Fix Your Smile and Restore Missing Teeth
Are you looking to regain your lost smile and revitalize your oral health? Dr. Fred Gaeta and our skilled dentists in Kailua-Kona, HI, offer a transformative solution: dental implants. As the premier restorative dental treatment, dental implants can rejuvenate your smile’s natural radiance while restoring full functionality.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent restorative remedy capable of replacing several missing teeth. They deliver a lifelike appearance and reinstate your missing teeth from root to crown. Implants seamlessly fuse with your jawbone, offering unparalleled stability and strength. With proper care, dental implants can provide a lifelong solution.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are several benefits of choosing dental implants to restore missing teeth, such as:
- A Naturally Appealing Look: Dental implants seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and authentic smile.
- Full-Fledged Functionality: Regain the ability to chew and speak without hesitation, as dental implants provide functionality akin to natural teeth.
- Secure Attachment: Implants anchor firmly to your jaw, erasing worries about slipping or displacement.
- Effortless Maintenance: Maintaining dental implants is a breeze, as they can be cared for just like your natural teeth.
- Decay Resistance: Unlike some other options, dental implants are remarkably resistant to decay, promoting long-term oral health.
- Encourages Jawbone Health: Implants stimulate the growth of a healthy jawbone, ensuring structural integrity over time.
- A Lifetime Investment: With the proper care and maintenance, dental implants can provide a lifelong solution for your dental needs.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
Jawbone Density
Adequate jawbone density is crucial for the success of dental implant surgery. The implants need a strong foundation to fuse with, ensuring stability and longevity. If you have insufficient jawbone density, your dentist may recommend a bone graft or alternative procedures to prepare your jaw for implants.
Overall Health
Your general health plays a significant role in determining candidacy. Chronic illnesses, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect the healing process. Discuss your medical history with your dentist to assess potential risks.
Age
Age isn’t a strict determinant, but older adults may require additional evaluation. The key is overall health and the ability to undergo surgery successfully.
Smoking
Smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. Dentists often advise quitting smoking before undergoing implant surgery to improve the chances of success.
The Dental Implant Process
If you’re deemed a suitable candidate for dental implants, you’ll embark on a transformative journey to restore your smile. The process generally involves:
Initial Consultation
Your voyage toward dental implants commences with an initial consultation with Dr. Gaeta at our Kailua-Kona dental practice. During this assessment, we’ll evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone to ascertain whether your bone density is sufficient for successful implant placement.
Implant Placement
Before placing your dental implants, Dr. Gaeta will administer a local anesthetic to ensure a painless process. During this procedure, Dr. Gatea will surgically place titanium implants into your jawbone. The number of implants and their location will depend on your treatment plan.
Osseointegration
Over several months, the implants naturally fuse with your jawbone through osseointegration. This integration ensures a secure and stable foundation for your replacement teeth.
Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, your dentist will attach custom-made replacement teeth to the implants. These restorations mimic the look and function of natural teeth and usually include a dental crown made to match your natural teeth.
Aftercare for Dental Implants
Aftercare is crucial for the long-term success of your dental implants. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on caring for your implants, which may include:
- Regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing
- Routine check-ups and cleanings
- Avoiding habits that could damage the implants, such as teeth-grinding
- A balanced diet to support overall oral health
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your beautiful, functional smile for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The coverage of dental implant costs by insurance varies widely depending on your insurance plan. To determine if your insurance covers dental implants, review your policy documents, contact your insurance provider, or consult your dentist. They can provide detailed information about your specific coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Dental implant placement is typically performed with local anesthesia, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort or pressure during the implant placement process.
The longevity of dental implant restorations can vary depending on several factors, including your oral hygiene practices, overall health, and the quality of the restorations. With proper care and maintenance, dental implant restorations can last decades or even a lifetime.
The duration of the dental implant procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the number of implants, oral health, and any necessary preparatory procedures. Overall, from the initial consultation to the final restoration, the entire dental implant procedure can take several months to complete. Your dentist will provide a personalized treatment timeline based on your needs and case complexity.
Regain Your Oral Health and Confidence
Are you ready to transform your dreams of a beautiful smile into reality? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gaeta by calling our Kailua-Kona, HI, office at (808) 329-3314. We welcome patients from Kukio, Kalaoa, and Haluaoa.