Dental Implants – Ann Arbor, MI
Rebuild a Beautiful, Long-Lasting Smile
Tooth loss can have serious physical and emotional repercussions. Fortunately, Dr. Cocco and our team provide treatments that can replace lost teeth in a way that looks and feels 100% natural. Thanks to dental implants in Ann Arbor, you may soon be the owner of a gorgeous, complete, and fully functional smile. If you’ve lost one or more teeth and you’re interested in exploring dental implants, don’t hesitate to give our practice a call today! Dr. Cocco and the rest of our staff would love to meet you.
Why Choose Us for Dental Implants?
- #1 Permanently Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth
- #2 Compassionate Dentist with Decades of Experience
- #3 Low- to No-Interest CareCredit Financing Available
What Are Dental Implants?
There are two main parts to a natural tooth: the shiny white crown that you see when you smile, and the roots hidden under the gums that keep your teeth in place. Traditional tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges only replace the crowns of missing teeth, leaving much to be desired. Dental implants are the only option designed to rebuild missing teeth from the roots up!
A dental implant is a small titanium post. It can be placed into the jawbone where a missing tooth once was, where it will fuse with the bone to replace the roots. Then, a custom-made restoration is attached to the top to complete your smile. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing and how many dental implants you receive, this restoration could be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The end results will look, feel, and function just like natural!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Are you fully aware of the many benefits of dental implants in Ann Arbor? Whether you and your dentist have had this discussion or you’re continuing with your own research, you’ll be pleased to learn that these prosthetics can make a significant difference in the way you live and embrace life. From improved jawbone stability and better oral health to greater confidence and a smile that can last decades or longer, it’s easy to see why millions of Americans are already living with dental implants and the number is continuing to increase by 500,000 each year!
Day-to-Day Benefits
- Natural function. The bite force that implants provide is similar to that of natural teeth. You’ll be able to eat practically anything, whether it is a juicy steak, a crunchy apple, or a crisp salad.
- Gorgeous aesthetics. Dental implant restorations (such as implant-supported bridges, dentures, and crowns) are made of high-quality materials that closely resemble natural teeth.
- Minimal Maintenance. You don’t need special cleaning supplies to keep your dental implants in Ann Arbor looking and feeling clean.
- Better Life Experiences. Instead of avoiding people and feeling embarrassed by your smile, you can enjoy life as you’re supposed to! Eating, speaking, and smiling will be much easier, allowing you to embrace new opportunities and meet others with greater confidence.
Health Benefits
- Protection for natural teeth. In most cases, it isn’t necessary to extract or modify the remaining natural teeth in order to place dental implants.
- Comprehensive tooth replacement. Unlike more traditional tooth replacement options, dental implants recreate your entire tooth, including the root. This is important because the root is what stimulates the jawbone and keeps it full and healthy.
- Improved Overall Health. Tooth loss is commonly linked to many systemic problems. However, with dental implants, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, allowing you to enjoy better oral and overall health.
Long-Term Benefits
- High Success Rate. Finding a skilled implant dentist in Ann Arbor will ensure your implant placement success rate remains at around 95%!
- Long Lifespan. With proper care, dental implants can last for a lifetime. Their restorations tend to last for at least 10 years.
- Optimal Savings. Although the upfront cost of dental implants is higher than traditional dentures or dental bridges, you will save more money in the long run because there is no need for adhesives, cleaning solutions, or regular replacements.
Indications for Dental Implants
Whether you are missing one tooth, a few teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants may be the ideal treatment for you.
Missing a Single Tooth
To replace a single tooth, you’ll receive a single dental implant to replace the root of the missing tooth. After the implant has a chance to bond with your body, your dentist in Ann Arbor, Dr. Cocco, will place a custom crown on top of it to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
An implant-retained bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but it relies on dental implants instead of the remaining natural teeth for support. It may work for you if you are missing several teeth in a row.
Missing All Teeth
An implant-retained denture can replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This type of restoration may be permanently fixed in place, or it may be removable like a traditional denture.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The total cost of your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the number of teeth you need to have replaced as well as how much preliminary work you need before you receive your implants. Since the implant process takes place across multiple stages, you won’t have to pay for everything upfront; you’ll be able to pay for each step of the treatment as you undergo it. When you visit us for your consultation, we’ll crunch some numbers with you and help you explore options for making your treatment as affordable as possible. Although dental implants cost more than traditional tooth replacement methods, they are a worthwhile investment! They will provide you with decades of healthy, confident smiles.
To learn more about how our team can help rebuild your lost teeth with dental implants, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cocco today.
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, and their maintenance couldn’t be easier! You can make sure your dental implants last as long as possible with just a few healthy habits. In fact, you can care for them just like your natural pearly whites! Read on as we go over the five best ways to take care of your dental implants.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Your dental implant isn’t at risk of cavities or tooth decay, but it’s still essential to brush and floss every day! This will keep plaque and bacteria away from your gums. The most common reason for dental implants to fail is a condition called peri-implantitis, which is an infection in the gums that is often brought on by poor oral hygiene. So make sure to brush for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash regularly.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Dental implants will help you enjoy all your favorite foods once again, including apples, steak, nuts, and more! Make sure to take advantage of this by eating a nutritious and balanced diet. In particular, make sure to eat plenty of foods with calcium and vitamin C. Calcium will help your jawbone stay strong and support your dental implant, while vitamin C will give your gums a boost in fighting off infections.
Break Bad Habits
If you’re serious about keeping your dental implants for a lifetime, it’s an excellent idea to quit smoking. Dental implant failure is higher in smokers, and tobacco products also increase your risk of a host of other oral health issues. You should also never use your teeth as tools or to chew on hard objects, as this can damage your restoration.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Do you play sports? Do you grind your teeth at night? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you should protect your dental implants with a custom-made mouthguard. Athletic sportsguards are ideal for protecting your teeth and dental implants from becoming severely damaged in the event of an impact. Meanwhile, a nightguard for bruxism will keep your smile safe from the excess wear and tear of teeth grinding.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
No matter how many teeth you’ve replaced with dental implants, we want to see you every six months for your routine checkups and cleanings! We’ll take a close look at your dental implant to make sure it’s doing well and that there are no problems developing. Additionally, we’ll thoroughly clean your smile to lower your risk of oral health issues and keep your pearly whites sparkling.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants in Ann Arbor are the most reliable method of treating tooth loss; however, they are a lifelong commitment. Dr. Cocco understands you might have some concerns, which is why she will explain everything at your consultation for dental implants. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last for a lifetime with the right aftercare, like maintaining a solid home oral hygiene routine. Besides brushing and flossing, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Your implant dentist in Ann Arbor, Dr. Cocco, will also recommend avoiding anything that may damage your new smile, like opening packages with your teeth or chewing anything hard/sticky. With a proactive approach, your dental implants can last for 30 years or more. You won’t have to budget for replacements every few years, like traditional bridges and dentures.
Can I take dental implants out?
You cannot remove a dental implant on your own because your jawbone will fuse to the titanium post supporting your restoration. Although some implant dentures can be taken out for cleaning, only a trained dental professional can remove posts from the jawbone, such as in cases of failure.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
You won’t have to worry about any pain during your implant placement surgery because your jawbone doesn’t have any nerve endings. Not to mention, sedation or anesthesia will be used to ensure you are comfortable. Although your body won’t be able to register pain during your procedure, your mouth will be sore after the effects of any sedation or anesthesia wear off. You can take an OTC pain reliever to manage your discomfort. A cold compress can numb the area temporarily and help reduce swelling and bruising. In about 2-4 days, your discomfort should improve gradually. If it doesn’t get any better or worsens, contact our office for further instructions.
How can I tell if my dental implant is failing?
Dental implant failure is rare, but it’s important to look for any signs of a complication to benefit from early detection and treatment. Pain, inflammation, and redness around the implant can indicate a problem. If your dental implant feels loose, you need to see a dentist right away. Although early symptoms may not appear alarming, don’t ignore any changes with your dental implant. If you wait too long to see a dentist, Dr. Cocco may not be able to save your smile.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There’s not an age limit for dental implants; however, older patients can have a slightly higher risk of complications. Certain medical issues and medications can affect the body’s ability to heal and fight infections. Dr. Cocco will learn more about your medical history during your consultation to look for any concerns. You can still get dental implants if you have certain pre-existing conditions. Dr. Cocco will take the necessary precautions to ensure the success of your procedure.