Bella Vista

2690 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista, AR 72714
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Dental Implants – Bella Vista, AR

The Gold Standard for Replacing Missing Teeth

man smiling with dental implants in Bella Vista

When it comes to tooth replacement, there is one treatment that stands above the rest: dental implants in Bella Vista. If you’ve been living with missing teeth, then now is the time to act. The first step is simple: just contact us at Combs & Associates Family Dentistry to request an initial consultation with Dr. Combs. During your visit, you’ll learn more about the dental implant process, and you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have. After you’re educated about the process, we can move forward with helping you enjoy a fully restored and functional smile!

Why Choose Combs & Associates Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

single dental implant post with abutment and crown

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that doesn’t just give you back your missing tooth -- they also provide the supportive root structure that lives beneath the crown. With a comprehensive solution, your jawbone stays healthy and whole, preventing the loss of volume in the mouth and keeping the rest of your natural teeth intact.

Unlike traditional dentures and bridges, which just sit atop the gums, a dental implant is placed directly in the jawbone. Then, a lifelike crown, bridge, or denture is placed on top of it. This custom-made solution allows dental implants to look, feel, and function just like your original teeth did. For this reason, most dentists, including ours, wholeheartedly believe that dental implants truly are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth!

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

dentist showing a patient how dental implants work in Bella Vista

The process of getting dental implants takes time; however, it is time well spent to ensure your new smile has a healthy foundation. While we work closely with local dental implant specialists for the surgical portions of your treatment, rest assured that you’ll received personalized care every step of the way. To give you a general idea of what to expect, here is a basic outline of the process of how dental implants work in Bella Vista.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

dentist showing a patient their X-rays

First, you’ll visit with Dr. Combs to discuss your goals for your smile and whether dental implants are the best way for you to achieve them. Our team will also thoroughly examine your mouth to determine if you can currently accommodate dental implants. For instance, your jawbone must have sufficient density to support the posts, but if it doesn’t, you may need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift. Once we’ve taken care of any necessary preliminary procedures, we can schedule your placement surgery with a skilled implant dentist in Bella Vista.

Dental Implant Surgery

dentists performing dental implant surgery

We’ll refer you to a local oral surgeon for your dental implant surgery. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the highest quality of care possible from a true expert in the field. Before the procedure begins, you’ll receive anesthesia to help you relax and stay comfortable. To place your implants, the surgeon will make incisions in your gums to access your jawbone, placing the posts at precise locations and angles. Then, they’ll carefully seal up the area and send you home to begin the healing process.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

dental implant in the jawbone

Over the next three to six months, a remarkable process called osseointegration will occur. Osseointegration is when the biocompatible dental implants fuse to the surrounding bone and tissue, creating the powerful bond they need to last a lifetime. You will likely receive a temporary restoration during this time so that you don’t have to go without teeth. After osseointegration is complete, you’ll undergo a brief procedure to have your abutments placed. These small metal connectors attach to the tops of your dental implants in Bella Vista, allowing them to support a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

crown being placed over a dental implant

A few weeks after your abutment procedure, you’ll return to our office to receive your restoration at last. Your brand-new teeth will have been designed to mimic the size, shape, and color of your original pearly whites, ensuring a flawless appearance. After making any last-minute adjustments and cementing your restoration into place, you’re free to enjoy your new and improved smile!  

Benefits of Dental Implants

woman with dental implants in Bella Vista biting into a red apple

As more and more people learn about the benefits of dental implants in Bella Vista, it’s not surprising that this method of tooth replacement is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, about 500,000 Americans get dental implants each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. It’s easy to see why – dental implants provide remarkable benefits that traditional solutions cannot. Read on to learn about some of the ways that dental implants can change your life! 

Day-to-Day Benefits

woman in a coffee shop holding a white mug

Health Benefits

couple sitting outside at a table with various foods and drinks

Long-Term Benefits

man putting coins into a pink piggy bank

Who Dental Implants Can Help

dental implant post being placed in the jaw

If you’re wondering whether dental implants are right for you, then there are a few indicators to keep in mind. For starters, the procedure provides a way for patients missing any number of teeth to have them replaced. Depending on the specific needs, here are the available options:

Missing One Tooth

Even if only one tooth is missing, it’s still important to replace it. That’s because over time, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift in attempt to find the necessary tension they need to maintain their position. Consisting of a titanium implant, abutment (titanium anchor) and porcelain crown, the single tooth dental implant procedure creates a full and attractive smile.

Missing Multiple Teeth

When multiple teeth are missing, the best solution is to receive an implant-retained bridge. Instead of resting atop the gums like a traditional bridge, the former, which consists of several porcelain teeth affixed to a single apparatus, attaches to the implant via an abutment. The result is a secure and lasting fixture that won’t slide or shift.

Missing All Teeth

For situations where all teeth are missing, a full mouth reconstruction is necessary. The procedure involves the insertion of a strategic number of implants that are angled perfectly to provide the best support possible. Because of this method of implant placement, patients don’t have to endure several invasive surgeries.

After the initial insertion of the implants and their fusion with the underlying jawbone, abutments are added that allow a set of dentures to be permanently fastened.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

dental implant post laying on top of a stack of cash

Dental implants allow you to enjoy a solution that looks and feels natural. Not to mention, they can last for a lifetime with the right aftercare to make a true investment in your smile. Although you’re excited to treat your tooth loss, we know you’re concerned about the cost of dental implants in Bella Vista. There’s no need to worry. They are more affordable than many people realize. Here’s what you need to know to pay for your new smile.

Types of Dental Implants

dental implant post in a model of the jaw

There isn’t a set cost for dental implants because the price is determined by your specific treatment plan, like the number of teeth you’re replacing. Generally, you can expect to pay more if you need to treat several teeth because you’ll require more posts and abutments. The type of restoration you need will also impact the cost. We’ll provide you with an estimate and discuss the costs associated with your treatment during your initial consultation.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

man in a black shirt smiling

Unlike conventional prosthetics, the process of rebuilding your smile with dental implants will take several months to complete because there are various steps required. Although it may take a bit longer, it’s time well-spent because you will gain a solution with over a 95% success rate. This also gives you more time to pay because you won’t need to cover the entire amount upfront, which can make your treatment more affordable. Although every plan varies, you can expect to pay for:

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

elderly woman holding a green apple and giving a thumbs up

Although you’ll initially pay more for dental implants upfront, they are most cost-effective long-term because they should never need to be replaced with the right aftercare. Not to mention, they improve your oral health to reduce your overall dental expenses.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

dentists performing dental implant surgery

Many dental insurance carriers will pay a portion of the cost of the treatment until you reach your yearly limits, but you’ll need to pay your deductible first. We work on your behalf with your insurance company to reduce the amount you need to pay. We will explain any out-of-pocket expense and your payment options, like third-party financing with CareCredit.

You can permanently treat your tooth loss with dental implants in Bella Vista. We have the solutions you need to keep your new smile affordable. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

Dental Implant FAQs

dental implant post being placed in the bottom jaw

Dental implants in Bella Vista are an excellent option to permanently replace your missing teeth. Although you’re excited to rebuild your smile, we know you still have several questions about what lies ahead. Don’t worry, we will take the time to address your concerns during your initial consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few of the top questions we hear to put your mind at ease.

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Age doesn’t determine your candidacy for dental implants as long as you’ve finished growing. Instead, there are several other factors your dentist will consider when determining if dental implants are right for you, such as your oral health and your lifestyle habits.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

The process of replacing your missing tooth will involve surgically inserting an implant post into your jawbone. As with any surgery, it’s normal to be concerned about feeling any pain, but you have nothing to worry about.

If you’re only having a single tooth treated, you may only need a local anesthetic; however, if your case is complex, we may recommend sedation or anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You will experience some discomfort while you heal, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Can Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants in Bella Vista are the most successful and reliable tooth replacement treatment. In fact, their success rate is over 95%. Although they are proven to last for decades with the right aftercare, they can fail, but it is rare. The risk of implant failure is less than 5%, so you shouldn’t be concerned about it if you take the time to follow a few simple tips:

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Have Gum Disease?

The long-term success of your new smile relies on remaining infection-free. As a result, you can’t get dental implants if you have active gum disease, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become a candidate for them.

Periodontal therapy will stop the infection to create the foundation your new smile needs to thrive. Besides treatment for gum disease, you may also need additional procedures to repair the damage caused by the infection, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting. Although it will add more steps to your treatment, they are essential for promoting the overall success of your dental implants.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

A dentist explaining dental implant care in Bella Vista

If you have dental implants, know that they have the potential to last a lifetime. Their durable materials, after all, can let them work for decades! However, these prosthetic teeth will only do so if you take good care of them. Damage or infection could make them fail otherwise. Therefore, we at Combs & Associates Family Dentistry have listed some tips on dental implant care in Bella Vista. Please read them over to learn how to protect your new smile! Otherwise, call our office to learn more about implant maintenance.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

A man practicing dental implant care in Bella Vista by brushing his teeth

True, dental implants are artificial and thus don’t suffer cavities. Even so, you still need to practice good oral hygiene! Dental health issues like gum disease and tooth infections can cause implant failure. That being said, remember the following:

A solid at-home dental hygiene regimen can keep your smile in tip-top shape for life!

Eat a Healthy Diet

A man practicing dental implant care in Bella Vista by eating a salad

As you might know, dental implants will let you eat whatever you want. They can thus let you have a fuller, more nutritious diet! That said, these facts don’t mean you can pick your meals willy-nilly.

You see, overindulging in hard, sticky, or sugary foods can be problematic. Such items have sugar that causes oral issues, which then trigger implant failure.

In the future, eating a more “mouth-healthy” diet would be best. In particular, meals high in protein, calcium, and various vitamins will keep your jawbone strong and your gum tissues healthy.

Break Bad Habits

Nail-biting, a habit that hurts dental implant care in Bella Vista

While implants aren’t natural teeth, they can still suffer from bad oral habits. As such, you should try to avoid practices that put any pearly whites at risk.

For example, consider smoking. It not only turns teeth yellow but also causes severe gum disease. Given these truths, you’re better off quitting tobacco for your smile.

Bruxism and ice-chewing are also bad news. Besides chipping your regular chompers, these habits can damage your restorations.

Protect Your Dental Implants

A nightguard, which helps dental implant care in Bella Vista

Although dental implants are strong and durable, these traits don’t make them indestructible. They can and will break down from dental injuries. To keep that from happening, then, wear a mouthguard for sporting events and a nightguard if you grind your teeth. These tools will protect your implants from additional wear and tear.

If possible, talk to our office about getting a custom-fitted nightguard. Our office would be happy to set you up with one!

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

A dental checkup, which improves dental implant care in Bella Vista.

Your implants will benefit from regular dental checkups and cleanings along with the rest of your smile. These visits allow Dr. Combs to examine your mouth for potential health problems. From there, he can diagnose and treat any issues before they threaten the implants.

These visits also ensure your treatment is cost-effective. By preventing potential implant failure, they save you the time and money you’d spend getting replacements.