It's like having your natural teeth again. A gap in baby teeth can look cute; but for an adult, the loss of a tooth can cause embarrassment.

Whether you have lost teeth through an accident or through gum disease or are just tired of ill-fitting and uncomfortable dentures, dental implant/s are often the treatment of choice. The demand for dental implants has increased greatly in recent years. A dental implant is a biocompatible post device that substitutes for the root portion of lost natural teeth. Dental implants are physically and biologically designed.  They and gently placed in the jawbone to provide a stable foundation on which replacement tooth/teeth (crown) is placed.  They look, feel and function just like your natural teeth.  Implants can help you regain your natural smile and improve the quality of your life. Your new tooth or teeth will have excellent stability and strength.

Ask Dr. Verma for more details about The Nobel Biocare Implant System and how you can restore that feeling of self-confidence.

If you are missing all your teeth dental implants may be right for you and can restore your ability to smile, speak and eat with comfort and confidence. Perhaps your dentures don't fit as securely or comfortably as they once did.  If this is the situation that keeps you from feeling good about yourself and your smile, dental implants may be a solution for you. Technological advancements in dental materials and techniques have improved the success rate of implants, enabling many patients to smile and speak with confidence and enjoy your favorite foods again.  Two options may be available to patients with no teeth (1) multiple implants can provide non-removable tooth replacement. (2) Placement of a few implants can provide support for a full denture (implant supported removable denture) making it more secure and comfortable..

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. The implants-small anchors shaped like screws, cylinders or blades-are placed into the jawbone. Replacement teeth are attached to the part of the implant that projects through the gum.

Would I benefit from a dental implant?
Although dental implants have brought a comfortable, confident smile to many patients, they are not for everyone. The ideal candidate has good general health, good oral health and adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. Equally important, the ideal candidate is willing to commit to conscientious oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Dr. Verma can help you decide if a dental implant is right for you. Essential to the decision is a comprehensive dental examination. Dr. Verma will review your medical and dental history, thoroughly examine your oral tissues and supporting bone in the jaw, and check the way your teeth fit together when you bite.. X-rays and models may be taken and analyzed, perhaps with the help of a computer.  After this careful examination, Dr. Verma will talk with you about dental implant options, the benefits, risks and possible alternative treatments.

What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants can support replacement teeth much the same way as tooth roots support natural teeth. Dental implants provide an alternative to a denture that wobbles, clicks or causes pain. Dental implants also can prevent embarrassment about spaces from missing teeth. Instead, you can smile and speak with confidence, and enjoy your favorite foods again.  In fact, with effective oral care at home and regular dental visits, dental implants have lasted as long as 15-20 years and may last a lifetime.

What are the disadvantages?
A dental implant requires a greater financial investment than a removable bridge or conventional denture. On the other hand, an implant can offer advantages in terms of comfort and appearance-benefits many patients find well worth the cost.
A dental implant also requires an investment in time, perhaps three to six months from start to finish. If you consider that implants have lasted as long as 20 years and can last a lifetime, the investment in time is quite reasonable.
As with any surgical procedure, dental implants involve a risk of infection. Occasionally, a implant may loosen and require replacement. Because each person is unique, implant success cannot be guaranteed.

What does the procedure entail?
There are several stages of treatment:

• The first stage starts when the implant site is prepared and placed. The implant remains covered for a two to six month healing period. During this time, the bone attaches to the implant, making it firm, solid and ready to support the new tooth or teeth. In the meantime, Dr. Verma will make you temporary tooth/teeth, so you will never have to be without them.
• After the healing period, the second stage begins. The implant is uncovered and abutments or posts are attached to the implant.
• Approximately two weeks later, the gum tissue around the posts will have healed, and your permanent replacement teeth will be made and placed.

Does it Hurt?
Although discomfort varies from person to person, most patients say they had much less discomfort than they thought they would. Dr. Verma uses gentle techniques, and is very diligent in providing a very sterile environment during the surgical procedure so there is little/no chance for infection. Postoperative instructions, pain medications, antibiotics, special mouth washes are also prescribed to minimize discomfort.

How Much Does Tooth Replacement Therapy Cost?
There is no denying that Tooth Replacement Therapy is expensive initially. However, remember the benefits of implant supported restorations over traditional forms of dentistry.

Also, the fee is not required all at once. The treatment will not be completed for several months, and we will help you find a financial arrangement that will keep Tooth Replacement Therapy affordable.

Why Does it Cost So Much?
Keep in mind that there are several requirements to ensure optimum treatment: the implant surgery, the implant restoration placement, the specializing laboratory and lab technician, and need of highly skilled support staff. Dentist who give this Tooth Replacement Therapy option to their patients have had vigorous training and have required countless hours of education and training. Dental implant procedures also require special equipment that is expensive, and the implants are made of titanium, a costly material. Additionally, the manufacturing and sterile processing of the implants leads to an overall increase in costs. These measures help to assure that you are receiving quality services and products.

Will My Insurance Pay for Tooth Replacement Therapy?
Currently, only some dental insurance companies are paying for Tooth Replacement Therapy. Our front desk personnel are very knowledgeable about how to successfully file dental insurance claims to help you receive the most benefits your insurance plans offer. When you are ready to start your Tooth Replacement Therapy care, we will gather all the information necessary to process your claims. Even though we will do our best to obtain benefits for you, please remember that the responsibility for payment for your care is ultimately yours.