. It is far easier to stay ahead of any potential pain than to fight it once it occurs. Most people go back to work in just 72 hours.

Myth: Dental Implants Are Expensive

Fact: It is true that the initial cost for dental implants is higher than that for other restorations such as dental bridges or dentures. However, those solutions typically last just 10 years. In addition, dentures lead to jawbone loss and must be relined annually, while dental bridges weaken the anchoring teeth, which raises the risk for fracture or tooth decay. Dental implants can last a lifetime while protecting your oral health.

Be wary of pricing offers that seem too good to be true. Although you do not need the most expensive implants in town, the costs should be reasonably competitive with other local providers.

Myth: Dental Implants Are Only for the Very Healthy

Fact: It is true that dental implants can only be placed in a healthy, clean mouth. If you have oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, we must treat those issues before we begin. In addition, underlying conditions such as diabetes or bleeding disorders must be tightly controlled before any elective surgery. Finally, you must have enough high-quality jawbone to support the implants, so we may need to perform a bone graft. Within these parameters, though, virtually anyone can become a candidate for dental implants.

Myth: Dental Implants Are Prone to Failure

Fact: Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium, which is nearly impossible for the body to reject. In very rare cases, a dental implant might not fully fuse with the jawbone. However, success rates across the board are roughly 95 percent. A highly skilled and experienced dentist whose patients closely follow all aftercare instructions can reach a success rate upwards of 98 percent.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are ready to start your journey to dental health with a caring, compassionate, and highly experienced dentist, we invite you to contact Oakdale Dental Associates at 413-536-1782 to schedule your appointment.