Dental Implants in Jackson

 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace missing teeth by mimicking the structure of a natural tooth, which consists of a root and crown. The implant, a titanium screw placed in the jawbone, replaces the root, while a crown is added later to restore function and appearance. Titanium is durable and biocompatible, fusing with the jawbone through osseointegration, creating a stable foundation.

If you’re missing all teeth in one or both jaws, dental implants can support a prosthetic similar to a denture. Your implant options will depend on your health and goals, and Dr. Caloss will discuss them during your consultation.


Dental Implant Illustration
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases, a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most popular teeth replacement options available for seniors who have lost most or all of their teeth, although implants are appropriate for most adults. If you meet the following criteria, you may be able to get dental implants:

  • One or more teeth are missing
  • Your jawbone has reached full growth
  • There is enough jawbone to secure the implants, you are a candidate for bone grafting
  • Your gums are healthy
  • You do not like or cannot wear dentures
  • You want to improve speech problems related to missing teeth
  • You are not a tobacco user
  • You are willing to commit to a lengthy process
  • You do not have cancer or a bleeding disorder

Seniors sometimes ask if they are too old for dental implants. Adults of any age can get dental implants. For seniors who have had problems with dentures or who do not eat properly due to missing teeth, dental implants can significantly improve their quality of life. Patients in their 80s have had dental implant surgery with great success. 

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

It depends on your insurance coverage. Dental insurance generally does not cover implants but may cover basic procedures such as tooth extractions, crowns, or prosthetics. Some policies provide partial coverage for implant surgery, which can reduce the cost significantly. If implants are medically necessary, your health insurance may cover some of the cost. It is best to check with your medical and dental insurance providers to determine how much coverage is available.

Aligned Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery makes every effort to provide affordable dental care while providing exceptional care. Even if your insurance does not cover implant surgery or covers only a portion, you can get dental implants. We accept all major credit cards and CareCredit, a low or no-cost financing option for medical and dental expenses. For your convenience, you can apply for CareCredit in our office or online.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Caloss to see if dental implants are right for you, contact our office at Jackson Office Phone Number 601-841-3223.

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The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure

The procedure to place a dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required, vary from patient to patient. The surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.

Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the dental implant will be placed.

When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the implant covered by the gum tissue.

A depiction of the upper jaw with all normal teeth
1. Normal
An example of the upper jaw missing a tooth with the jaw bone unhealed
2. Tooth Loss
A representation of a healed upper jaw bone after losing a tooth
3. Healed Bone
A digital representation of the initial dental implant placed in the jaw bone
4. Implant Placed
A representation of the healed jaw bone after placement of the dental implant
5. Healing
An example of a fully restored tooth using a dental implant
6. Implant Restored

Healing after Dental Implant Surgery

Healing time after dental implant placement varies by individual, depending on bone quality and quantity. In some cases, implants can be restored immediately. Your surgeon will provide guidance on follow-up care and timing. After initial healing, an abutment or healing cap is placed during a short visit to allow gum tissue to mature and provide access to the implant.

Occasionally, impressions are taken during implant placement to prepare the crown in advance. Follow-up appointments (one to four) are typically needed to monitor healing and determine when you’re ready for restoration. A soft tissue graft may also be performed to improve gum tissue around the implant for a more natural look and easier maintenance.

When are dental implants placed?

Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At times, an implant may be placed immediately after extraction of a tooth. This may involve a little more risk, but it simplifies the process—you won’t have to wait for another appointment to place the implant. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, immediate implant placement is not the best treatment.

If your tooth has been missing for some time, the adjacent support bone is likely to grow thinner and shrink. This occurs because the root of the natural tooth has to be present to stimulate the bone. As much as one third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost in the year following tooth extraction. If you are missing enough bone, you may benefit from having additional bone grafted into the area. This ensures the implant will be adequately supported when it is placed in the jaw.

How many implants do I need?

Most frequently, one implant per missing tooth is placed. Because many of the larger teeth in the back of your jaws have two or three roots, the most common approach is to replace missing back teeth with larger implants.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can impact your bite, speech, and overall health, leading to issues like premature wear, jaw pain, and headaches. Over time, the jawbone deteriorates, losing up to 25% of its structure in the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants help preserve bone, function like natural teeth, and maintain your appearance. Your dentist and implant surgeon will discuss the best options for replacing your teeth and protecting your oral health.

Tooth Replacement Options

You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.

A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.

An example of a dental fixed bridge

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.

A sample of a removable retainer with a plastic tooth known as a flipper

Flipper

A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.

A depiction of a sturdy partial denture cast in metal and plastic

Metal Partial

A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.

A representation of a full denture for the entire lower jaw

Denture

The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.

A visual of a permanent dental implant to replace missing teeth

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.