Urbandale dentist, Dentist in Urbandale, IA

Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming more popular in today's dental society for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.

Are you a good candidate for an implant?

It is important for us to find out if you have enough bone to hold an implant in place. Special x-rays and or models will be taken to determine if your bone is "thick" enough. If your bone is not "thick" enough, you may still get an implant, but a bone graft may be required first. Periodontal disease (gum and bone problems aka pyorrhea), smoking, traumatic or hard bite may also be a problem.

We need to know if the following apply to you:

- recent heart attack

-surgery for heart valve prosthesis

-recent stroke

-bleeding problems

-biophosphonate therapies Iv or oral (boniva fosamax etc) or corticosteroids

Benefits

· The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.

· The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.

· Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.

· You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.

· The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy(bone shrinking)

· Implants have a proven scientific basis.

.can last indefinitely (depending on home care, health and bite)

Procedure

The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. A dental implant acts as the restorative for this section of the tooth. The metal implant acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the dentist places the implant into the jawbone. When this is achieved, the tissue is then sutured closed. There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A removable crown or removalbe partial may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance..

The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth. This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment. This is the part of the implant that will support the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.

Will my insurance pay for an implant?

More insurance plans are including these services into their contracts within the confines of the yearly maximums. Some plans may stipulate "Least Expensive Alternative Treatment" benefit, meaning the carrier may only pay what they allow toward a non-implant supported, removable partial denture or full denture. If you insurance contract specifically excludes implant procedures, then such procedures will not be covered despite what you or your dentist may request. Under some contracts, the implant may be denied but the crown or bridge on top of them may be covered. Medical plans rarely cover them or anything dental related. Implants may also fall under a dental "pre-existing" clause. While such clauses are not as common as they once were, some plans still specify that for a replacement of any kind to be considered, at least one of the missing teeth to be replaced must have been lost or removed while the patient was covered by the existing plan.