

If you could regain the natural aesthetics and functions of your missing tooth, would you? Thanks to modern advancements in dentistry, Dr. Crofoot can effectively replace your missing teeth with high-quality dental ceramics and incredibly durable titanium materials. Dental implants in Rexburg are specifically designed to replace both the root and the crown of lost teeth, which is not something that can be said for any other tooth replacement option. Even if you don’t have sufficient bone or gum tissue volume to support the implants, Dr. Crofoot can provide mini dental implants as an alternative! Don’t wait for seamless tooth replacement. Schedule your next appointment by calling our dental office today!
With dental implants, the entire structure of a tooth is replaced using a titanium implant post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone. Then, something remarkable occurs – the post fuses to your jawbone, creating a foundation for your replacement teeth that’s the next best thing to what Mother Nature gave you. Once this process is complete, a metal connector called an abutment is attached to the implant post to secure your restoration (which may be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the extent of your tooth loss).
Although you will need surgery to replace the root, you’ll enjoy a close replica of your natural tooth in terms of look, feel, and function. Not to mention, a dental implant can last for a lifetime with the right aftercare. That’s why many dentists, ours included, believe that dental implants are by far the best solution to tooth loss currently available.
The process of receiving dental implants consists of four basic stages: consultation, surgery, healing, and restoration placement. Regardless on the type of implant you choose, Dr. Crofoot will plan your procedure. Dr. Crofoot places traditional Nobel BioCare implants and mini implants. Both require their own unique set of planning and preparation to ensure success. After the implant and abutment are placed, the post will require several months of healing as it integrates with your existing oral structures. Once fully healed, a restoration can be placed on top.
Although no two patients have the exact same dental implant journey, here is a basic outline of the four steps of the process:
During the first visit, Dr. Crofoot will closely examine your mouth and confirm the current condition of your oral health. In order to receive dental implants, you’ll need to have good oral health overall, meaning no tooth decay or gum disease. You’ll also need to have sufficient bone tissue so the implant can effectively integrate. Healthy gum and bone tissue is crucial to the long-term success of your dental implant, whether you need to replace single or multiple teeth. We’ll also take the time to learn your specific needs and inform you of every step of the treatment process.
Once we’ve planned your implant surgery, you’ll have the first stage of the treatment performed. This is the surgical portion, which involves making a small incision inside of your gum tissue and placing a dental implant into the jaw. Before beginning, we’ll make sure to numb your mouth to prevent any potential discomfort during the procedure. After closing the gum tissue, it will be given time to heal over the next four to six months. This healing period can vary depending on the number of implants you need to have placed.
In most cases, dental implants use titanium to replace the roots of teeth. Titanium is biocompatible with gum and bone tissue, which is exactly how it integrates so well with your oral structures. The process of the implant bonding with bone tissue, known as osseointegration, is designed to keep the tooth healthy and stable for many decades. After the healing process has completed, an abutment is placed on top, which acts as a connector for the eventual restoration. This keeps the restoration even and ensures that it looks natural after it’s placed.
After the abutment is placed, the gum tissue needs additional time to heal around the implant. Once this process is complete, we can cast an impression of your implant and use it to create a permanent restoration. All restorations used to cover dental implants are made from porcelain, which offers the most esthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, porcelain is also incredibly durable and stain-resistant, making it ideal for eating the foods you want without worry. With proper care, your dental implant(s) should last 25 years or longer. Our dentists will go over the best steps to keep your dental implants healthy immediately following your treatment.
One of the most notable ways in which dental implants stand out is their ability to integrate with the organic bone and soft tissue inside the mouth and jaw. Because implants are surgically placed, rather than designed to be rested on top of gum tissue, they develop an incredibly durable anchor with your jaw. This bonding plays a large part in the long-term benefits dental implants offer. On average, they last anywhere between 25 years and a lifetime without worry.
Furthermore, dental implants function almost identically to natural teeth, whether you’re brushing, flossing, or eating your favorite foods. They require no more maintenance than natural teeth do and do not require the removal of existing tooth structure in order to place. Despite all this, the porcelain qualities of the crown combined with the rigid placement of the titanium post make them the most natural-looking solution available in dentistry, not simply the most structurally sound.
Dental implants are carefully crafted from all-ceramic material to match your natural teeth. They are designed to meet the exact size, shape, and color you need to blend in with your smile. Not to mention, your restorations are secured to your jawbone, so you’ll never need to worry about your new teeth slipping in the middle of a sentence. You’ll enjoy a stable and realistic options, so you can smile and speak confidently.
Your jawbone fuses to your dental implants to create a secure foundation for your new smile. You’ll never need to worry about any slipping or irritation again, so you can enjoy your favorite foods. In fact, you can restore as much as 70% of your natural biting force to maintain a balanced diet. This helps prevent nutritional deficiencies that can be attributed to tooth loss.
Dental implants are the only treatment to stop bone loss in your jaw caused by missing teeth. Each titanium implant post serves as a tooth root, stimulating your jawbone. Your jaw fuses to the implant posts through a process called osseointegration. This not only allows your dental implants to potentially stay in place forever, but it also keeps your jawbone strong and healthy.
When you lose even a single tooth, your adjacent teeth won’t have the support they need to stay in place because of bone loss. As your teeth drift out of alignment, you develop an increased risk of several issues, like cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Since dental implants preserve your jawbone, they also stop dental drift to prevent your natural teeth from moving out of position. This prevents common issues associated with tooth loss to protect any remaining teeth from complications.
It’s no secret that dental implants are more expensive upfront; however, they are more affordable long-term because they can last for a lifetime with the right aftercare. They have over a 95% success rate to last for decades with the right oral hygiene habits and care from your dentist in Rexburg. As a result, you’ll never need to worry about paying to have them replaced. Not to mention, they stop dental drift to prevent oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. This lowers your overall oral health expenses to save you even more money down the road.
If you’re ready to discover the benefits of dental implants for yourself, take your first step toward a complete smile. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
Because of the versatile nature of dental implants, you don’t need to settle for a specific type of treatment just to get teeth replaced in this way. Consider your options below to better determine which method might work best for you!
Single implants are restored using individual titanium posts and porcelain crowns. Titanium naturally bonds with bone and gum tissue, while porcelain most effectively blends in with neighboring teeth.
Dental bridges can be customized to fit with dental implants. Two implants sit on either side of the restoration, while a crown sits in between each implant-supported crown. This option is ideal for replacing two or more teeth at a time.
If you want a partial or full denture that carries a more stable foundation, choosing implant-supported alternatives can prove to be incredibly effective. Our dental office can also perform All-On-4 implant dentures, effectively giving you brand-new teeth the same day as your placement. Mini implants may also be ideal if you do not have sufficient bone volume for traditional implants.
There are many different paths you can take when it comes to dental implant treatment. As a result, the cost of your treatment will vary depending on your needs. For example, if you require preliminary services like bone grafts or periodontal therapy to make implants viable, your costs will be higher. Additionally, those who intend on replacing a full arch with an implant denture can expect higher costs compared to those replacing teeth via a single implant. Keep in mind that dental implants are meant to be a long-term investment that lasts for several decades. Because of this longevity, you can expect cost-effective benefits that you won’t find with traditional bridges nor dentures.
There are many factors that influence the amount you can expect to pay for your new smile, such as the number of teeth you are replacing and the posts that are used. Besides traditional implant posts, there are also mini dental implants, which can be more affordable for patients who have decreased bone density.
The number of implant posts that you need varies depending on the type of restoration you need. A single tooth replacement only requires one post; whereas an implant-supported bridge will need a post at either end. When replacing an entire arch, the number of posts needed to secure a denture average from four to eight.
The process to complete your smile is performed in different stages, each of which has separate costs. This can make it easier to afford your new smile because you will not need to pay for the entire treatment upfront.
Your dentist in Rexburg provides you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation and discusses the fees associated with each step of your treatment. On average, you can expect to pay for:
Dental implants cost more upfront than traditional treatments, but they are more affordable long-term because they can last forever. You should never need to have them replaced if you maintain your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. This makes them more cost-effective down the road.
Dental implants can also help lower your overall oral health costs. The implant posts stimulate your jawbone to protect any remaining natural teeth from dental drift. This reduces your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and additional tooth loss to prevent the need for a costly treatment in the future.
Generally, dental insurance companies will not pay for the entire treatment, but they may cover certain aspects of it depending on your specific policy. We work on your behalf with your insurance company to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We also accept a variety of payment options, including third-party financing with CareCredit. We will help you find the solution you need to keep your new smile affordable.
If you are ready to invest in a beautiful, functional smile, it is time to schedule your consultation for dental implants. Contact our office today for an appointment.
Recently, dental implants have become the treatment of choice for patients with missing teeth. They’re considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, mainly because they’re able to keep your smile complete and healthy for a lifetime. Of course, that’s only the case if you protect your implants from damage and infection. At Cornerstone Dental of Rexburg, we want your newly rebuilt smile to last as long as possible, which is why we’re sharing a few tips to help you accomplish that goal. If you’d like to learn more about maintaining your implants, feel free to give our office a call today!
Dental implants cannot get cavities. However, that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene. It’s still incredibly important to take proper care of your teeth and gums. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash are a few excellent practices that can ward off issues like decay and infection. With a solid at-home dental hygiene regimen, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape for life!
Believe it or not, your diet has a significant impact on your oral health. Even though you can eat almost anything you want with dental implants, you should still avoid overindulging in sugary, starchy, or acidic foods. Otherwise, you can cause serious issues for your implants. It’s best to eat nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy products, and whole grains. By consuming foods particularly high in calcium and vitamin C, you can keep your jawbone strong and gum tissues healthy.
Do you smoke? Bite your fingernails? Chew on pens or pencils when you’re stressed? Munch on leftover ice after a cool drink? While these habits may seem harmless, they can wreak havoc on your new smile. Continuing to practice them will put you back in the same place you once started – with missing teeth. Therefore, you should kick these habits to the curb right away. If you need help quitting, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Our team will gladly provide you with the support, resources, and guidance you need to make the feat as easy as can be.
Although dental implants are strong, they’re not indestructible. If you regularly play sports, you should ask Dr. Crofoot about a custom-made athletic mouthguard. It’ll protect your teeth from any impact should you sustain a blow to the face. For those who grind their teeth at night, a nightguard is an effective solution to consider. The oral device can keep the implants safe from extra wear and tear.
Investing in routine dental checkups and cleanings is one of the best ways to keep your smile in optimal condition. Dr. Crofoot will perform an oral examination and monitor your prosthetics to ensure no problems are developing. If any issues are spotted, early intervention can help you avoid more costly and invasive dental work down the line.
Once your dental implants have been placed in your jaw, the next step is the recovery process. Our team will give you a list of instructions to follow while your mouth is healing; we’ll also explain what symptoms you can normally expect as well as possible signs of infection or other complications. As long as you follow the instructions you’re given, you can look forward to a smooth, comfortable recovery. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
When you first get home after receiving your dental implants, your main focus should be on protecting the blood clot that forms after surgery. The blood clot needs to stay in place to protect the surgical site; if it’s disturbed, it could lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Avoid anything that could dislodge the clot, such as spitting, drinking through a straw, smoking, or touching the area with your fingers or tongue.
You may notice intermittent bleeding, swelling, and general discomfort in your mouth after implant placement, especially during the first few days. All of these side effects are completely normal and should be mild; if they get worse over time, call us immediately. In the meantime, you can manage your post-op symptoms by:
You need to be gentle on your mouth for at least a few days after implant surgery. A large part of that is eating only soft or liquid foods. Some good choices are mashed potatoes, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, scrambled eggs, and pasta. You can also enjoy some soup as long as it’s not too hot. You can return to a normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable doing so, although you should still try to stay away from crunchy or tough foods as much as possible.
You can brush your teeth normally the day after surgery as long as you’re extremely careful when cleaning near the surgical sites. It’s a good idea to rinse with salt water around two to three times every day; this helps clean your mouth of potentially harmful bacteria and food particles. You can use mouth rinse as well, but avoid any mouthwashes that contain high levels of alcohol; they might interfere with the healing process.
Compared to what you’ll experience after implant surgery, the recovery process after getting new teeth is much easier. You may notice some temporary sensitivity in your gums, but it won’t be anything you can’t control with pain medication. There won’t be any bleeding or swelling at this stage, and your new teeth will be ready to chew all kinds of foods on the same day.
Even after reading all about dental implants, you probably have some questions. After all, implants involve complicated procedures and are a major investment in your smile. That’s why, for your convenience, we have assembled some of the most frequently asked questions that we get about dental implants and answered them below. If you have a dental implant question that you don’t see answered here, feel free to contact us.
Yes, but there are some risks involved. For a few months after you get dental implants placed, your jawbone actually grows around the implant posts in a process called osseointegration. Using tobacco slows down all of the oral healing processes, including osseointegration. Because of this, if you continue to smoke after getting your implant, you have a higher risk of implant failure. If you have been looking for a reason to quit smoking or chewing tobacco, then getting dental implants would definitely be it.
Yes, but like with smoking, there is a higher risk of implant failure, especially if your diabetes is poorly managed. Failure to control your blood sugar levels can hinder your body’s ability to heal and fight off infections, both of which are crucial to the success of your dental implants. If you’re diabetic and considering getting implants, talk to your doctor first about how to better manage your blood sugar.
Most patients report experiencing very minimal discomfort during the dental implant procedure, thanks to a combination of local anesthetic and possible sedation. In fact, many patients claim that implant placement hurts significantly less than having a tooth extracted. You may experience some soreness for a few days afterwards, as with any surgical procedure. However, your dentist should prescribe some pain relievers to help alleviate your discomfort. Take them as directed on the bottle.
When it comes to the success of dental implants, the amount of jawbone mass that you have is crucial. If you don’t have enough jawbone mass to support an implant, you will probably experience implant failure. The longer you have been suffering through tooth loss, the more your jawbone will have deteriorated due to lack of stimulation from the tooth roots. This is why a bone graft is necessary. Through this procedure, we will graft artificial bone tissue onto your jawbone and allow it to heal. Within a few months, your jawbone should be strong enough to support dental implants.
It depends on how complex your surgery is. For example, if you are only getting one implant placed, and are receiving very little sedation, you might be able to resume your day afterwards. However, if your procedure is more complicated, we might recommend getting two to three days of rest before going back to work or school.
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