At Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery in Slidell, LA, we care about providing optimal results for our patients. Patients who suffer from missing or failing teeth often encounter a variety of oral health problems, and many people experience diminished self-esteem. Dental implants offer a permanent and secure tooth replacement solution that restores oral health and function and allows you to eat and smile with confidence.
There are three parts to a dental implant: the post, the crown, and the connecting abutment. First, the oral surgeon will place the post into the jaw bone. Over time, the post will fuse with the jaw bone to create a secure foundation for the replacement tooth. The crown is designed to blend naturally with the rest of your teeth and is secured to the post by the abutment. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dr. Brown is an expert at several tooth replacement options and can place your dental implants in our office in Slidell, LA.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are such a popular tooth replacement option for a good reason. Some common benefits include
- Secure and permanent solution. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth. Because the post integrates with your jaw bone for a secure prosthesis, you can enjoy eating the foods you love.
- Natural features. Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. The crown is fabricated to look like your other teeth, restoring your facial aesthetics.
- Restores oral health. Bone loss is a common consequence of missing teeth. Missing teeth can also create other complications, such as dental shifting, jaw misalignment, speech and eating difficulties, gum disease, and more. Dental implants restore the natural shape of your jaw and preserve bone.
- Many patients are candidates. In general, patients are healthy enough to receive dental implants if they are healthy enough to undergo a minor dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction. Sometimes a bone graft is necessary before receiving dental implants to restore the lost bone.
Your first step in the dental implant process will be a consultation with Dr. Brown. He will perform a complete oral examination, review your health history, and create a treatment plan just for you. Anesthesia options, such as IV sedation, will be discussed at this time. If necessary, additional imaging may be taken. Your consultation is also the ideal opportunity to ask any questions. We will send you home with pre- and post-operative instructions. It is important that you review these instructions to reduce your risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
Many times, a dental implant can be placed right after an extraction which immediately preserves bone loss and oral function. Your oral surgeon will place the dental implant post at the extraction site where it will fuse with the jaw bone.
Dental Implant Cost in Slidell, LA
Many potential dental implant patients wonder, “What is the cost of dental implants, and can I afford them?” Our Slidell, LA, oral surgeon, Dr. Brown, is highly trained for an excellent surgical outcome at affordable and competitive prices so that this amazing tooth restoration option is within reach for his patients. While the cost of every patient’s individualized treatment varies, there are several things that will be considered to estimate the cost of your dental implants, including the number of implants you will be receiving, if you require a bone grafting procedure for a solid implant placement, and if you will have any teeth extracted to prepare your mouth for your implants. Your insurance coverage will also be a factor in your cost.
The very best way to estimate your dental implant cost at our Slidell, LA, practice is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown where he will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that will include your cost estimate.
The Value of Dental Implants
When our patient’s receive dental implants to replace their failing or missing teeth, they once again enjoy the look, feel, and function of healthy, natural teeth — enjoying their favorite foods and smiling with confidence. This enhanced quality of life is truly priceless. Dental implants also improve the long-term health of the jaw and facial structure and, with good oral hygiene, can last a lifetime. Traditional tooth restorations that might have a lesser price tag tend to cost more over time because they require replacement. Dental implants are the only tooth replacements that are designed to be just like your natural tooth, root and all, and have long-term viability and a protective influence on oral health.
Below are some of the reasons many of our patients choose to invest in dental implants at our trusted Slidell, LA, oral surgery practice:
- Long-lasting tooth replacement. Dental implants will not need to be replaced — they can last a lifetime with good oral care and regular dental appointments. This will save you the inconvenience and cost of time receiving additional treatment for your missing or failing teeth and is one of the main reasons people choose implants over traditional bridges and dentures.
- Protective of oral health. Dental implants fuse with your jaw bone during healing time. Because of this, they act just like natural teeth in your jaw bone, keeping further bone loss from occurring. When you have a healthy jaw and teeth that are properly aligned in the dental arch, you are more likely to avoid costly dental work in the future.
- Enhanced quality of life. Enjoying the foods you love and speaking and smiling with confidence is a value that cannot be measured!
Dental Implant FAQ — Slidell, LA
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution with a three-part design that allows them to emulate the structure of a natural tooth. The three-parts consist of 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 your natural teeth.
How much do dental implants cost?
The best way to receive an accurate estimate your dental implant cost at our Slidell, LA, area office is to request a consultation appointment with Dr. Brown where you will work together to develop a treatment plan. Your cost estimate will be determined at this time.
Can a general dentist place my dental implant?
For long-term success with your dental implants, they should be surgically placed by an experienced oral surgery specialist, not a general dentist. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the dental professional with the training, skill, and experience required to perform this delicate oral surgery. General dentists are not surgeons.
How long is the dental implant process?
The process of receiving implants can range from just a few months to more than a year, depending on your oral health condition and if you are receiving one or many implants or are receiving a dental implant-supported denture or bridge. During your consultation appointment with Dr. Brown, you will have a complete oral exam, including all the necessary diagnostic images, and will then receive a treatment plan that will include the estimated amount of time it will take to complete your restoration.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Of course, all oral surgeries do involve some level of discomfort, but it is our priority that you are as comfortable and safe as possible along every step of your treatment with us. Our surgeon has extensive hospital-based anesthesia training and is an expert in the precision placement of dental implants for the least invasive procedure possible and the least amount of post-surgical downtime. You will receive detailed aftercare and post-surgical instructions before your treatment, including medications for any post-operative discomfort you may experience. Rest assured, you’re in excellent hands with Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery.
I have bone loss in my jaw. Can I still have dental implants?
Bone loss in the jaw can make dental implants harder to place securely, but even our patients with significant bone loss can be candidates for successful implants with a bone grafting procedure. Bone grafting material can be placed in areas where an implant is going to be inserted to ensure that your dental implant has a stable foundation for long-term stability. Dr. Brown regularly performs bone grafting procedures in the comfort of our practice.
What is the recovery like after dental implant placement?
It takes a few weeks of healing for your implant post to fuse with the bone in your jaw for a stable placement, so you will want to stick with a diet of soft foods and then avoid chewing on the implant sites until this healing period is complete. Your oral surgeon will go over every detail of your aftercare and post-surgical instructions with you before your treatment begins, including medications for the management of any post-operative discomfort, and the estimated timeline for your recovery period.
What will I use to chew with while my implants heal?
You will not have to live without teeth! During the few weeks of time it will take for your implant post to fuse with the bone in your jaw, you have 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. A new temporary denture can even be customized for you, or nonremovable transitional crowns can be made and placed. Once your implant sites have healed, your permanent custom crown will be placed on your dental implant post to complete your restoration. Your oral surgeon will discuss all your options in detail with you before your procedure.
Other questions?
If you live in or around Slidell, LA, and are interested in learning more about dental implants, we encourage you to contact Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery today. Our helpful staff is happy to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Brown to discuss the next steps for restoring your smile with dental implants.