Going through your day-to-day life without all of your teeth can be difficult, to say the least. Normal tasks like chewing your foods and smiling in front of others can feel next to impossible. What if you could turn back the clock on tooth loss and regain a complete, confident smile that feels, looks, and functions just like the one you once had? With dental implants in Falmouth, ME, that dream is within reach. This state-of-the-art reconstructive service faithfully replicates every component of a natural tooth so that the final result offers outstanding durability, cosmetic appeal, and longevity. At Casco Bay Smiles, Dr. Rob McVety uses state-of-the-art technology (including guided surgery and a revolutionary CBCT scanner) to ensure that every stage of the treatment process is as precise and successful as possible. Call us today to set your dental implant consultation and start rebuilding your smile!
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Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jawbone to replace your missing tooth’s root. Because titanium has biocompatible properties, it naturally integrates with your jawbone structure, becoming just as firmly embedded as the roots of your original teeth. Once this process is complete, a small metal attachment called an abutment will be connected to the tops of the implant posts. This will hold the restoration, which can either be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of teeth you need to replace.
While many dental practices send their patients to outside specialists for the surgical component of their dental implant procedure, Dr. McVety is proud to offer a truly comprehensive experience here in Falmouth, ME by providing all parts of the dental implant procedure himself. With technological support like guided surgery and 3D X-rays from our revolutionary CBCT scanner, you can trust that he and our team will leave nothing to chance.
Each patient experiences dental implant treatment slightly differently, but the four basic steps of the process are:
Read on as we go over each of these steps and what you can expect on your dental implant journey!
First, you'll meet with Dr. McVety for a consultation. He’ll discuss your goals for your smile with you, review your medical history, and examine your mouth to see if dental implants are a good choice for you. Some patients will need to complete preliminary procedures like a bone graft or gum disease therapy first to become good candidates for dental implants. Then, once you’ve been given the green light, we’ll create your custom dental implant treatment plan and schedule your implant placement surgery.
Placing dental implants involves a precise minor surgery. To ensure that this step goes as smoothly as possible, Dr. McVety has completed advanced training in implant dentistry in order to provide this service personally. Additionally, he’ll use the CBCT scanner and guided dental implant technology to plan out your placement surgery ahead of time.
Once we’ve ensured that you’re comfortable and that your mouth has been fully numbed, we’ll make a small incision in your gums to access your jawbone. There, we’ll insert your dental implant into the bone tissue and close the gums around it. Then, you’ll be sent home to heal.
It should only take you a few days to recover from dental implant surgery. However, your jaw will continue to heal for several months during osseointegration. This is when the dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue to create a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth. Osseointegration can take anywhere between three and six months, at which point you’ll likely return to our office to have a small connector piece called an abutment attached to the top of your dental implant. As you heal from this minor procedure for a few weeks, your custom-made restoration will be crafted.
Finally, it will be time to return to our office for the final step on your journey towards a complete smile with dental implants. We’ll use the abutment to secure your custom crown, bridge, or denture into place. Then, we’ll answer any questions you may have, review how to take care of your implants, and check that you’re pleased with your results. After that, you’ll be all set to go out and show off your brand-new smile to the world!
Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular solutions for missing teeth. Over 500,000 are placed every year! They’re an excellent option for patients wanting to replace one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. Since implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, they provide a range of benefits that you simply can’t get with traditional options like dentures or dental bridges. If you’d like to learn more about how they can improve your quality of life, continue reading or call our office to speak directly with a member of our team!
Since you use your teeth every day to eat, speak, and smile, it only makes sense that you’d want a tooth-replacement solution that allows you to live freely. By choosing to get dental implants in Falmouth, you can expect to enjoy the following day-to-day benefits:
Aside from improving your daily quality of life, here are some incredible health benefits you can enjoy as well:
With dental implants, you can expect to enjoy multiple long-term benefits, including:
Dental implants are a highly versatile, long-lasting, and lifelike reconstructive service. So, you can see why they are one of the most sought-after solutions for tooth loss! If you are considering them for your own smile, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. McVety so he can learn about your unique dental needs and smile goals. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about which types of implant-supported restorations will work best for you.
Naturally, something that all dental implant candidates have in common is tooth loss. Here are a few other qualities we look for:
If you aren’t a candidate for dental implants initially, don’t let that discourage you. Oftentimes, the necessary preliminary care (i.e., gum disease treatment, bone graft, tooth extraction) can be added to the beginning of your treatment plan, ensuring a healthy, complete, and beautiful smile isn’t out of reach.
If you are only missing one tooth – whether it’s one of your front teeth or a back molar – we can replace it with a single dental implant! The first step is surgically placing the implant into your jawbone and allowing them to fuse together (a process known as “osseointegration”). Then, an all-porcelain crown is secured in place, effectively restoring the visible portion of your tooth as well. Rest assured, Dr. McVety uses only the highest quality materials, ensuring you get a seamlessly beautiful result that even reflects light in the same way as natural tooth enamel.
What if you are missing multiple teeth? Good news: dental implants are still an option! While implant-supported crowns can prove useful when restoring several teeth/implants throughout the mouth, a bridge may be a better solution when multiple teeth along the same arch have unfortunately been lost. If that’s the case for you, we will position two implants – one on either side of the gap – and then attach the custom prosthetic to them for a strong and confident fit.
Implant dentures are a more cost-effective reconstructive solution that does not skimp on the enduring quality our patients deserve. We can place a small number of strategic implants throughout the jawbone to support the new appliance, either permanently fixing it in place or designing it to remain removable. Unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures will be firmly anchored in place; they won’t slip at embarrassing moments or while you’re trying to eat. Furthermore, because implants stimulate the jaw and prevent bone loss, you won’t have to worry about your dentures becoming loose because your mouth has changed shape.
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There are several components of dental implant treatment that influence the overall cost, including how many implants we’re placing, the types of restorations that are covering them, and whether any health-minded procedures (such as periodontal therapy or bone grafting) are needed beforehand to ensure success. During your initial consultation, Dr. McVety will thoroughly review your current oral health and provide an exhaustive rundown of your proposed treatment – including financial information – so that you can proceed with total confidence.
It’s important to remember that while dental implants may incur a larger investment upfront, we believe it’s worth making. More traditional reconstructive services often require costly maintenance and replacement over the years, while dental implants are specifically designed to thrive for decades.
The overall cost of your dental implant procedure will depend on how many posts you’ll be having implanted into your jawbone. There are three types of implants you can receive, and it will be up to Dr. McVety to determine which one is right for your needs.
When preparing for dental implant placement, there are various stages of treatment you’ll be required to go through, each with its own cost:
Apart from the individual stages, additional factors incorporated into the cost might include anesthesia or sedation.
To put it simply, there is no better solution for missing teeth than dental implants. Yes, there are other methods dentists use for replacement, but only dental implants can last decades, if not a lifetime. The initial investment is great, but over time, while your friends or colleagues are visiting the dentist to have their dentures replaced or bridges repaired, you’ll continue to sport a smile that is stable, functional, and in the best of shape.
Most dental insurance companies do not cover the cost of dental implant placement; however, you might be surprised to learn that certain aspects of your surgery and treatment are covered, including:
At Casco Bay Smiles, we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by the cost of your dental procedures, which is why we work with many dental insurance PPO plans as well as offer CareCredit, which is a third-party financier. This financing plan allows you to make manageable monthly payments for extensive treatments.
Since the jawbone needs the stimulation provided by your teeth to retain its density, bone deterioration is a natural side effect of tooth loss. Your implants might not integrate with the jaw properly if there isn’t enough bone present. Luckily, in many cases the damage can be reversed with bone grafting, a procedure that encourages the jaw to start producing bone tissue again. A similar procedure called a sinus lift can be used if your sinuses are too close to where the implants need to be placed.
When a bone has deteriorated in some way, a bone grafting procedure can be used to encourage growth and healing. The procedure works by taking bone tissue from another part of your body (or from a human or animal donor) and placing it around the damaged area. The still-living cells in the deteriorated bone will begin to bond with the new material and start to regenerate. As the bone grows, it will eventually replace the graft material entirely.
Since the jaw relies on the stimulation of chewing to stay healthy and strong, bone loss is a common side effect of losing teeth; for this reason, it’s very common for a patient to need bone grafting before they can get dental implants.
While in mild cases you can sometimes receive your dental implants right after bone grafting, in other cases you’ll need to wait several months for your mouth to fully heal first. You might notice some pain during the first few days after the surgery, but it will fade over time; you can use over-the-counter painkillers and ice bags to keep yourself as comfortable as possible. You should also stick to soft foods during the early stages of recovery.
This procedure is specifically used to add height to the upper jaw and/or move the sinuses away from where the implants need to be placed. After an incision is made in the gums, the membrane that protects the sinuses will be gently pushed up, and grafting material will be added. Like with bone grafting, you’ll likely need to wait several months after a sinus lift is performed before your mouth is ready to receive implants.
After you have your dental implants placed, there will be a recovery period. We will give you aftercare instructions to abide by. If you ever have any concerns about side effects or questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can provide you with further instructions. Here are some steps that you can expect.
The most important thing to do is leave the blood clot at the surgical site untouched. This is crucial for the healing process to go smoothly. Here are some rules that can prevent the clot from dislodging:
There are a few mild side effects that are completely normal – especially in the first few days after your surgery. Here are the most common ones:
For the first few days after your procedure, it is best to stick to soft foods. Here are some items that you can enjoy as you heal:
You can return to your normal diet when you feel comfortable doing so. Just remember to avoid foods that are particularly crunchy. You should also refrain from chewing directly on the implant site.
You can brush your teeth as usual the day after your surgery. However, you should be extremely careful when you are near the surgical sites. Rinse your mouth two or three times each day, ideally after meals, with salt water. When you use mouthwash, make sure that you choose one that doesn’t contain high levels of alcohol. This can aggravate the area around the implant.
Now that you’ve received your replacement teeth, the difficult part is over! When your new crown, bridge, or denture is attached to your implant(s), you may experience some minor sensitivity, but this should be easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. You shouldn’t experience any inflammation, bleeding, or extensive recovery. You can enjoy your complete smile.
Dental implants in Falmouth truly replace missing teeth seamlessly. Not only do they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, but they can be cared for just as easily as well! While dentures and dental bridges require special brushes and cleaning solutions then still need to be replaced after five to seven years, dental implants can be cared for with a typical oral hygiene routine and simple healthy habits, and they have the potential to last a lifetime! Read on as we go over the top five ways to keep your dental implants looking and feeling their best for decades to come.
Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants can’t get cavities. However, you still need to brush and floss daily if you want to take care of them! Proper oral hygiene will keep your remaining teeth healthy and will protect your gums from infection. The number one cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, where bacteria build up in the mouth and attack the supportive structures that hold the dental implant in place, which is typically the result of poor dental hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with and ADA-approved mouthwash regularly.
Dental implants can restore 80% or more of your natural biting force, allowing you to comfortably eat steak, apples, nuts, and all your other favorite foods once again. That being said, you should still be careful with your diet to make the most of your dental implants. Too many sugary sweets will fuel the bacteria in your mouth and put you at a higher risk of peri-implantitis, and eating too many overly hard foods can potentially chip or damage your restoration. Instead, make sure to eat plenty of foods with calcium and vitamin C to keep your jawbone strong and your gums healthy.
Getting dental implants presents the perfect opportunity to break a few common bad habits, such as:
Do you play sports? Do you grind your teeth in your sleep? Both of these can damage your dental implant restoration and potentially even loosen the dental implant itself. Fortunately, we can provide you with a custom-made sports mouthguard or nightguard for bruxism that will keep your smile safe. These little appliances will shield your pearly whites from outside forces and themselves.
No matter how many of your teeth you’ve replaced with dental implants, you still need to visit us every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. These routine visits allow us to monitor your dental implant and ensure that your oral health is staying on track. Even if your dental implant looks and feels fine to you, we may be able to spot the earliest signs of a potential problem and treat it right away before it has the chance to give you or your dental implant any trouble.
While Dr. McVety will be happy to answer your dental implant questions during your consultation, we’ve included the answers to a few frequently asked questions below for your convenience.
Typically, dental insurance policies won’t cover the cost of implants because they consider them a cosmetic service. Although, it’s best to speak with your insurance provider because coverage does vary. Sometimes, medical insurance may contribute to the cost of procedures like bone grafting. Because each individual treatment plan varies so greatly, your best option is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Falmouth to learn the details of the cost.
Dental implants are the closest restorative option to your natural teeth. You can also take care of them in the same way! Be sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Although your implants are durable and strong, they’re not indestructible, so it’s still important to floss and visit us for your semi-annual appointment to get an examination and deep, thorough cleaning.
Most patients report that they are more comfortable with their new implants than before the procedure. But, like most surgeries, you will experience some soreness and an adjustment period afterward. Don’t worry, we do offer sedation dentistry in case you’re experiencing anxiety about the treatment. These techniques can help make you feel relaxed and at ease.
If you’re missing a single or multiple teeth, you’re a candidate for dental implants. There are a variety of factors that go into the success of the procedure, so you may need additional operations such as bone grafting if your jawbone has deteriorated. If you smoke or have a preexisting medical condition like diabetes, it can make your procedure more complex, but you can still be a candidate.
There are several factors and surgeries involved with the success of dental implants, which may impact your treatment timeline. The amount of time it takes to get your implants depends on whether you need teeth extracted, a bone graft, sedation, or a sinus lift. Patients agree that the wait is well worth the benefits, though. The best way to find out how long it will take to repair your unique smile is to visit Dr. McVety for a consultation.
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