What is a dental implant?
We can use a dental implant in a variety of ways. The most common use is when a patient is missing one tooth. For instance, if you've had a back tooth pulled, and want to fill that space. If the tooth has been missing for a while, we can take a 3D picture, which helps us visualize how much bone is present, and place the implant to replace the root of your tooth. After it heals for a period of time, we can build a crown on top of that implant and fill the space again for you so you can chew properly.
Another situation where we use implants is underneath dentures or partial dentures. We use them in this way to gain more stability and decrease the amount of movement the patient experiences when trying to chew or speak.
Is Getting an Implant Painful?
A lot of patients, when considering getting implants, are scared about the pain with the implant. Based on my experience and patient testimonials, most people find that having a tooth taken out is more painful than having an implant placed. This is because we are being very precise when we do the surgery for the implant. We know exactly how it’s going to go. Typically, patients may have some soreness for the first couple of days, but by day three, they are back to feeling like themselves.
Missing teeth can have a negative impact on your oral health and your confidence. Here at Smiles of West Point, we want to make treatment as affordable, efficient, and accessible as possible for all of our patients.
If you have missing teeth, you may feel the need to hide your smile. Unfortunately, tooth loss is not only a cosmetic concern; it can also cause issues when biting or chewing. Large spaces in your mouth due to missing teeth will cause other teeth to shift, which creates misalignment issues. The loss of teeth can also cause jaw deterioration over time. This is why dental implants are so important. They can help not only restore your confidence, but also improve your oral and overall health.
The patient had 14 months of traditional bracket orthodontic care. In addition, she had single implants placed and an implant bridge placed.
Dental Implant Options:
- Single-Tooth Replacement: A dental implant is an excellent solution for replacing a single missing tooth. Its permanence and durability give it an edge over any other option and it will look and feel very natural.
- Multiple Teeth Replacement: In a case where multiple teeth need to be replaced, Dr. Billue may place an individual implant or an implant-supported dental bridge.
- Full Mouth Replacement: Strength, performance, and support while chewing are all factors that should be taken into consideration when replacing your teeth.
- Mini-implant supported dentures: Mini-implants are smaller than traditional implants. They also require less bone tissue to remain stable.
Could Dental Implants Help You?
Compared to other treatment options, dental implants are fairly intensive. If your natural teeth are still intact, Dr. Billue will assess the benefits and risks of extracting and replacing teeth versus saving them. There are cases where a root canal and crown are the better alternative to an extraction and dental implant.
If you are missing teeth due to injury or decay, surgical implants may be the solution. Listed below are common reasons why dental implants may be recommended at Smiles of West Point:
- Patient is missing enough teeth to require dentures
- Decay is too severe to fill the tooth
- Patient has had a few teeth come out
- Patient has been considering getting dental bridges or crowns
- Patient needs a full smile restoration
A good candidate for dental implants should be in general good health overall and have minimal oral health issues, which includes having healthy gums. Implants and other artificial teeth will not be subject to decay. However, the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can still be present, which means you should maintain strong dental hygiene habits.
Complimentary Implant Consultation
During your complimentary consultation at Smiles of West Point, Dr. Billue will review your dental and medical histories and conduct a physical exam of your teeth and mouth. An X-Ray will be required to evaluate your teeth and underlying jawbone to make sure there is enough bone structure to support the implant.
Our team is here to answer any of your questions and discuss your implant treatment plan. Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable moving forward with the process of implant placement and to give you the beautiful smile you deserve.
Our implant consultation is valued at $168, but we will conduct this consultation for FREE! Here is what to expect from your appointment:
A personal implant consultation with Dr. Billue where we will find out if you are a candidate for dental implants. We will take digital X-Rays, screen you for advanced oral cancer, and evaluate TMJ and your overall bite. We will then go over a written treatment plan and review your treatment options. We will discuss pricing, how long the procedure will take, and the steps you will need to take to get the best results possible. We are here to answer any questions you might have and guide you every step of the way.
Single-Tooth Replacement
The permanence and durability of a dental implant makes it an ideal solution for replacing a single missing tooth. No other replacement method comes close to restoring a long-lasting, natural smile, especially if the surrounding teeth are healthy.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
If multiple teeth must be replaced, but not the full mouth, Dr. Billue will place an individual implant or an implant-supported dental bridge. Both solutions will improve chewing strength and look and feel natural.
Full Mouth Replacement
If you are looking to replace all of your teeth, Dr. Billue recommends individual dental implants, fixed implant-supported bridges, or implant-supported dentures to give you a full, beautiful, and functional smile.
Mini-implant supported dentures
Mini implants are often used in situations where there is limited space or bone volume, making them suitable for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implants due to bone density issues or anatomical constraints. They can be used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures, providing stability and functionality similar to traditional implants.
High-tech Implant Dentistry
3D X-rays with Our State-of-the-Art Cone Beam Scanner
State-of-the-art 3D Cone Beam technology is used to capture 3D images of your jaw, teeth, and skill. This technology is done using a cone-shaped X-Ray beam that allows Dr. Billue to view the images from every angle and plan your implant surgery in advance.
Cone Beam CT scanners use far less radiation than traditional X-Rays or medical CT scanners.
Bone Grafting and Other Preparatory Procedures
In cases where bone has been lost through periodontal disease or a missing tooth, there may be a need to increase the amount of bone in a patient’s jaw. This will ensure that there is sufficient bone available to support the dental implant.
This is done through a process called bone grafting, a safe and effective procedure that builds up bone on the jaw by adding a small amount of bone from the patient, a donor, or synthetic bone. Dr. Billue will use the material best suited for each patient.
Dental Implants in West Point
Dental implants give you the option to have a smile that is both functional and attractive. This is a permanent solution for patients who are missing teeth and want to restore their natural look and improve their ability to talk and eat. At Smiles of West Point, Dr. Billue uses her extensive experience and education of implant treatment to create this effect.
Each of our patients are unique and important to us! That’s why we want to offer a free consultation visit to help our patients make an informed decision.
Every patient is different. Not everyone has the same reason for choosing implants. Contact us at (804) 494-4382 for a consultation so that you can make an informed decision.
We would like to get to know you and discuss your dental goals, history, and health. Then, we will go over available treatment options to address your concerns. We want you to leave our office feeling welcomed by our team and confident in your smile.