(931) 388-4315Dental Implants – Columbia, TN
Regain Your Attractive, Complete Smile
In today’s world, there is no better option for replacing missing teeth than dental implants. Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium, and they are crafted to be prosthetic “tooth roots” that support a high-quality restoration. The final result is healthy, durable, functional, and virtually seamless from the rest of your natural smile.
In today’s world, there is no better option for replacing missing teeth than dental implants. Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium, and they are crafted to be prosthetic “tooth roots” that support a high-quality restoration. The final result is healthy, durable, functional, and virtually seamless from the rest of your natural smile.
Dr. Goodman partners with surgical specialists to help patients turn back the clock on their smile. If you are interested in state-of-the-art dental implants in Columbia, contact us today and schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Goodman Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- We Accept Dental Insurance & Offer Financing
- A Dentist with Over 10 Years of Experience
- Comfortable, Clean & Modern Dental Office
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically secured within the jawbone, below the gumline. They are designed to be able to fuse with the bone, just like the roots of your natural teeth would, allowing them to offer an incredibly strong foundation for any type of restoration to be attached to, depending on the number of teeth you’re missing.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
- Consultation: Your initial consultation with Dr. Goodman will consist of a thorough evaluation of your oral and medical histories as well as an in-depth examination of your teeth and gums. Our team may also capture X-rays to help us plan your procedure.
- Placement: Once you consent to moving forward with our proposed treatment plan, the next step will be to schedule and complete your dental implant placement surgery. At Goodman Family Dentistry, we partner with local specialists for this part of the process, ensuring that you receive lasting and reliable results.
- Healing: Following your surgery, you’ll undergo a healing process that will last for between three and six months. During this time span, osseointegration will also occur, which is when the implants will naturally fuse with the jawbone—one of the most crucial parts of the process.
- Restoration: Finally, the last part of your treatment will involve Goodman attaching your permanent, perfectly crafted and fitted restorations. Depending on your tooth loss situation, this can mean attaching a bridge, free-standing crown, or denture to your implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
More than 500,000 people every year choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth. As the most predictable and reliable solution, they offer over a 95% success rate. Due to the materials and treatment process that is used, they have the potential to last for a lifetime. In addition to making a long-term investment in your quality of life, you will also enjoy many added benefits that are not possible with other tooth replacement options, such as:
- Replace the Root and Crown: Dental implants are the only solution to replace both the root and crown of a tooth. By surgically placing the implant post into your jawbone, it acts as a new root while allowing an all-ceramic crown to fill the space of the missing tooth.
- Look and Feel Natural: Dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. With the implant posts securely holding the prosthetic teeth in place, you will enjoy an increased biting force of over 70% when compared to traditional options.
- Improve Oral Health: Dental implants do not require your adjacent teeth to hold them in place, so they will not be damaged. In fact, your oral health will improve because the posts stimulate your jawbone to preserve your bone density.
Who Can Dental Implants Help?
Dental implants can help patients experiencing a variety of different tooth loss situations, making it one of the most versatile treatments for replacing missing teeth that we offer! Based on your thorough evaluation with Dr. Goodman, your dentist in Columbia will outline a treatment plan for you so you can know how exactly we plan to restore your smile. It can include any of the three pathways below.
Missing One Tooth
With a traditional crown replacement, although only one tooth is missing, at least two others are affected. That’s because those adjacent to the vacated space are relied upon to act as anchors (abutments). Thus, they have to be prepared to receive porcelain crowns, which includes the partial removal of their enamel and the reshaping of each tooth. The replacement crown will then be bonded to the abutments with the aid of dental cement.
These alterations can be completely bypassed when Dr. Goodman places an implant dental crown in Columbia. Instead of relying on other teeth for support, the dental implant insertion makes for a completely self-reliant structure. Consisting of a cylinder-shaped titanium post that is inserted into the underlying jawbone, the single tooth dental implant provides a degree of security that is near equivalent to your original tooth root. After you’ve healed adequately from the initial procedure, we’ll add an abutment (also made from titanium), which will allow for the porcelain crown restoration to be securely attached.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Traditional tooth replacement options like fixed bridges and dentures are supported by healthy teeth and oral structures. This can cause more damage to remaining teeth and overall oral health. Instead, a dental implant supported restoration is a fully self-supporting solution. The dental implant posts mimic healthy tooth roots, providing support for the restoration and protecting healthy oral structures. Implant supported restorations deliver the closest to natural results, giving patients back their healthy, functional smiles.
Missing All Teeth
Dental implants can still be a viable tooth replacement option, even in cases of complete tooth loss. A small number of implants are spread strategically throughout the mouth to support a full prosthetic that is stable, comfortable, and lifelike. A hybrid denture can be permanently fixed within your mouth. Alternatively, a removable overdenture attaches to placed implant abutments. Dr. Goodman also offers All-on-4 implant dentures for those who have sustained jawbone loss due to tooth loss.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
After tooth loss occurs, dental implants are without a doubt a worthy investment in your continued oral health -- but they do come at a higher cost than any other option in tooth replacement. Finding out just what your dental implants will cost will help you budget to make them fit right within any financial constraints. Keep reading to learn more about the factors influencing the price of dental implants, and how to find out just what yours will cost.
Factors That Can Influence the Cost of Dental Implants
No two smiles are the same -- and no two oral procedures are the same, either. It is very difficult to estimate the cost of a dental implant procedure without a thorough evaluation, as the price may vary quite a lot from one case to the next. The best way to find out what your dental implant procedure will cost is to book a visit with our office.
During a consultation, Dr. Goodman will consider the following factors to determine the cost of your implant procedure:
- How many teeth are missing: Dental implants are individually priced, which means that the number of teeth you have lost will be perhaps the greatest factor influencing the total cost of your implant procedure.
- Bone health: Dental implants require plenty of healthy jawbone structure for successful attachment. If significant bone loss has occurred due to missing teeth or gum disease, you may need to have a bone graft performed before implant posts can be placed. This additional procedure will increase the cost of dental implants.
- The location of the missing teeth: Given aesthetic concerns and tight spaces, implant procedures are more complex for front teeth. This means it is more expensive to replace front teeth than molars or premolars.
- Other considerations: Most dental implants are made out of titanium, but patients who have a metal allergy may require posts made from zirconia or ceramic. These special materials increase the cost of an implant procedure. Additionally, general anesthesia costs more if it is required for more complex cases.
Making Dental Implants More Affordable
Once you have a cost estimate for your dental implant procedure, you and our team can discuss how to make them fit comfortably within your budget. Unfortunately, dental insurance usually does not cover the cost of dental implants -- but you may be eligible for coverage for certain aspects of the procedure, like discounts on the crown or denture that is secured on top of the implant post. Additionally, financing through CareCredit can allow you to make smaller payments on your bill.
Dental Implant FAQs
Can I take out dental implants?
No, you can't remove a dental implant on your own. It is unique because it replicates both the root and crown. A titanium post mimics the root, which your bone will fuse to through a process called osseointegration. Only a trained dental professional can remove it. Although you can't remove the post, some implant dentures can be taken out for easy cleaning.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are the most reliable method of treating tooth loss. They can last for 30 years or longer with the right care, like brushing and flossing. Various factors affect their lifespan, such as their placement. Molars undergo more wear and tear than the front teeth. They may have a slightly shorter life expectancy. You can protect them from unnecessary pressure by limiting chewy, hard, or sticky foods. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, ask your dentist for a nightguard.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There isn't an age limit for dental implants. Instead, your implant dentist in Columbia considers your oral and general health, including any medications you are taking. With age comes certain prescriptions and medical conditions, which can make your case more complex than others. That doesn't mean you aren't a candidate for the procedure. You may need a little prep work, like bone grafting. Although there might be a few more steps in your treatment plan, your dentist can replace your lost teeth safely.
What are the signs of dental implant failure?
Less than 5% of dental implants fail, but it's important to watch for any signs of a complication, like redness, inflammation, or pain near the post. Don't wait to see your dentist. Quick diagnosis and treatment can stop complete implant failure. You can safeguard your investment by brushing, flossing, and using a mouthrinse. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They will check your dental implants at each appointment to ensure there aren't any concerns, like signs of an infection. It's best to avoid anything that can compromise your smile, like smoking, using your teeth to open bottles, or chewing on your fingernails. Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
What should I do if my dental implant feels loose?
After your bone has integrated with the post, it should never feel loose. If your implant wiggles or doesn't feel stable, contact our office right away. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a loose restoration; however, it can also indicate something more serious, like an infection or bone loss.