Harrell Dental Implant Center

Dental implants are the best method available for replacing missing teeth. The treatment requires setting a titanium post directly into the jawbone, then using it to anchor an artificial tooth in place. Setting multiple implants allows for replacing multiple teeth or even a full upper or lower arch. Implants are a permanent solution that match the look and function of real teeth in a way that was never possible before. Because implants are inserted into the jaw, they protect against bone loss (resorption), a critical benefit that no other form of tooth replacement provides.

Anyone with healthy gums and enough bone to support an implant is considered a viable candidate for treatment. Even those who are lacking bone tissue can receive an implant after successful bone grafting. Long-term success with implants is tied to keeping the oral structures healthy, which means daily brushing, flossing and swishing with a germ-fighting mouthrinse. Maintaining regular dental visits is also important.

• Implants are the only tooth replacement method that can fully match the bite strength, stability and appearance of real teeth.
• Implants are a permanent form of tooth restoration. With proper care they can last a lifetime.
• Because implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they protect against bone loss. They are the only type of restoration with this game-changing advantage.
• Implants won’t slip when you are speaking, laughing or eating.
• There are no off-limits foods with implants. Hard or sticky items that must be avoided with dentures are no issue with implants.
• Cleaning implants requires no special care beyond regular daily brushing, flossing and swishing with a germ-fighting mouthrinse.
• implants have a 95 percent success rate after the first five years.

As with any medical procedure there are a number of conditions that influence the cost. At Harrell Dental Implant Center we are dedicated to offering the best in dental services while remaining a competitively priced provider of implants. To get a more detailed idea of implant costs, click here.

Most dental insurance plans will not cover the full cost of dental implants so additional financing may need to be obtained. We have partnered with CareCredit, who offer some 0% financing plans as well as other options. To find out more, click here.

The crowns that are used to create artificial teeth for implants are milled from dental porcelain. This material is extremely strong, easily sculpted and can be adjusted to any shade. Once completed, your implants will fully match your existing natural teeth in size, shape and color. No one will be able to tell that you previously had missing teeth or that you replaced them with dental implants. Your smile will look completely natural.

The journey to receiving implants begins with a comprehensive oral exam that includes taking X-rays and capturing digital 3D scans.
At the next appointment, the implant(s) are surgically inserted into your jawbone where teeth are missing. Pain is managed with local anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the scope of the procedure and your level of comfort. Post-implant discomfort is similar to any other dental surgery and can usually be managed with low-dose pain medication. Swelling and bruising may also be present.

Many patients are able to return to their normal activities the day after implantation with little to no discomfort. This includes returning to work.

Osseointegration, the process of the implant fusing with the jawbone, occurs over the next few months. During this time you will have follow-up visits as ordered by the dentist to monitor your healing.

The entire process can take 3 to 9 months, with a shorter timeline being more typical.

You may be surprised to learn that the age restrictions for implants are only applicable for individuals who are too young. The procedure requires a fully developed jaw, so patients must be around 17 or 18 years old to qualify. Looking at the question from the other direction, there is no upper age limit for receiving dental implants. They have proven to be successful for patients into their 90s. The only consideration is the general health of the individual. Since half of Americans over 65 have at least one missing tooth, this is actually a prime demographic for implant treatment.

Over the past decade, dental implants have emerged as the most comprehensive and effective option for replacing missing teeth. These prosthetic teeth are a vast improvement over traditional replacements such as dentures and bridges.
Most patients find that their dental implants allow them to eat and speak naturally and are amazed at how well implants mimic both the look and feel of natural teeth. This exciting new technology offers several different ways to replace missing teeth and help you regain confidence in your smile.

• Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth.
• Implants cannot decay.
• Implant teeth made with dental porcelain are as strong as natural teeth.
• Patients say that speaking and chewing feels completely natural.
• Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.
• Implants prevent bone loss that can accompany missing teeth.
• Dental implants are easily cleaned: Just brush and floss.

There are several dental implant variations that can be beneficial in a full-mouth reconstruction. Several teeth can be replaced with only two posts, or an entire arch of teeth may be seated on only four posts, a method known as “All-on-4.”

The frequency of your dental visits after receiving implants will coincide with the scope of your treatment and the presence of any postoperative complications. The dentist will make this determination based on the best standard of care for your particular situation. In the absence of any issues, you may generally expect to see the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings.

Each patient’s experience is unique, but getting implants is often said to be less painful than a tooth extraction. Local anesthesia or IV sedation will keep you comfortable during the surgery. Afterward, you may need prescribed pain medication, although many patients can manage their discomfort with over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Patients typically feel well enough to return to work the day after treatment.

Most patients report experiencing less postoperative pain than they anticipated. Between the anesthesia that is administered during treatment and the prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers that can be taken afterward, patients typically feel well enough to return to work the day after surgery.

An All-on-4 implant is used to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. It is an extremely strong titanium-based appliance that is anchored in place by 4 (and sometimes more) implants, which is where it gets its name. It is arguably the greatest advance in dental treatment in recent decades. Patients without teeth (“edentulous”) can now have them replaced with an option that fully matches the function and appearance of natural teeth. This is a total game-changer. Before the arrival of the All-on-4, patients had to rely on dentures to have teeth. This was an unsatisfactory solution to a significant problem.

• Traditional dentures are no match for the All-on-4 when it comes to bite strength, stability or appearance. Because they are supported by posts anchored directly into the jawbone, All-on-4 implants are perfectly suited for the rigors of daily use. This includes the freedom to enjoy hard or sticky foods that must be avoided with dentures.
• Unlike dentures, an All-on-4 implant is permanently fixed in the mouth. Only your dentist can remove it. No one will know you have artificial teeth; and, no one will ever find them soaking in a cup.

• The artificial teeth attached to an All-on-4 implant are much more lifelike than traditional dentures. The crowns of an All-on-4 are made of the highest grade of dental porcelain, a material that is extremely strong, easily sculpted and can be adjusted to any shade.

In general, implants are more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, including dentures. In the long-term, however, implants are the better value. When properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. Dentures will need to be replaced multiple times over the same period, increasing their total cost significantly. Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover dental implants. To assist with this, we are happy to connect you with multiple healthcare credit companies that offer low- or no-interest loans for implant treatment. Let us know if you are interested in this service.