Dental Implants
The Gold Standard of Tooth Replacement
Why Choose Park City Dentistry For Dental Implants?
- Placement & Restoration All Completed Under 1 Roof
- State-of-the-Art Dental Office with a Gorgeous View
- Advanced Dental Implant Procedures Available As Well
Are you among the 120 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth? To regain a complete smile, you now have an alternative to conventional bridges, partials, and dentures. You can replace your teeth with the next best thing to your own using dental implants in Park City. They differ from any other dental prosthetic currently available, allowing you to enjoy several benefits that are not possible with traditional options. That’s why they’re widely considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement by both dentists and patients. At Park City Dentistry, we have the solution you need to improve your oral health and your quality of life.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a one-of-a-kind treatment because they replace missing teeth both above and below the gumline. Instead of resting on top of the gums like dentures or relying on your remaining teeth like a dental bridge, dental implants are anchored into your jawbone. The small titanium post acts as the missing tooth’s roots, providing an incredibly sturdy and reliable foundation for the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture it supports. When you rebuild your smile with dental implants, the end result is a set of pearly whites that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth!
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
Before undergoing surgery for dental implants in Park City, you’re probably wondering about the process and what to expect. Dr. Calderwood wants you to feel confident and comfortable with your decision, which is why he will go over all the necessary details during your initial consultation. We know any dental procedure can cause a person to become antsy, so let us put your mind at ease and walk you through each step of the process.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step is the initial consultation. This appointment will allow you to sit down with your dentist in Park City to discuss everything that is involved with your dental implant placement procedure. Dr. Calderwood will examine your mouth to determine the state of your oral health, as well as if you have enough bone strength to support your dental implants. If you are lacking in bone density, he may suggest a bone graft to add bone minerals to a particular area. Over time, this will encourage your bone to strengthen, ultimately allowing you to move forward with receiving dental implants.
Dental Implant Surgery
Unlike other dentists in the area, Dr. Calderwood is able to perform the entire implant procedure himself, helping patients rebuild their smiles as efficiently as possible. As a Fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he has spent countless hours training to use dental implants and has already completed numerous successful cases. From beginning to end, you’ll be able to work with the same trusted dentist and team throughout your implant journey.
During your dental implant surgery, Dr. Calderwood will administer a local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable all throughout your treatment. For patients who have dental anxiety or difficulties sitting comfortably in the dental chair, we also offer sedation options to help put you at ease. Then, Dr. Calderwood will make an incision in your gums to reach your jawbone. The small dental implant posts are then placed into the bone before the gums are stitched back together again. Finally, a protective cap is placed over the post to maintain the shape of the gums and protect the implant while you heal.
Dental Implant Osseointegration/ Abutment
Once your surgical sites are stitched up, you’ll return home and spend the next several months healing. A process known as osseointegration must occur in order for the implant to be successfully placed. This requires the implant to properly fuse to the bone. If this process doesn’t occur, the implant will fail.
If you’re wondering what might make an implant fail, it can happen if you smoke or have a weakened immune system as a result of an autoimmune disorder. When your immune system is too weak to fight off infection, it can also make it harder for your body to heal, thus, osseointegration cannot successfully occur.
When returning for your next and final appointment, Dr. Calderwood will make sure everything looks good before placing the abutment. This small appliance is used to connect the implant to the restoration.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
Once the abutment is placed, he will position your custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture on top, giving you a seamless smile. The individuals at the dental lab who create the restorations work alongside your dentist to ensure the color, size, and shape of the prosthetic match your natural smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
More than five million Americans currently have dental implants, and hundreds of thousands more receive them each year. What is behind their impressive boom in popularity? By replacing the roots of missing teeth as well as the crowns, dental implants in Park City are able to achieve many things that traditional solutions simply cannot deliver. Here are just a few of the ways that dental implants can improve your quality of life.
Day-to-Day Benefits
Once your new teeth have been placed and fully restored, you’ll begin to enjoy numerous benefits of dental implants in Park City, including the ability to:
- Eat anything you want – While dental bridges and dentures only replenish about 25% of the biting force you once had, dental implants restore 70% or more. You’ll be able to chew crunchy apples, tough meats, and more with ease.
- Drink all of your favorite hot beverages – Traditional dentures often warp when exposed to high temperatures, but implant restorations should maintain their shape whenever you drink coffee, tea, or any other hot beverage.
- Smile with confidence – Your replacement crown, bridge, or denture is designed to complement your facial features and look incredibly lifelike. No one should be able to tell that it’s not your real tooth!
- Have teeth that remain in place – You can talk, laugh, and eat with the knowledge that your teeth will never feel loose or slip around in your mouth.
Health Benefits
In addition to improving your everyday life, dental implants also offer the following health benefits:
- Jawbone stimulation – After tooth loss, the jawbone begins to shrink because it no longer is stimulated by the tooth’s roots. Over the years, your jawbone may deteriorate to the point of causing a wrinkled, sunken facial appearance. Dental implants function like tooth roots, keeping your jawbone strong and your face looking youthful.
- Preservation of natural teeth – Placing a dental bridge requires some enamel to be removed from the two adjacent teeth. This increases the risk of sensitivity as well as decay. In contrast, dental implants are self-supporting, so you can preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
- Lack of gum irritation – The pressure of poorly fitting dentures slipping and sliding against your gums can cause irritation, making you more susceptible to gum disease. Dental implants avoid this problem by remaining firmly in place.
- Better overall health – Studies have shown that people who have lost five or more teeth have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other health conditions. Because dental implants act like natural teeth, they prevent the risks of these health problems from rising.
Long-Term Benefits
Extensive tooth loss has been associated with a shortened lifespan, so getting dental implants may in fact help you live longer. They also offer other long-term advantages, such as:
- High success rate – Even after 10+ years, about 95% of dental implant patients are still enjoying their new pearly whites.
- Wise financial decision – Dental implants have a higher initial cost than bridges or dentures, but they could potentially last a lifetime. Eventually, you’d spend more on repairs and replacements for traditional solutions than you would on the up-front cost of dental implants.
- Easy maintenance – Caring for dental implants is as simple as brushing and flossing like regular teeth and visiting your implant dentist in Park City at regular intervals.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Thanks to modern dental techniques and technology, practically any healthy adult with any number of missing teeth can get dental implants! This remains true even if you’re not considered a “good candidate” right away. In fact, many of our patients need to complete preliminary treatments before rebuilding their smile. During your initial consultation, Dr. Calderwood will inspect your oral health, medical history, and jawbone density. If needed, he’ll work with you to make a plan to get you ready for your new smile before helping you determine which type of dental implant is right for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch, dental implants can seamlessly restore your complete, confident smile. However, you’ll need to have three things to maximize the success of your treatment:
- A mouth free of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
- Good enough overall health to undergo minor surgery.
- Enough jawbone density to support your dental implants.
If you’re lacking any of these qualities, there’s no need to worry. We believe everyone can benefit from this life-changing treatment, so we’ll work with you to address whatever problems are standing between you and the healthy smile you deserve. Then, once you’re ready to rebuild your smile, we’ll help you determine what type of dental implant you need based on the extent of your tooth loss:
Missing 1 Tooth
A single tooth dental implant uses just one implant post to support a customized dental crown, replacing a lost tooth from the roots up. Once the dental implant post is in place, a custom, tooth-colored dental crown is designed and positioned, attaching to the implant post. This offers a seamless recreation of the entire lost tooth that will continue to look, feel, and function like a natural smile for years to come.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Two or more missing teeth can be replaced with an implant-supported bridge. Prosthetic teeth are designed to match the appearance of your natural ones. Instead of placing dental crowns on your adjacent teeth to hold it in place, 1 or 2 implants are used to anchor it to your jawbone.
Missing All Teeth
Dental implants allow you to skip the slipping and irritation caused by traditional dentures because suction or an adhesive is not used. Instead, four to six implant posts attach it to your jaw. This allows you to enjoy added stability that is not possible with conventional dentures. In fact, you will have an increased biting force of over 70%.
If you’re missing all your teeth and your jawbone dentistry is somewhat lessened, All-On-4 dental implants may be an excellent choice for you. This method relies on the naturally denser portions of the jaw to provide adequate stability for a full denture with only four dental implant posts.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
There is no set price tag for dental implants because the amount you pay is based on your individual treatment plan. There are several factors that influence the cost, such as the number of teeth being replaced, if any additional procedures are needed, and your dental insurance coverage. Although they may cost more upfront than other options, dental implants are more cost-effective long-term because you will not need to have them replaced.
During your initial consultation, we will provide you with information regarding the cost of your dental implants in Park City and discuss your payment options.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
If preliminary treatments are required, your implant dentist will go over which service is necessary to ensure the future success of your implant placement. Bone grafting, periodontal therapy, and tooth extractions are most common and can add to the overall cost of your implant treatment. Although this may sound unfortunate, the truth is that most dental insurance companies will help cover the cost of these types of dental procedures.
The cost of your dental implant surgery is separate because of the actual surgical procedure and anesthesia or sedation that must be administered. However, you’ll be pleased to learn that your implant dentist in Park City, Dr. Calderwood, can perform the entire procedure in-house. This will minimize the confusion that can often come from seeking a referral and having to pay an outside specialist.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
From the size and shape of your dental implants to the length, material, and texture, the parts of your dental implants in Park City can raise or lower your out-of-pocket expenses. How many implants you will need is one of the largest factors in the overall cost because a single titanium post will naturally be much less than 4-6 implants to replace an entire row of teeth. Also, the type of restoration you need will make a difference in how much you can expect to pay for your new smile. Dental crowns are much easier and affordable to make than a full, customized denture.
The final factor that you may not realize is part of the overall cost is the actual brand of your implant. While your dentist will determine the brand and manufacturer of your implants, you must think of it like a car. Each brand has its own bells and whistles and choosing a cheaper option may not give you the results you desire.
Dr. Calderwood and our team will be happy to discuss the parts of your implant as it pertains to the cost of your treatment, so you are fully aware of how much you can expect to pay upfront.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
While it is true that dentures and dental bridges will be less expensive in the beginning, the truth is that you will end up spending much more in the long run. How is this possible? Here are a few ways:
- You won’t have to undergo replacements or adjustments every 5-10 years
- You’ll avoid paying for dental adhesives to help hold your prosthetic in place
- You will not need additional cleaning solutions to keep your new teeth clean and healthy
Also, your dental implants in Park City will not irritate your soft tissues like dentures or dental bridges, and you will be able to maintain far better oral health and preserve your jawbone. By choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you’ll minimize your risk of developing systemic diseases that can often lead to expensive treatments later on.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Different plans have different benefits; some insurance carriers don’t pay for implants, but they will help cover some of the related procedures, such as a consultation with a dentist in Park City or periodontal therapy for gum disease. Review your benefits so that you know what you can expect to be covered. We’re in network with a number of different popular insurance providers and are happy to handle the filing process for you.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
If you don’t have insurance, we accept CareCredit, a third-party financier that offers low-to-no interest payment plans. You can pay as little as $299 per month with flexible financing for single dental implant placement, abutment, and customized crown. Our team will be happy to help you enroll and better plan for the cost of your dental implant placement.
Advanced Dental Implant Procedures
When in need of additional support for dental implant placement, Dr. Calderwood can perform a bone graft or sinus lift, both of which are considered advanced dental implant procedures. When learning that implants may not be possible because of bone that is deteriorated, these beneficial treatments make it possible for individuals to move forward with receiving implants by adding bone minerals to weakened areas of the jawbone.
Bone Grafting
If one or more teeth are missing along the lower part of your mouth and the jawbone is too weak for implant placement, we can perform a bone graft to help alleviate the problem. Dr. Calderwood will begin by providing local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, he will make one or more small incisions in your gums to reach your jawbone and graft bone tissue onto the area. The grafted tissue can come from another part of your body, a bone bank, or animal bone. No matter which material is used, once in place, it will work to encourage the rest of your body to rebuild and strengthen your jawbone. Ultimately, what you will have is a stronger, more durable bone that will serve as a stable foundation for your implants.
Sinus Lifts
If you don’t have adequate bone density in your upper jaw, there may not be enough room to place dental implants without poking into the sinus cavities. Thankfully, Dr. Calderwood can use a special kind of bone graft called a sinus lift to address this issue and create more structure in the area. Much like a typically bone graft, he will numb your mouth and make an incision in your gums to reach your jawbone. However, for this procedure, he will also make a small window in your jawbone. From this access point, he’ll gently push the membrane of the sinuses up and away from the jawbone. The empty space is then filled with bone grafting material, where it will encourage new bone tissue growth so you can get dental implants.
Both surgeries can take between 45 and 90 minutes and will require several months of healing. Once you are fully healed, we will be happy to sit down and discuss the process for receiving your dental implants.
Dental Implant Salvage
Dental implants boast an astonishing success rate of over 95%, even 10 years after they’ve been placed! However, there is still the remote possibility that your dental implants may fail. Whether you’ve sustained an injury that cracked your dental implant or poor oral hygiene has caused it to come loose, we’re here to help. If you notice any warning signs that your dental implant may be failing, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us right away. Dr. Calderwood will carefully examine your smile to determine the issue and the best way to get you back to enjoying your happy, healthy, and strong smile.
Read More About Dental Implant Salvage
Dental Implant FAQs
Using the latest techniques and technology that the dental world has to offer, Dr. Calderwood is able to replace missing teeth with one of the most cutting-edge procedures. With his extensive experience and training, you won’t have to worry about jumping from specialist to specialist, because he places and restores implants himself. To help you gather all the information you need, we’ve compiled some common questions we get about implants below for your convenience.
Will I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?
It’s true that some patients require a bone graft procedure before their implants can be placed successfully. However, not everybody needs one. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, it’s possible that your jawbone has lost some density. Because the titanium implants must fuse with your jaw in order to provide a stable and sturdy foundation for your restorations, the bone must be healthy and thick to accommodate them.
During your consultation, Dr. Calderwood will examine your mouth and take images of your facial structure to determine whether you need any preparatory procedures such as a tooth extraction, bone graft, or gum disease therapy. This is one major reason why dental implants have such a high success rate. After everything checks out and your oral health is in good shape, Dr. Calderwood can then schedule your implant placement procedure.
Do Implant Dentists Need Special Qualifications?
If you’re looking for a dentist who is specially trained to place and restore dental implants, keep in mind that there’s a significant difference between dentists who do implants and implant experts. Technically, any dentist can call themselves an implant dentist, but Dr. Calderwood has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to perfect the art and science of implant dentistry.
He is one of the few dentists in Park City that can both place and restore dental implants, that way you don’t have to visit multiple dental professionals throughout your implant procedure. Plus, he has attended multiple training courses and programs with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?
Depending on several factors like how many implants you need to have placed, where they’re located, what kind of restorations you need, and whether or not you need preparatory procedures, everybody’s implant timeline varies drastically. To learn how long yours will take, you’ll need to visit your implant dentist in Park City for a consultation. He’ll be able to answer any questions you may have about cost, surgery logistics, risk factors, and anything else you’d like to know.
How Are Dental Implants Cared For?
One great benefit of getting dental implants is that they’re the closest restorative procedure to your natural teeth, meaning you’ll get to care for them in the same way. With the proper maintenance, you can enjoy your newly improved smile for a lifetime. Just be sure to:
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day.
- Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash daily.
- Floss at least once every day.
- Visit Dr. Calderwood for semi-annual checkups and cleanings.