Dental implants in Cape Coral, FL are changing the lives of Dr. Pettes patients. In the last few decades, they have become the preferred method to replace missing teeth and natural teeth which are beyond repair. Dental implants provide our patients with replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. With dental implants your chewing function will be like chewing with natural teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants helps preserve the jawbone and restore youthful facial contours. Patients with dental implants can now smile with confidence since there is no chance of a denture/partial like movement. Dental implants also have some advantages over natural teeth since they do not get cavities and will never need a root canal. Because of these advantages, dental implant replacements can often last longer than conventional options like tooth supported bridges.
What Are Dental Implants?
There is often some confusion when discussing a dental implant. It is extremely important to know there are three parts to a dental implant.
Three Parts of Dental Implants
1. The anchor or dental implant is a titanium post which is gently placed into the jaw and acts as the root for the missing tooth. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible and has a well-documented history of successfully integrating with the bone in the jaw. This creates the foundation strong enough to support the other components of the dental implant.
2. The abutment is a post which attaches securely in dental implant, and will sit right above the gum line. The abutment acts as the connection from the dental implant to the crown.
3. The crown is the only part of the dental implant that remains visible and is colored and shaped to be identical to the surrounding teeth. The crown is then fixed to the abutment, which allows the crown have a natural emergence from the gumline.
Dental implants have over forty years of research with predictable long-term results. Countless studies have found that the success rate for today’s dental implants is as high as 98%. In the hands of a properly trained and skilled Periodontist, implants are a safe, predictable and often the preferred method to replace missing or irreparably damaged natural teeth.
Dental Implant Surgery
Most patients are surprised at how straightforward and comfortable implant replacement has become. In our office, your comfort is always our top priority. On the day of your procedure, Dr. Gregory A. Pette will gently complete your treatment and accurately place the implants in the optimal positions within your jawbone. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life, in fact, most patients will return to normal activities the following day. In almost all cases you will have temporary replacement teeth. Postoperative discomfort is usually considered minimal. Although you will have temporary teeth, dental implants need to heal before the final teeth are fabricated. Implant healing can range from six weeks to four months or more depending on conditions such as bone quality/quantity and your ability to heal.
Dental Implant Advances
Modern Dental Cape Coral in Cape Coral, FL uses advanced imaging to visualize your jaw for implant options. We also use software which will allow us to virtually plan your individual procedure. Because of this, the majority of our procedures are completed using a computer-generated guide thereby allowing us to place the implant exactly where it needs to be to provide our patients with a seamless restoration process. However, all this new technology does not replace the judgment and experience of a skilled surgical specialist.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Modern dental implants were developed over forty years ago in Sweden. Dental implants have proven to be an excellent method to replace failing and missing teeth with favorable long-term results that often exceed conventional options such as dentures and bridges. They have the potential to last a lifetime but remember – your own teeth didn’t last forever. We find some patients mistakenly think that once they get dental implants, they never need to go back to a dentist again. This misconception is aided by some providers who offer dental implant services, but do not offer ongoing maintenance. It’s like getting a new motor, but never changing the oil, seems silly, but that is what is happening. Although dental implants don’t get cavities or need root canal treatment, gum disease can and does occur around dental implants just like natural teeth. You must thoroughly clean your implants daily. We will work with you and your dentist to create a customized plan where you are set up for success with your new teeth.
What Are Mini-Implants?
Mini-implants are small diameter titanium pins that are placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Generally speaking, they are used to help retain dentures but some dentists also use them to support crowns and bridges. They are often placed into the bone directly through the gum. Because of the direct placement protocol, a supposed advantage of mini-implants is that they are easier to place than regular implants. There is some speculation that this is marketing hype more than actual experience. Occasionally, dentists with less surgical training often see this as a way to offer dental implants without referring a patient to a surgical specialist. Usually, but not always, they are less costly so some patients see this as a way to save money on treatment.
Mini-implants have several limitations and disadvantages. Compared to the vast number of studies that support the long-term success of standard dental implants these do not have much scientific data to substantiate their regular use. They have higher failure rates when used in softer bone, such as upper denture support. Implant fracture is always a concern with those type of implants. With all this being said, mini-implants can be useful if applied to the right type of case. Dr. Gregory A. Pette often uses them as “temporary” implants to support temporary fixed teeth during treatment. This can allow a patient to avoid the need to wear a removable temporary tooth replacement during healing. The temporary mini-implants are easily removed after the regular implants have healed. Our doctors will evaluate you to see if mini-implants are a viable option, but for most experienced surgeons their use is quite limited. Usually, they are less expensive but if they fail it is money wasted.
Cost of Dental Implants
You simply can’t learn everything you need to know about a dentist, their office and your specific treatment needs over the phone. Many patients call to ask, “How much do implants cost?” This question can’t be answered over the phone because each treatment plan is geared specific to meet a patients particular needs. It is extremely important to note that the range of published costs for dental implant treatment is often directly proportional to the quality of materials used, not to mention the expertise involved in providing the entire multi-dimensional package of care.
Inferior materials are available for implant treatment, and undiscerning patients sometimes fall prey to implant treatment which is set up to fail. Our doctors rely only on evidence-based science and we use only the highest quality materials with proven track records. Our fees are competitive for the same materials and professional care.
Cost is always an important factor in making your decision on treatment, however, it should not be the primary factor in choosing an office. Dental implants have extremely high success rates when placed by experienced surgeons with top grade materials and these replacements can last a lifetime. It is a great investment in one of your finest assets – your health, self-esteem, and your smile.
Once our doctors have performed a thorough and complete evaluation you will get a written treatment plan that includes fees. We will also detail your estimated treatment length. More complex plans may require seeing other dental specialists. Medical insurance does not typically cover dental implants and associated procedures such as jaw bone grafting. Some dental insurance companies may cover a portion of your implant treatment but there is usually a yearly limit on benefits. A preauthorization can be obtained from your dental insurance company to see what treatment is covered by your plan.
Modern Dental Cape Coral serve patients located in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Pine Island, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs & surrounding areas.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Gregory A. Pette today. Call us at (239) 610-6200
With advances in modern dental implant therapy, we are able to help many more people today than just in the recent past. Some patients who were told they are not candidates for implants due to lack of bone are many times able to be candidates with our technology today. Contact our doctors today in our Cape Coral, FL office to schedule a smile consultation.
Full New Patient Dental Exam and X-rays: ONLY $59!