Our dedication to our patients’ quality of life isn’t just echoed by our intuitive nutritionist and in-office energy healer—it’s also apparent in the treatments that we offer. Dental implants from our South Portland, ME dentist are one of the latest restorative solutions in the dental world that boast an impressive 98 percent success rate. They look, feel, and function nearly identically to your natural teeth, so you can feel confident when you smile, eat, or laugh.
A dental implant is a small post made from titanium, which is a biocompatible metal, that is placed below your gumline to restore the missing root of a tooth. Once inserted, you’ll undergo a healing stage where the post will chemically fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This allows the post to provide vital stimulation and blood flow to the jawbone to keep it from deteriorating and preserve your facial structure. Then, we’ll be able to attach your dental crown, bridge, or denture to the implants to repair the entire structure of any number of missing teeth.
Dental implants are highly recommended by patients and professionals alike because they offer a variety of unique benefits that set them apart from traditional restorations. Here are just some of the advantages that you’ll be able to enjoy when you get implants.
Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth do. You shouldn’t notice much of a difference between them in your day-to-day life. Here are some of the benefits you can experience every day:
In addition to daily benefits, your health will be positively affected by your dental implants. Here are some health benefits you can look forward to:
When you choose dental implants, you are investing in the future of your smile. Here are some of the advantages that you can enjoy for many years down the road:
The best way to learn whether dental implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parét. During this appointment, our team will examine your mouth along with a 3D blueprint of your oral cavity as well as the nerves and tissues present in your facial structure. This will provide us with important information to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the dental implant procedure. We’ll then outline a customized treatment plan with you, including details such as how many implants you’ll need placed, what type of restoration you require, and details about pricing.
For a single missing tooth, we can place one dental implant below your gumline. Once it heals and fuses with the jawbone, we’ll attach a metal connector piece, called an abutment, to it that will secure your dental crown in place and maintain the current alignment of your teeth.
Our patients who are missing multiple consecutive teeth can benefit from our implant-retained bridge. We’ll place two dental implant posts at either end of the gap in your arch, which will hold the crowns located at both ends of the bridge. During this procedure, no alteration of your existing healthy teeth is required.
To replace an entire arch of teeth, we also offer implant-retained dentures. We’ll secure a customized denture to anywhere from four to eight dental implant posts located along the arch. Once attached to the abutments, you won’t have to worry about slipping or shifting dentures.
When preparing to move forward with dental implants, it is important that you understand it is a multi-step process that requires several months to complete. Although it takes longer to achieve desired results than more traditional tooth replacement solutions, the superior quality and long-term benefits are worth the investment in time and money. Not only will you receive a new smile that is capable of lasting 30 years or even a lifetime with proper care, but you’ll also enjoy greater functionality, an improved appearance, and better oral health.
As you embark on this journey, remember, no two patients are alike. Although treatment plans will vary from patient to patient, you can expect a similar process to occur. If you’re ready to learn how dental implants work in South Portland, Maine, let’s take a look.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Parét, she will examine your smile and full oral cavity before assessing your facial structure using a Cone Beam CT Scanner. By capturing a complete image of your bone, nerve paths, and other structures, she can use the 3D model to craft a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs. It is also during this visit that she will explain, in detail, the entire process step-by-step as well as provide an estimated timeline for receiving your new and improved smile.
Should you require any preliminary treatments (i.e., tooth extractions, bone grafting, periodontal therapy), your implant dentist in South Portland, Maine, will go over the necessary procedure and expectations.
Dr. Parét is dedicated to achieving beautiful, successful results that last a lifetime, which is why she partners with South Portland’s most recognized oral surgeons during the dental implant process. After your initial consultation, our team will help you schedule your dental implant surgery with one of our recommended specialists. Using a team-based approach, you will receive the best possible care.
During your surgery, you will be administered local anesthesia, which will numb the appropriate areas of your mouth before one or more incisions are made in your gums. After carefully placing each implant into the respective areas of your jawbone, a cap will be placed over the post to better protect it and allow for the gum tissue to maintain its shape.
Once your surgical procedure is complete, you will return home to spend the next 4-6 months recovering. During this time, osseointegration will occur, which is the process of your implants fusing with the bone and surrounding tissues. Yes, this process does require much patience on your part, but remember, it is well worth the wait.
You will also receive temporary restorations during this time that will allow you to experience what your new smile will look and feel like. Once osseointegration is finished, you will return to our dental office to receive your abutment(s), which are metal appliances that connect to the dental implants in South Portland, Maine, and help to secure your restoration to your new tooth root.
The final step of the dental implant process is receiving your customized dental restoration. Your gum tissue and bone must be fully healed before it is secured in place. Lab technicians will send your fabricated dental crown, bridge, or full denture to our office where Dr. Parét will carefully secure it to the top of your implants. Because of the high-quality materials used, you can expect your new teeth to look extremely lifelike and feel completely comfortable. After months of waiting, you’ll finally get to enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile and better quality of life.
Everyone’s situation is different, so the cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient. During your consultation with us, we will examine your smile and discuss the timeline and cost of your treatment in detail so you don’t run into any surprises. We will also go over your financing options. Until then, here are some things for you to take into consideration.
Sometimes, patients need to undergo preliminary procedures before they are able to get dental implants. This can include gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, bone grafting, and other treatments. It is important to consider the cost of these procedures if they apply to you. Fortunately, the cost of many preliminary treatments is often partially covered by dental insurance. Just remember that every plan is different, so it is best to contact your provider ahead of time to confirm your coverage.
There are multiple factors that play a role in the cost of your treatment. Here are the main ones that we consider:
It may be tempting to try to save money on your replacement teeth by choosing another option, like dental bridges or dentures. While these are both effective at addressing tooth loss, they don’t provide the same benefits that dental implants do. Dental implants can actually help you to save in the long run because you won’t need to fork out money for frequent repairs or replacements every few years. You also won’t need to buy adhesives and soaking solutions. Since dental implants help to prevent serious oral health issues from developing, you may be able to avoid costly restorative treatments in the future.
Most of the time, dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of dental implants. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Parts of the final restoration and preliminary treatments are often partially covered. Every plan looks a little bit different, so it is always best to double-check with your provider ahead of time. We would also be happy to help you with this process. It is our goal to fully maximize your coverage.
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck. With our Dental Membership Plan, you can save on treatments completed at our practice. We are also happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. For more information on your financing options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.
If you want to ensure that your dental implants remain functional and aesthetic for their lifetime, proper care and maintenance are the key! By following a few simple guidelines laid out by Dr. Parét, you can ensure that your implants continue to provide you with a healthy, confident smile for decades! To see these guidelines, continue reading below. If you need more personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to give our team at Mind Your Mouth a call.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital for the health of your dental implants. So, brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. If you want to go the extra mile, consider regularly rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash as well! You can also help keep your mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria by investing in a water flosser to clean around your implants more effectively.
A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports the health of your teeth and gums, which are essential for the stability of your dental implants. Try to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products in your meals. At the same time, limit your intake of sugary and acidic food and drink, as they can contribute to plaque buildup and oral health issues like cavities and gum disease.
Habits such as smoking, vaping, chewing ice, or using your teeth as tools to open packages or trim your nails can damage your dental implants. Smoking and vaping, in particular, can impair the healing process after your surgery and increase the risk of implant failure. Breaking or trying to reduce the frequency of these habits not only protects your implants but also keeps your natural teeth and oral biome intact.
There are other physical sources of wear that can also affect your implants such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and accidental trauma. Both of these instances should be protected against via oral guards. If you grind your teeth at night, we can provide a customized splint that shields your teeth as you sleep. If you play sports or participate in physical activities where falls or physical contact are a danger, a mouthguard will help keep your teeth intact and reduce strain on your implants.
Regular dental checkups are another critical part of keeping your dental implants sturdy and functioning. At these visits, our team can evaluate your oral health and check for any signs of complications that may affect your implants. This is the best way to prevent more significant problems with your oral health and, by extension, your dental implants in the future. So, it’s best to schedule an appointment with us at least once every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Dental implants represent a big investment of both time and money, so you should be well-informed about the road ahead of you before you commit to anything. To help you understand this treatment, we have put together the following list of frequently asked questions about dental implants, along with succinct and easy-to-understand answers. If your specific questions are not addressed here, please reach out to us directly. We will be pleased to chat with you.
Dental implants have the potential to last for 30 years or longer. In fact, many patients enjoy lifelong function from their prosthetic tooth roots. The restorations on top of dental implants are also designed to stand the test of time.
Of course, how well your implants last depends partially on you. It is important that you have a thorough oral hygiene routine, attend regular checkups, and stick to other good habits that will support the health of your replacement teeth.
The oral surgeon who places your implants will numb your mouth for your surgery. They may also offer sedation to dull your response to discomfort and promote calmness and relaxation. Many people feel little to nothing during their procedure.
After any local anesthesia and sedation wear off, it is normal to experience some discomfort. You may need to take pain medications, get plenty of rest, eat a soft diet, and take other measures to ease any pain and discomfort that you will experience. Most people are feeling normal within a few weeks of their surgery.
If you experience any unusual pain during your recovery, you should reach out to your oral surgeon ASAP.
Dental implants are considered safe. They are made out of a biocompatible titanium alloy, which works well in the human body. The risks associated with the placement surgery are no greater than what you would experience with many other medical procedures.
If you have any medical conditions that could elevate the risks associated with your treatment, our team or your oral surgeon will help you to understand the situation and make a well-informed decision about how to move forward.
For the majority of patients, the rewards of dental implants far outweigh the small chance that something could go wrong.
Dental implant failure is rare. When it does occur, it is most commonly due to an infection known as peri-implantitis. This condition is the result of bacteria attacking the tissue around a dental implant. It usually develops as the result of poor oral hygiene.
Failed osteointegration is another possible culprit behind dental implant failure. Due to underlying medical conditions or other factors, the implants may not bond properly with the surrounding bone tissue.
Our team will coach you on the steps you can take to minimize your risk of dental implant failure.
