The newest option for restoring missing teeth and stabilizing dentures

Gladstone Family Dentistry is pleased to be able to offer our patients one of the latest and exciting dental technologies: dental implants.  After completing hundreds of detal implants and we have found them to be a wonderful treatment for replacing missing teeth and stabilizing old, loose dentures.  Here are a few frequently asked questions about dental implants:

Q: What is a dental implant?
A: A dental implant is a device that is permanently anchored to your jaw bone.  It is usually made out of surgical-grade titanium but can also be made of a porcelain-like material called Zirconia.

Q: What is a dental implant used for?
A: The most common uses for dental implants include replacing missing teeth and providing anchoring support for dentures.  However, dental implants are being used today for applications in orthodontics and are widely used in the research field.

Q: What is the advantage to a dental implant?
A: Any time a tooth is lost, the bone in that area is also lost.  A dental implant helps preserve the bone and improves the long-term prognosis of that area.

Q: Are dental implants experimental?
A: Not at all.  Dental implants placed as early as the 1960’s are healthy and functioning well today.  We have been placing dental implants for 18 years and have helped hundreds of patients restore their smile.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Most patients find that the placement of the implant is less traumatic than having a tooth extracted.  Many patients take only a few ibuprofen after the procedure and are back to their normal routine after a good night’s sleep.

Q: How long does the implant procedure take?
A: Depending on your case, the procedure lasts from about 2 or 3 hours from start to finish.  After the implant is placed, there is usually a healing time which lasts from 4 to 6 months before the permanent crown or denture is placed.

Q: How much does a dental implant cost?
A: Fees vary widely depending on your treatment plan, how many implants you desire, insurance coverage, and any follow up care.  We are always happy to provide you with a written estimate after your diagnostic and treatment planning appointments.  As an added convenience, we offer Care Credit financing to make your implant treatment as affordable and seamless as possible.

Q: How do I get started?
A: Please call us at any time to set up a consultation appointment.  We will determine what x-rays, models, and photographs we will need to process before giving you your customized treatment plan.  Please allow about an hour for this first appointment.

We hope this information helps you in making the decision to explore what dental implants can do for you and your loved ones.  Contact us today to become a dental implant success story.