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Dental Implants – Derry, NH
The Permanent Way to Enjoy a Healthier Smile
There are several ways to replace missing teeth, some of which have been around for centuries (i.e., dental bridges, dentures). However, there is only one solution that can replicate the look and feel of natural teeth – dental implants. Capable of restoring teeth from roots to crowns, these prosthetics deliver unique advantages that are resulting in more than 500,000 being placed each year in the United States. Discover what you need to know about dental implants in Derry by calling our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Berkal.
Why Choose Brenda Berkal, DMD for Dental Implants?
- Partners with Local Oral Surgeons for Dental Implant Placement
- Dentist with More Than 4 Decades of Experience
- Cone Beam Scanner Used for Enhanced Treatment Planning
What Are Dental Implants?
As permanent dental prosthetics that are placed in the jawbone, these titanium posts deliver continuous stimulation so that your facial structure does not sag or “collapse.” Unlike other tooth replacement solutions that only replace the visible portions of teeth, dental implants restore teeth from the roots up, allowing for optimal stability and durability that is known to last a lifetime. And because of their versatility, they can replace any number of missing teeth.
Dental Implants - A Multiple Step Process
If Dr. Berkal feels you are eligible for a dental implant, we will coordinate your care with an oral surgeon or periodontist. They will decide if you require any form of pre-implant treatment such as bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or tooth extraction. Once you are ready they will place the implant.
The next three to six months will involve time for healing while also allowing osseointegration to occur, which is the fusing of your implants with the existing bone. Once the specialist has informed us you are fully healed, we will begin the restorative process. You and Dr. Berkal will pick the shade of your crown and she will make sure the teeth on either side of the space are healthy. Once fabricated, your custom abutment and implant crown will be placed by Dr. Berkal. The abutment is what connects your crown to the implant that was placed months before.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Choosing dental implants over dental bridges or dentures is worth the time and investment simply because of the many benefits you can expect to enjoy. Some of the most common advantages include:
- Improved oral health, as your implants will work just like regular teeth, allowing you to clean your smile regularly.
- Greater confidence in the way you look and how you feel about yourself.
- Being able to eat all your favorite foods without worrying about your prosthetics falling out or slipping while chewing.
- Enjoying a better quality of life that allows for clearer speech and the ability to embrace new opportunities at home and work.
- A reduced risk of systemic disorders and conditions that are commonly linked to tooth loss. These can include everything from diabetes to cardiovascular disease.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
If you are missing one or more teeth, there is a good chance you will be able to enjoy life with dental implants. Although you are required to undergo a thorough consultation with a member of our team, we will work with you to establish the best way to pursue treatment so that you can avoid settling for a more traditional form of tooth replacement and instead, enjoy the benefits that only dental implants can provide. When meeting with your implant dentist, you can expect to learn more about this versatile treatment option and how it can treat all forms of tooth loss, including:
Missing One Tooth
Using a single titanium implant post, a metal abutment connector piece, and a customized dental crown, we can replace one missing tooth without altering healthy teeth nearby. This eliminates the need for a fixed bridge and instead, focuses on treating your vacated socket with a permanent prosthetic.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Unlike a fixed bridge that uses healthy abutment teeth as anchors, an implant bridge relies on two dental implant posts to support the customized restoration. By securing your new smile to two titanium implants, not only will you continue to stimulate your jawbone, but you’ll also enjoy improved eating habits and the ability to speak without slurring your words.
Missing All of Your Teeth
An entire arch of missing teeth can be a devastating reality; however, with implant dentures, we can use four to eight titanium posts to rebuild your smile before securing a custom-made prosthetic that mimics the look and feel of a natural set of teeth.
There is also the option of using only four dental implants should you lack the necessary jawbone density to support traditional implant posts. With All-On-4, we can use the densest parts of the bone to support a customized prosthetic that will fill in the arch of your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Do not assume that your dental implant treatment will cost the same as someone else's. Each case varies in cost based on the factors that must be considered by our team. Because you’ll be required to see an outside oral surgeon for surgery, you can expect there to be a separate cost associated with your treatment; however, our team will work to identify ways to help you save so that you avoid high out-of-pocket expenses upfront.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dr. Berkal and our team would love to help you rebuild a complete smile with dental implants. Before you book your consultation, however, you may want to learn more about the road in front of you. We understand that, and we want to assist you. That is why we have put together the following list of dental implant FAQs. If your questions are not included here, give us a call — we will be happy to speak with you!
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants have the potential to last for 30 years or longer. In fact, for many patients, their implants endure throughout their lifetime. Of course, the lifespan of your implants depends at least partially on how you care for yourself. Good habits, such as thorough oral hygiene and a balanced diet, can reduce the risk of dental implant failure and help your implant teeth to stand the test of time.
The longevity of dental implants makes them an excellent value; they tend to last much longer than traditional alternatives, such as fixed bridges and conventional dentures.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
The oral surgeon who places your dental implants will do all they can to make you comfortable. For example, they will make sure your mouth is numb. They might also administer sedation. You should feel little to nothing during the surgery itself. After the anesthesia and sedation wear off, some soreness is to be expected. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions to help you minimize discomfort during your recovery. Most people feel normal within a couple of weeks after their procedure.
From start to finish, the entire dental implant process is much easier than most people anticipate.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are a low-risk procedure. Dr. Berkal only works with highly qualified specialists for the placement procedure, and she never recommends treatments unless the potential rewards far outweigh any risks involved.
If you have any risk factors that could affect the outcome of your dental implant treatment, our team — or your oral surgery team — will be sure to discuss them with you before you commit to anything.
What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?
Dental implant failure is rare. When it occurs, it is usually because of an infection known as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is the result of bacteria attacking the tissue around an implant. Eventually, it can eat away at the jawbone and cause an implant to lose its base of support. In many cases, poor oral hygiene contributes to the development of peri-implantitis.
Other potential causes of dental implant failure include failure of the jawbone to bond with the implant, injury, and underlying medical conditions.
If you maintain thorough oral hygiene, do not smoke, regularly visit Dr. Berkal for checkups, and stick to other good habits, it is very unlikely that anything will go seriously wrong with your dental implants.