Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery offers dental implants in Mandeville, LA. Dental implants are the ideal solution for replacing missing or failing teeth. Many patients love dental implants because their oral health is improved, they can eat the foods they like, and they can smile with confidence again.
A dental implant consists of three pieces: the medical-grade titanium post, the prosthetic crown, and the connecting abutment. The implant, placed into the jaw bone by your oral surgeon, integrates with the natural bone over time and acts as a root for the replacement tooth. After the post has fused with the jawbone, a prosthetic crown is attached and connected to the post by an abutment. The crown is fabricated to look just like your natural teeth and functions just like any other tooth. One of the benefits of dental implants is that patients do not have to worry about the tooth slipping or coming loose. With regular flossing and brushing, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery offers dental implant placement at our office in Mandeville, LA. Dr. Brown is an experienced oral surgeon and an expert at dental implants as well as other tooth replacement options.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are permanent. The titanium implant post fuses with the jaw bone and results in a strong foundation for the rest of the implant. Because of this, dental implants do not require any additional support like tooth-supported bridges.
Dental implants improve oral health. Bone loss can occur when teeth are missing because the jaw bone lacks the stimulation from chewing. Dental implants allow for the natural stimulation of bone because the implant post integrates with the jaw bone. And, since dental implants serve as a replacement for a tooth that is missing or failing, they restore the natural oral structure and function of the teeth.
Caring for dental implants is easy. Other tooth replacement options can wear down over time, require adjustments, or require special cleaning. With dental implants, regular brushing and flossing are all that is needed. They are designed to last a lifetime — with the right care, replacements and adjustments are not necessary.
Dental implants are ideal for many patients. Patients who are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth can all be candidates for dental implants. The versatility of dental implants makes them the ideal choice for a variety of treatments. Patients who may have limited tooth replacement options may discover that they are excellent candidates for dental implants.
If you think dental implants may be the tooth replacement solution for you, we encourage you to contact our office in Mandeville, LA. Dr. Brown will review your tooth replacement options and create a treatment plan just for you.
The first step is a consultation with Dr. Brown at our office in Mandeville, LA. He will perform an oral evaluation, review your health history, and take any necessary imaging to determine your exact condition and the best treatment plan for you. Anesthesia options and any other questions you may have will also be discussed during your consultation. We will send you home with pre- and post-operative instructions to review to ensure a smooth procedure and optimal recovery.
The day of your surgery will begin with a short preparatory period. This allows you to get comfortable and have any remaining questions answered. Once you feel ready, the anesthesia that was decided during your consultation will be administered, and the procedure will begin. Dr. Brown will place the implant post into the jaw bone, and stitch the gums closed.
The healing period begins right after your procedure, during which the implant post fuses with the jaw bone over the next several weeks. Your crown will be custom-made by your restorative dentist during this time and will be placed once the post has successfully integrated with the jaw bone.
Dental Implant Cost in Mandeville, LA
When considering dental implants, it is crucial that you choose an experienced oral surgery specialist to perform this delicate procedure. Our Mandeville, LA, oral surgeon, Dr. Brown, has the experience and skill to ensure an excellent result at an affordable and competitive price for our area. When asking yourself, “Can I afford dental implants?” it’s important to know that the proven long-term value of dental implants is excellent — your implants may in fact end up being less expensive than a traditional tooth replacement solution like a denture or bridge that will require replacement after a few years. The exact cost of your individual dental implant treatment will vary depending on a few factors: the number of implants you will be receiving, if you will require a bone grafting procedure for a sturdy implant placement, and if you will need tooth extractions to prepare your mouth for your implants. Your insurance coverage will also factor into your cost.
The best way to discover what your dental implant cost will be at our trusted Mandeville, LA, practice is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown. During this appointment, you and Dr. Brown will develop a treatment plan and cost estimate that is just right for your oral health and your budget.
The Value of Dental Implants
Tooth loss affects our patients’ self-esteem and confidence, and when patients receive dental implants at our practice, we have the pleasure of witnessing the renewed joy they find in the simple act of being able to eat and smile again with teeth that look, feel, and function like healthy, natural teeth. This is truly invaluable! In addition, dental implants improve the health of the jaw for better long-term oral health and less dental work in the future, as well as help to retain facial harmony for a youthful jaw structure. Not only that, but with good oral care, dental implants can last a lifetime — so you will never have to upgrade or replace them. Dental implants and dental implant-supported dentures and bridges are the only tooth restorations that are lifelike in their look and structure and have the ability to positively influence your oral health.
Below are some of the reasons many of our patients choose to invest in dental implants at our Mandeville, LA, oral surgery practice:
- Dental implants will not need to be replaced — no costly additional treatment for your missing tooth or teeth will be required in your future.
- Dental implants integrate with your jaw bone during healing time and because of this, they perform just like natural teeth, stimulating the bone in your jaw when you chew to keep further bone at bay. When your jaw is healthy, and your teeth are properly aligned in the dental arch (no gaps), costly dental work in the future is much less likely.
- You can’t put a price tag on enjoying the foods you love with ease again and speaking and smiling with confidence. These everyday life enhancements add up to a happier and healthier you!
Dental Implant FAQ — Mandeville, LA
What are dental implants?
Designed to emulate the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, dental implants are a tooth replacement solution with three-parts: a small post, most often made of titanium, that replaces the root of your missing tooth; a connector piece called an abutment that is placed on the top of the dental implant to anchor the custom-made crown; and the crown itself that is made to match seamlessly with your natural teeth.
How much do dental implants cost?
For an accurate estimate your dental implant cost at our Mandeville, LA, office, we encourage you to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Brown where you will collaborate on a customized treatment plan that will address your unique condition. Your cost estimate will be determined at this time.
Can a general dentist place my dental implant?
Dental implants should be surgically placed by an experienced oral surgery specialist, not a general dentist. General dentists are not surgeons. Long-term success of your implants is much more likely when an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the proper training, skill, and experience performs this delicate oral surgery.
How long is the dental implant process?
It can take a few months to more than a year to complete dental implant treatment, depending on the patient’s oral health condition and if they are receiving one or many implants or a dental implant-supported denture or bridge. During your consultation appointment with Dr. Brown, you will receive a comprehensive oral exam, including all the necessary diagnostic images, and will then be presented with an individualized treatment plan that will include the estimated amount of time it will take to complete your restoration.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
All oral surgeries do involve some level of discomfort, but rest assured, you are in excellent hands with Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery — it is our priority for make sure you are as comfortable and safe as possible along every step of your treatment. Dr. Brown has extensive hospital-based anesthesia training and is highly-trained in dental implant placement for the least invasive procedure possible with the least amount of post-surgical downtime. You will receive detailed aftercare and post-surgical instructions before your treatment that will include including medications and self-care techniques to control any post-operative discomfort you may experience.
Can I still have dental implants even though I have bone loss in my jaw?
While bone loss in the jaw can make dental implants harder to place for long-term viability, our patients with significant bone loss can still be excellent candidates for successful implants when they receive a bone grafting procedure at our practice prior to the placement of their implant. When bone grafting material is inserted into the areas where implants will be placed, the implants have a high chance of success, even in cases of advanced bone deterioration.
What is the recovery like after dental implant placement?
Post-surgical healing after implant placement can take several weeks because the titanium post must effectively fuse with the bone in your jaw for long-term stability. You will want to adhere to a diet of soft foods and then avoid chewing on the implant sites until this healing period is complete. Your oral surgeon will review your aftercare and post-surgical instructions with you before your treatment begins, including medications for the management of any post-operative discomfort you may experience, and an estimated timeline for your recovery period.
What will I use to chew with while my implants heal?
Good news! You will not have to live without teeth while you wait for your implants to heal! During the few weeks of time it will take for your implant post to fuse with the bone in your jaw, there are a few options for temporary replacement teeth. A temporary bridge can be made, and in the case of multiple implants, your current denture can be modified. Sometimes a new temporary denture can be customized for you, or nonremovable transitional crowns can be made and placed. When your implant sites have healed sufficiently, your permanent custom-made crown will be positioned on your dental implant post to complete your restoration. Your oral surgeon will discuss these options in detail with you before your procedure.
Other questions?
If you are curious about your tooth replacement options and live near Mandeville, LA, we encourage you to give our office a call. A member of our staff will be happy to speak with you and schedule your initial appointment. At Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery, we do everything we can to make you feel safe, comfortable, and informed throughout your entire treatment. We look forward to caring for you.