Dental Implants in Mililani, HI
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are an excellent way to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. Our team also offers implant-supported dentures, which combine the stability of dental implants with dentures to replace full arches of teeth. If you are interested in using one or more dental implants to restore your smile, give our office a call today!
Contact UsThe Dental Implant Process
Once it has been determined that a dental implant is the right tooth replacement option for you, your implant appointment will be scheduled, and your titanium post will be carefully implanted into your gums. Over the next several weeks, your gums will heal, and the post will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once fully healed, your custom artificial tooth will be created to blend in with your other teeth, it will be attached to the post, and any necessary adjustments will be made.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a number of benefits to patients who choose to utilize them. They are very sturdy, durable restorations that cannot be removed except by a dental professional.
Dental implants also:
- Enhance smiles and boost self-esteem
- Make speaking and chewing far easier
- Don’t require any special cleaning or care
- Can last for decades when treated well
- Help prevent jawbone deterioration
Who is eligible for dental implants?
Dental implants require a healthy jawbone that can support one or more implants. This can sometimes be achieved through bone graft surgery, which our team can perform in-house. Patients should also have good oral health and be healthy in general. If you have gum disease, an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, or you are a smoker, dental implants may not be right for you. Either way, our team can work with you to determine the best tooth replacement option that will work with your smile and budget.
Request a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the dental implant process?
The dental implant process follows several steps. These steps include an initial consultation, implant placement surgery, healing (osseointegration), and placement of an artificial tooth or crown. This process typically takes anywhere from 3 to 8 months, although the exact duration varies depending on individual circumstances.
Can smokers get dental implants?
During a dental implant consultation, our Mililani dentist will evaluate your oral health, including gum and jawbone health. While smokers may benefit from dental implants, as smoking can cause discoloration, plaque, and tooth loss, whether you’re a candidate will ultimately depend on your oral health. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and affect the success rate of implants. If you are a smoker interested in dental implants, we recommend quitting smoking or reducing tobacco use to improve the outcome of implant surgery.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Their longevity is one reason dental implants are an excellent choice for long-term tooth replacement. Though long-lasting, factors such as oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and lifestyle habits play significant roles in influencing their ultimate longevity.
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement solution. However, we understand dental implants are not the right solution for every patient. At Mauka Family Dental, we provide alternatives to dental implants, including dental bridges, dentures, and dental crowns. Each restorative treatment has its advantages and limitations, depending on oral health, bone density, and personal preferences. Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your options!
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
We understand navigating the finances for dental care can be overwhelming. At Mauka Family Dental, we accept a variety of payment methods to ensure accessible care. We also accept dental insurance. If you plan to pay for dental implants with insurance, we encourage you to check with your insurance provider for detailed coverage information or get in touch with our front office!