Leave A ReviewWhat are Dental Implants?
Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. They are a proven and effective replacement for teeth that have become lost or damaged beyond repair.
A dental implant is a titanium replacement for a natural tooth that is surgically placed into the jaw and remains permanently fixed. An artificial tooth, or crown, is then cemented to the dental implant, giving you a strong, natural-looking replacement, allowing for comfort and returned function with the look of a natural tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you are missing a natural tooth the remaining teeth in your mouth now need to accommodate and perform more than their normal share of the workload. In addition, this one missing tooth, or teeth, will allow the surrounding dentition to drift into the spaces left by the lost tooth. Eventually, your entire bite or occlusion, the way your teeth come together, can change and lead to further and much bigger problems.
Improved Appearance
Oftentimes, patients with missing or damaged teeth may become embarrassed or self-conscious showing their smile. Dental implants can give you your natural smile back and help improve self-esteem.
Convenience
Dental implants are permanent. Unlike dentures, which have to be removed and cleaned, dental implants can be brushed and flossed, just like your natural teeth.
Improved Health
Dental implants improve function as well as appearance. They make eating easier and more effective by replacing missing or damaged teeth. And because your surrounding teeth are unaffected by the dental implant process, you can continue to brush and floss between your teeth just as you did before.
Durability
Dental implants are extremely durable and will last for many years, if not a lifetime when taken care of properly and no lifestyle or medical concerns are present. Habits such as smoking and medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease or a history of head/neck radiation require special consideration and may increase failure rates.
All-on-4 Implant Dentures
All-on-4 implant dentures in Anchorage are a great option if you are looking to replace an entire arch of teeth.
Taking advantage of the latest material technology and precise engineering, All-on-4 implant dentures can be a more convenient and cost-effective treatment option for many people, while still looking great and functioning just like your natural teeth.
Not everyone is a candidate for this exciting alternative to traditional dentures, so contact our office to learn more.
Dental Implant Candidates
In order to be a candidate for dental implants, you must be healthy and physically able to undergo routine oral surgery. You must also be committed to the long-term daily care of your dental implant(s) with regular brushing, flossing, and semi-annual dental visits.
If you smoke, have diabetes, heart disease, or have had radiation therapy to the head or neck in the past special consideration is needed, so please talk with Dr. Kendall to see if implant dentistry is the right choice for you.
Dental Implants FAQ
Will People Be Able To Tell That I Have Dental Implants?
Dental implants are specifically designed to match the look and color of your surrounding teeth, making it nearly impossible for anyone to tell the difference from your natural teeth and a dental implant.
Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
There are countless insurance policies available depending on what your employer has chosen for you and each plan covers dental procedures in different ways. Our experience at Excellence In Dentistry is that insurance companies are finally acknowledging dental implants as the standard of care when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. We encourage you to call your dental insurance provider to find out specifically what will be covered.
Our ultimate goal is to maintain your oral health and our amazing administrative team is here to assist you with any information you or your insurance company may need to maximize your insurance benefits.
How Painful is the Dental Implant Procedure and Surgery?
The Dental implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients who have received dental implants say the procedure is no more uncomfortable than a regular tooth extraction. Most discomfort following the procedure can typically be treated with over-the-counter medication (e.g., Tylenol, Motrin).
If you are worried about dental discomfort or suffer from dental anxiety, we also offer oral and IV sedation dentistry.
How Do I Care For My New Dental Implants?
You will care for your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will ensure your dental implants, and your remaining teeth, stay clean and in good health for years to come.
Looking For The Best Tooth Replacement Option In Anchorage?
Do you want to learn how dental implants can help you? Please call (907) 349-0022 or contact us today for an appointment with our Anchorage implant dentists, Dr. Kendall Skinner and Dr. Mike Fox, at Excellence in Dentistry.
