Dental Implants in Savannah

Dental Implants Are an Ideal Replacement

Dental implants appear life-like as they come up through the gums, and look and function just like real teeth. They return the ability to chew a variety of foods and give a full and healthy smile. Implants can replace one or many missing teeth. Those with no teeth can benefit, as they can replace dentures that slip and tilt and instead provide stability when chewing or speaking. There is no need to go to another dental office, as we have complete capabilities for this process from post placement to crown fabrication.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Easier eating – eat your favorite foods
• No slipping – implants are permanently attached
• Individually placed – no strain on other teeth
• Look better – implants look and function like real teeth
• Easier life – no removal or adhesives to deal with
• Increased confidence and self esteem – get your smile back
• Laugh, speak, and enjoy life as if they were your real teeth

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the closest possible replacement for your own natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which rest on your gums, or crowns, which are supported by natural tooth structure, dental implants replace the tooth roots. For each dental implant, a tiny sliver of biocompatible titanium is inserted via minor surgery, and over time it osseointegrates with your jawbone. This makes implants secure, stable, and long-lasting.

A single dental implant topped with a crown can replace one missing tooth. Two to four dental implants can help stabilize removable dentures. In addition, some patients are candidates for immediate-load All-on-4 dental implants.

This solution requires a single visit, during which four implants are strategically placed and topped with a fixed bridge that covers the entire upper or lower arch. It is much more cost-effective than a mouthful of individual implants, and does not require the six-month waiting period of traditional dental implants. Your dentist will help you decide which form of dental implant is right for you.

How Successful are Dental Implants?

Each case varies, but a success rate of up to 98% is impressive. With the right care, your implants can last a lifetime.

Immediate Load Implants – Another Option

In addition to traditional implants, we offer our patients All-on-4™ immediate load implants. They are placed in your mouth and immediately are ready to absorb any pressure from chewing. Previously, there was a waiting time of six months for the adjacent bone to heal. As we can complete the entire procedure in our office in a single visit, there is no need to be referred to an oral surgeon. These will securely hold your dentures in place with only four implants and never need to be removed. They provide support as strong as your natural teeth.

Are full-mouth dental implants better than dentures?

Though dentures are still common, dental implants have quickly become the treatment of choice. Dentures sit on the gums and are prone to pinching and slipping. Dental implants replace the tooth roots with slivers of biocompatible titanium, creating a secure, strong, and stable base for replacement teeth.

Dental implants also restore almost all of your original bite strength. They also prevent jawbone loss, avoiding the sunken look that many denture wearers have.

Fortunately, you do not need individual implants. Just a few dental implants can support a full arch of replacement teeth. This is an effective and budget-friendly alternative that is far better than dentures.

How long do common dental restorations last?

Ideally, dental restorations would last forever. The truth, though, is most restorations simply do not. The average crown or bridge has a lifespan of approximately 5 to 7 years, although excellent care can often push this to a decade or so. Dentures need to be relined once a year and replaced every 10 to 15 years. Dental implants are the only dental restoration currently available that can reasonably be expected to last a lifetime with proper care.

Are Dental Implants Right for Everyone?

If you are healthy enough to have a routine dental extraction or oral surgery, you could be considered a good candidate for dental implants. The best way for us to guide you through the various options would be to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chad Schnabel.

He will inspect your gums, jaw, the condition of your teeth, and talk to you about your dental history. We’d also like to know about your concerns and expectations related to dental implants.

Dental Implants are used for:

• Replacing a single tooth – one implant and a crown is used
• Replacing several teeth – an implant-support bridge is used
• Replacing all teeth – an implant-supported full bridge or denture is used

What Can I Expect After I Have Dental Implants?

You will continue normal dental hygiene at home and continue regular visits to our office for cleaning and check-ups. Brushing and flossing your implants will feel like your regular teeth.

We will monitor and keep a check on your teeth, gums, implants and review a ongoing care plan for your unique situation.

The biggest change you will notice is a new freedom to eat and smile like you used to. You’ll forget you have implants and wonder why you hadn’t considered this option earlier!

Do You Currently Have Dentures?

Removable dentures can be inconvenient and embarrassing in certain situations. Dental implants can free you from the maintenance and daily routine of cleaning, adhesives, and eating challenges.

If you are ready to discuss the alternatives to dentures, let us know. Our goal is to bring back your confident smile and let you get back to living your life.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

Like so many other things in life, the answer is, “it depends.” Every insurance company is different, with different covered items and different exclusions. Increasingly, though, dental insurance is starting to cover dental implants. Those that don’t generally cover the lowest-cost option, such as dentures, and some patients have had success with getting the company to cover that amount towards dental implants. However, you also need to be aware of your annual limit on benefits. Although higher dollar limits are available, many dental insurance policies cover only $1000 or $1500 worth of work per year.

We will work with your insurer to get every dollar that your plan allows. Talk to our office staff before you begin treatment for a detailed look at what your insurance company will pay.

Dental Implants and dental insurance coverage are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Schnabel can discuss your current insurance and guide you through your options.