Dental Implants – Jonesboro, AR
A State-of-the-Art Solution for Tooth Loss
Missing teeth can impact just about every facet of your life, but they don’t have to! If you’re tired of dealing with unsightly gaps, a limited diet, or unstable dentures, there is a solution available: dental implants in Jonesboro. With them, Dr. Shane Smith can restore your bite, bring back your smile, and renew your confidence and oral health at the same time. You can get started by calling or scheduling an in-person consultation today to discuss your options for tooth replacement with dental implants in Jonesboror, AR.
Why Choose Shane Smith DDS for Dental Implants?
- Locally Owned & Operated Dental Office
- Implants Placed & Restored in the Same Location
- CT Scanner Technology Guarantees Great Results
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What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is actually not a prosthetic tooth, but rather a titanium post that is used to mimic a tooth root. It is placed into the jawbone where it undergoes a process called osseointegration, in which it bonds to the bone. At this point, a crown, bridge, or denture can be placed on top, with the implant serving as a strong and steady foundation.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
- Consultation: Smith will give you an exam to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants, and he’ll also answer any questions and walk you through the treatment process.
- Placement: If you agree to get dental implants, Dr. Smith will schedule you for the placement surgery, in which the titanium roots are positioned within your jawbone.
- Healing: Over a period of 3-6 months, your mouth will heal, and osseointegration will take place. When your mouth is ready, you’ll return to Dr. Smith so he can attach abutments to your implants, which will connect them to your new teeth.
- Restoration: After about two weeks, Dr. Smith will attach your teeth to your abutments, and your refreshed smile will be ready!
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Longevity: While traditional bridges and dentures have an average lifespan of 7-10 years, dental implants can be trusted to last for about 30+ years.
- Reliable: Because dental implants are rooted within bone just like natural teeth, they will never slip and slide out of place, no matter what you are doing.
- Lifelike: No metal or acrylic attachments are necessary with implants, so the only thing people will see is a complete and attractive smile.
- No Bone Loss: Implants support the jaw from within and prevent bone loss; they are sometimes able to even reverse it.
Who Can Dental Implants Help?
If you have any number of missing teeth, then dental implants may be a viable solution. Decent oral health and a thick enough jawbone are required to undergo the treatment, and Dr. Smith can help a patient become a qualified candidate if they aren’t one already. The procedure can be tailored to meet any patient’s needs:
Missing Single Tooth
Without disturbing the teeth on either side, an implant can be positioned in the mouth and topped with a custom-made crown. The crown itself will be color-matched and shaped so that it blends right in with the smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Multiple single implants can be placed anywhere in the mouth, and two can be used to support a dental bridge as well. Compared to regular bridges, implant bridges look better, last longer, and offer more stability.
Missing All Teeth
An implant denture can be anchored to the jawbone with as few as 6-8 implants. We can create a brand-new prosthetic or retrofit existing dentures to fit over implants. Either way, the teeth will be rock-solid and offer much more bite strength compared to a regular prosthetic.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Because the dental implant procedure can vary quite a bit from patient to patient, the cost is flexible as well. Each step, from the consultation to the surgery to the restorations themselves can be paid for separately, and we’ll go over all of this pricing information at your initial appointment. We’ll also work with your insurance and offer financing to make everything easily affordable.
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
We understand if you have questions about dental implants—committing to any treatment that involves even minor surgery is a big deal! Fortunately, Dr. Shane Smith and our team are more than happy to share any information you need before making decisions about your oral care. Below, you’ll find answers to some of our most common dental implant-related questions.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
In short, no. The jaw does not have many nerve endings, and we numb the area before placing implants, so a patient ends up feeling practically nothing. A little swelling and tenderness are common afterward, but these can usually be easily managed with OTC medication.
How long will it take for me to get dental implants?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as how many teeth are going to be replaced and the current state of a patient’s mouth. A single tooth can sometimes be completed in a matter of months, while an implant denture may take closer to a year if issues like gum disease need to be resolved ahead of surgery. Dr. Smith can give you a more concrete timeline at your initial appointment.
Will I be able to take my dental implants out?
No, dental implants are fixed just like your natural teeth, so you don’t have to worry about removing them for cleaning or maintenance. Some types of implant dentures are removable, but the posts themselves will stay put.
Will I have to miss work to get dental implants?
We recommend that most patients take the day off of their placement surgery and maybe the day after, but they are usually able to resume their normal daily activities fairly quickly. You may need to take more time off if your job is physically demanding, as this may interrupt the clotting and healing process.
Can I get dental implants if I’m diabetic?
Yes, as long as you have your diabetes under control. Properly managed diabetes has little to no effect on the success of implant surgery. If you need help with your diabetes, our team can work with your primary doctor to ensure you’re ready for surgery.