Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that replace the root of a tooth. These posts provide an anchor for porcelain teeth that look, feel and act just like natural teeth. Implants also can support dentures and full-mouth fixed restorations.

Dental implants provide a secure foundation for your new smile. Dental implants also slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue in the area around the missing tooth, which can help you maintain a full smile.

What types of dental implants exist?

Dental implants can help replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, a row of teeth, or all your teeth. Your dentist will recommend the type of implant based on your needs—whether it’s a single implant, multiple implants, an implant-supported bridge, or implant-supported dentures.

Endosteal Dental Implants

The most common implant option is endosteal dental implants. They are made of titanium metal rods and go into the jawbone on a supporting post. We design the post to hold a dental crown (single implant) or a dental bridge (implant-supported bridge).

All-On-4 Dental Implants

Pathway Dental Group offers full-mouth dental implant restorations, often called “all on 4” or “all on x.” This revolutionary system supports a top or bottom denture using four titanium implants. Your replacement teeth will remain steady and secure, just like natural teeth. Using four implants helps promote faster recovery and decreases the likelihood of complications from implant failure.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Missing or damaged teeth can cause numerous oral health issues and reduce your quality of life. Dental implants can:

• Preserve facial structure
• Prevent bone loss
• Prevent shifting of neighboring teeth
• Renew confidence in your smile
• Restore the ability to chew

How do dental implants work?

The dental implant process involves numerous steps to complete the entire procedure. Each patient’s process will vary, depending on your oral health at the time, type and number of implants, and if you require tooth extraction or bone grafting.

1. Exam — First, we do a full exam to make sure implants are right for you. If necessary, we may need to remove a tooth or teeth the implants will replace. If there’s bone loss around the extraction site, we’ll also do a dental bone graft.
2. Implant placement — The implant process begins with your dentist placing a small implant post to replace the root of your tooth. Beforehand, your dentist will make sure you’re safe and comfortable. We offer IV sedation for patients receiving dental implants as well as other sedation options.
3. Implant healing — Over the course of a few months, your bone will integrate with the implant. During this time, the implant will be hidden beneath the gumline.
4. Abutment and crown installation — Once the implant secures to the bone, the dentist attaches abutments to the implant. These act as anchors for your new teeth. After healing from the installation of the abutments is complete, the dentist will be ready to finish the installation of your new teeth.

Our office staff will help you schedule these procedures and keep you informed. Because we complete dental implant procedures entirely in-house, you don’t have to worry about visiting multiple locations or conflicting schedules.

How much does a dental implant cost?

There is a wide price range for implants, especially full mouth dental implants. It is a very specialized treatment that we tailor to each specific patient. The cost at our practice will depend on your insurance coverage and the extent of the work we do.

Some dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost of dental implants, but coverage can vary. It’s helpful to check with your insurance provider to know what they cover. 

As with all treatments, we provide financing options. We give you a treatment plan at your consultation appointment, so you know all the costs involved up front.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last forever with proper care. Factors, including oral hygiene, overall health and lifestyle habits like smoking can affect how long they last.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Your eligibility for dental implants depends on several factors, including your health, lifestyle and treatment goals. You may be an excellent candidate for dental implants if you:

• Have one or more missing or damaged teeth
• Are in general good health with no conditions that inhibit bone healing
• Have healthy gum tissue free of periodontal disease
• Have a fully developed jaw with adequate bone to support implants