How can we help you?
At our office, we are dedicated to educating our patients and giving them the tools they need to properly care for their teeth and gums. We feel strongly that it’s important for patients to be active participants in their own care.
This is a selection of questions commonly asked by our patients. If your question isn’t answered here, you are welcome to contact us, and we will be happy to help you.
Dental Implants
Dr. Gregory Kivett is a dentist who does dental implants in Joplin, MO to replace missing teeth in adults. Dental implants are a modern technological achievement in the dental field. If you have lost a tooth or have several missing teeth, talk with Dr. Kivett about the benefits of implants and find out how they work. Here is a closer look at how dental implants can help to restore your smile and improve your overall oral health.
Components of the Dental Implant
Dental implants are comprised of two parts, a titanium screw that is placed right into the gums and fuses with the jawbone, and a supporting piece called an abutment that connects the screw with the crown, bridge or denture.
Dr. Kivett places dental implants either on the bone or right into the bone. If he decides to place the implant in the bone, it is an endosteal procedure. This procedure is well suited for patients who are switching from dentures and dental bridges. If implants are placed on the bone just above the jaw bone, it is called the subperiosteal procedure. This implant can be a good match for patients with regressing bone heights. Patients who undergo this procedure cannot wear removable dentures.
Dental Implant Procedure for Missing Teeth in Adults
Your dental implant procedure is typically broken up into multiple sessions. During the first session, damaged teeth will be removed and Dr. Kivett will prepare your jaw bone for surgery. Any bone grafts needed will also be performed during this stage. Once the jaw bone heals, Dr. Kivett will surgically place the dental implants into your jaw. A healing cap will be installed and your dental implant screw will be given time to fuse with your jaw. Healing time for a dental implants varies depending on the person and what the implant is for. After the dental implant is fused to the jaw, we will be ready to put on the abutment and “load” the implant with a crown, bridge, or denture.
After the Procedure
After getting dental implants it is important that you come in for regular dental implant maintenance. This will make sure that your dental implants stay clean. If you implant does not stay clean, you have the risk of an infection that may cause you to lose the dental implant. With regular maintenance your implant should last a lifetime.
dentures and dental implants. Dr. Kivett often recommends dental implants over dentures because implants have far fewer complications than dentures, and also function just like your normal teeth. Many patients with removable dentures end up switching to dental implants to eliminate embarrassing moments, such as slipping or clicking, which are quite common with dentures. Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option that have the added benefit of preserving aesthetics while preventing bone loss. Dental Implants are:
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Made of titanium, a compound that is naturally compatible with the body - This allows for easy fusion of the implant to the jaw bone.
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Stable - The implant base is designed to mimic the root of the tooth within the jaw bone and gum. This allows for a more secure fit and ensures that the implants function just like natural teeth.
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Made of artificial materials that may cause gum irritation.
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Removable dentures can slip and become uncomfortable.
Our team has advanced training in dental implants and the skill to perform the surgical implantation of the titanium post and the restoration of the crown that replaces the missing tooth. This means that the entire process, from start to finish, is performed by a dentist you trust in a comfortable and welcoming location.
To start the process, a biocompatible titanium post that functions like a tooth root is implanted into your jaw. After you have healed, you return to our office where we take impressions and measurements to send to the lab that will be creating your crown. Once your crown is ready, you come back to have the crown permanently attached to the titanium root. Dental implants look and function just like your own natural teeth, which means that nobody will ever know that you have had dental work done.
Discussing Costs during Your Dental Implant Consultation
When you come in for your dental implant consultation with Associates of Dental Arts, you will not only receive a customized treatment plan, but also a cost breakdown of the procedures and services that you need. Whether you have a single missing tooth or several missing teeth, our team will determine whether you need any procedures to prepare your jaw and teeth for implants, and if you would be a good candidate for traditional implants, implant supported dentures, or other procedures.
Here are some factors that determine the total cost of dental implants:
Number of Teeth Involved
If you need more than one dental implant, the cost of treatment will increase, as we will need to use more materials and spend additional time treating you.
Bone Loss
If you have experienced extensive bone loss, or there is not enough bone available to support an implant, we may need to perform bone grafting prior to your dental implant procedure. This will allow us to build up the bone in order to support a dental implant. This additional procedure can increase the total cost of treatment.
