Dental Implants — Sterling Heights, MI

Superior Prosthetics for Missing Teeth

With dental implants, our team can easily replace one, multiple, or an entire arch of teeth. Using advanced dental technology and high-quality materials, we can position your smile for optimal functionality, clearer speech, and the ability to enjoy a better quality of life. If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and the impact they can have on your smile, contact us to schedule a free consultation!

Why Choose Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights for Dental Implants?

  • Free Dental Implant Consultation
  • CT/Cone Beam Scanner & Guided Implant Surgery
  • Titanium, Ceramic, and Zirconia Implants Available

 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small prosthetics that look similar to tooth roots. When placed within the jawbone, they fuse over time through a process known as osseointegration. They create a solid foundation for a metal abutment and customized dental crown, bridge, or denture, which sits atop the post to complete the root-to-crown structure. Dental implants can be made from titanium, ceramic, or zirconia, and are known for their stability, functionality, and longevity.

 

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Compared to dentures or bridges, the process for dental implants is more complex. That means the entire treatment can take months to perform. Still, you can rest assured – implants are well worth this time and effort! Forever Young Dentistry does the placement in-house, so your new prosthetics will benefit from our dentists’ skills. As such, you can expect four main steps from the procedure: consultation, surgery, osseointegration, and delivery of final restoration.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

A dentist explaining implant treatment to a patient

Before you undergo implant surgery, you’ll consult with our dentists. This talk will help them grasp your smile goals, dental history, and general health. Based on such factors, they’ll then decide if you’re a good implant candidate.

 

If you don’t qualify for implants (at first), don’t worry. Our office can help you receive preliminary procedures – gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, etc. By getting these services, your mouth will be strong enough to handle implants.

 

If we approve implant work, the consult will also outline your treatment details. Such facts will include procedure timelines, costs, and more.

 

Dental Implant Surgery

Dentists performing dental implant surgery

As it happens, our office places implants in-house. We don’t refer patients to outside specialists. For that reason, your surgery won’t involve any extra travel. Our team will manage things and restore your full grin.

 

Typically, implant surgery takes the following measures:

 

  1. Numb the Area – Before placement, we’ll numb your mouth with an anesthetic. This action ensures you won’t feel pain from the procedure.
  2. Make a Gum Incision – After numbing the treatment site, we’ll make a small incision in your gums.
  3. Place Implant Posts – Once the incision is made, we’ll place your implant in the proper jaw socket.
  4. Close the Gums – We’ll close your gum incision following the implant placement. From there, we’ll put a small cap over the implant post.

 

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

A 3D illustration of a dental implant and its abutment

With the surgery over, your implant(s) will slowly fuse with your jawbone. (The medical term for this process is osseointegration.) However, the fusion will take six months to finish. Only then will your implant(s) be as secure as your other teeth.

 

Soon after the implant fusion, you’ll undergo surgery that places your abutment. This latter part is a connector that holds your implant’s toothlike portion. As you adjust to the abutment, a dental lab will craft your final restoration from prior impressions of your teeth.

 

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

An older man admiring his new dental implant

When you’ve adjusted to your abutment, you’ll return to our office for your final restoration. This prosthetic is usually a crown, dental bridge, or denture. Which of the three you get will depend on how many implants were placed.

 

Luckily, it won’t take our dentists long to fit this restoration. They’ll simply apply some dental cement and confirm that everything works well. (At most, they might make a few last-minute alterations.) Afterward, they’ll give you the all-clear to enjoy your newly restored, gorgeous grin!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Laughing grand child with grandparents who are enjoying the benefits of dental implants

More than 500,000 dental implants are placed every single year! This is because they present unique benefits that you can’t find elsewhere. Thanks to their unique placement in the jawbone, dental implants are a preferred tooth replacement option by dentists and patients alike! Continue reading to learn some of the ways that dental implants can improve your confidence, health, and quality of life.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Woman holding a toothbrush and toothpaste

As soon as your gums and jawbone have completed the healing process, you shouldn’t be able to tell the difference between your implants and your natural teeth. You might even forget that they are there! Here are some of the benefits that you will notice every single day:

  • Easy to Maintain: There isn’t a special way to care for dental implants. You just use all of the same practices as you would for natural teeth. Brush twice, floss, and rinse every day. You should also continue to see your dentist for cleanings and checkups.
  • Stronger Bite: With dental implants, your bite force can be restored up to 90%! This is much more than you can expect with traditional bridges and dentures.
  • Increased Self-Esteem: If you have gaps in your smile, it can be easy to feel self-conscious. With dental implants, you can show off your smile with pride!

Health Benefits

Man at the doctor’s office

Dental implants positively influence your health. Here are some of the ways that dental implants can benefit your well-being:

  • Improved Dental Health: Missing teeth increases your risk of further dental problems. This includes gum disease, misalignment, and additional tooth loss. Dental implants also help to prevent these negative effects.
  • Better Overall Health: Dental health and general health go hand-in-hand. Having better dental health means a reduced risk of several life-threatening conditions, like diabetes and heart disease.
  • Prevents Bone Loss: Your jawbone isn’t being stimulated through regular chewing when you are missing teeth. Fortunately, dental implants replace the roots of the missing teeth, therefore stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss.

Long-Term Benefits

Man smiling outside

Dental implants have a higher cost than traditional dentures and dental bridges, but there are good reasons for this. Dental implants are an investment in the future of your smile. Here are some of the benefits that you can experience for many years into the future:

  • Highly Successful: Dental implants have an astonishing success rate of over 95%. Dental implant failure is highly unlikely.
  • Long-Lasting: Other tooth replacement options, like dentures, need to be relined or replaced periodically. However, dental implants are made to last for many decades or even the rest of your life. You may never need to worry about your missing teeth again.
  • Save Money: Dental implants last for a long time, so you don’t need to worry about spending large sums to replace or repair them periodically. Implants also help to prevent health issues that are costly to treat. Ultimately, you can take the pressure off your wallet.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

man smiling outside with arms crossed

Dental implants in Sterling Heights are an exceptionally versatile solution for tooth loss, capable of replacing any number of missing teeth. Fortunately, most generally healthy adults with strong jawbones are suitable candidates for this treatment. Continue reading to learn about the key qualities that make a good dental implant candidate and explore our various options for rebuilding your smile!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

patient having dental implant consultation

Nowadays, more patients than ever are eligible for dental implants. However, our team will ensure you meet specific criteria before proceeding with treatment. A suitable candidate for dental implants typically has:

  • Good oral health (as infections and decay can affect implant success)
  • Decent overall health (capable of undergoing a minor surgical procedure)
  • Adequate jawbone density (essential for implant integration)

If you don't meet all criteria, there are still options available. You may require preparatory procedures like bone grafting to enhance jawbone density before implant surgery.

Once any necessary prep work is complete, we’ll assist you in exploring treatment options tailored to your tooth replacement needs.

Screw-Retained Implants

Animated smile with screw retained dental implant

When receiving your customized restoration, we can use screw-retained implants that make it easier to retrieve the crown, bridge, or denture should it need to be removed at any point. And the esthetic materials used to cover the hole prevent others from ever noticing.

Missing 1 Tooth

3D graphic of single implants

A single dental implant, paired with a custom-made crown, offers a non-invasive solution for replacing a missing tooth without affecting neighboring teeth. Crafted from natural-looking materials such as porcelain, the crown blends seamlessly with your smile. Compared to a dental bridge, a dental implant preserves healthy enamel, making it a conservative choice for tooth replacement.

Missing Multiple Teeth

3D graphic of dental bridge

If you have multiple missing teeth, we can often restore your smile using just two implants. Placing one implant at each end of the gap supports a lifelike dental bridge, preserving your healthy tooth structure. Alternatively, for several missing teeth across your jaw, we can strategically place a few implants to support a partial denture, utilizing existing jawbone tissue for optimal stability and aesthetics.

Missing All Teeth

3D graphic of implant denture

For a complete row of missing teeth, implant dentures offer the ideal solution. By anchoring a denture to four to six implant posts, it provides superior stability, eliminating slippage during speaking, laughing, or chewing. This comprehensive approach ensures a full smile replacement that mirrors the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Additionally, it minimizes the number of implant posts required while maximizing stability for optimal comfort and confidence.

All-on-4 & All-on-X Implants

Dentist using smile model to explain all and four and all on X dental implants

With All-on-4 and All-on-X implants, you can achieve the same great results as regular dental implants but with fewer posts! Even if you’ve been told you lack the necessary jawbone density, we can use All-on-4 or All-on-X and support a full prosthetic by angling the implants in the bone to create a stronger foundation. In just one day, you can walk in with missing teeth and walk out enjoying a full, complete, healthy smile.

 

Sinus Lifts

Animated smile after sinus lift bone grafting

When teeth are missing toward the back of the upper arch, you may need a sinus lift. This outpatient procedure involves lifting the maxillary sinuses and incorporating grafting bone into the area to create an anchor for the implant. Once you’ve recovered, we will move forward with implant placement.

 

Bone Grafts

Animated smile during bone grafting procedure

When there is a lack of jawbone in a particular area of your mouth, a bone graft will be necessary. Adding grafting materials from another part of your body or a donor will help to strengthen the area over time, allowing the future implant to fuse with the bone.

 

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

woman thinking about cost of dental implants in Sterling Heights

Since every mouth is different, the overall cost of dental implants in Sterling Heights will depend heavily on each patient’s specific needs. This tooth replacement treatment does typically come at a higher initial price than other restorative solutions. However, due to benefits like having three times the lifespan of traditional restorations, this option can save you money in the long run. We’ll be able to assess your oral health and provide you with an estimate of the price of your treatment during your initial consultation, as well as your financing options. Read along to learn more about the cost of dental implants!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

dentist discussing the cost of dental implants in Sterling Heights

Several factors go into the overall price of dental implants. For instance, we’ll first need to see if you’re eligible to begin the procedure or if you’ll require preliminary treatments, such as a bone graft or gum disease therapy. These processes can add to the final cost of your dental implants, but they’ll be essential for ensuring a lifelong tooth replacement solution.

The price of the surgery will also involve a few components. These can include the location in your mouth where your implants will be placed as well as the type of sedation dentistry used. Fortunately, our team is proud to offer the entire dental implant treatment in-house, saving you time, trouble, and money from needing to travel to visit a specialist.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

dentist explaining cost of dental implants in Sterling Heights

Here are several aspects that can influence the overall price of the dental implants themselves:

  • Type of restoration – Your dental implants will support custom-crafted crowns, bridges, or dentures, each with its price range.
  • Size or material – Dental implants can be made of various materials, such as zirconia instead of titanium. Their sizes can also vary, which will significantly affect the cost.
  • Number of dental implants – The more metal posts you require, the higher the overall price.
  • Brand of dental implant – Several companies manufacture dental implants, and our team will only use the highest-quality products to effectively restore your smile.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

piggy bank for cost of dental implants in Sterling Heights

While many patients hesitate to get dental implants due to the higher upfront cost, you should remember that this treatment will typically involve a one-time payment. Unlike traditional restorations which have to be replaced every few years, you can expect your implants to last several decades to a lifetime! In turn, this can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. You also won’t even need to buy special cleaning products or adhesives since your new pearly whites will only require regular dental care to maintain.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

dental insurance for cost of dental implants in Sterling Heights

Dental insurance companies don’t typically cover dental implant procedures. That said, policies can vary from patient to patient, and some of them can offer coverage for portions and percentages of the process. Your consultation, preliminary treatments, and restoration can typically receive partial coverage. That’s why you’ll want to speak with your provider or consult our knowledgeable team so we can help you navigate your insurance plan and maximize your benefits.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

patients discussing the cost of dental implants in Sterling Heights

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you may be able to explore alternative financing options. Our team offers an in-house membership plan that can provide discounts on numerous services, including your dental implant procedure. We’re also proud to work with CareCredit—a third-party financier that can help split up the overall cost of treatments into smaller, monthly installments. Plus, many of their plans come with little to no interest, meaning you won’t have to empty your wallet to receive the tooth replacements you deserve!

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

a closeup of a model of dental implants

After receiving dental implants in Sterling Heights, you’ll feel thrilled at the prospect of having a restored smile for the foreseeable future. However, your implants can only last and function as intended if you’re diligent about maintaining them. Fortunately, your implants also don’t require any specialized care, and it’s quite easy to ensure that they’re given a clean environment and capable of serving their purpose for several decades. Here’s a quick breakdown of several things you can do to ensure that your dental implants last.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

a patient brushing their teeth in Sterling Heights

Even though your dental implants themselves can’t get cavities, you still need to prioritize your oral care since your remaining natural teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone are all still susceptible to problems. Be sure that you’re brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and also rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. By regularly cleaning your mouth of debris and bacteria, you’re creating a healthy environment for your implants that encourages the posts to remain sturdy and secure for several years to come.

Eat a Healthy Diet

an assortment of healthy foods

Many patients are thrilled to begin eating all of their favorite foods again after receiving their dental implants; after all, implants are capable of restoring an impressive 80% of one’s natural chewing power! That said, it’s still wise to consider the dietary choices you’re making, as things like sugary sweets can lead to problems for your implants (or your oral health in general) if you’re prone to overindulging. Hard or sticky objects can also potentially damage your implants. If you can, add plenty of healthy choices into your diet such as vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and more. It’s also recommended to drink plenty of water, as it’s the best beverage for your oral health and therefore, your dental implants!

Break Bad Habits

a patient breaking a cigarette in half

Dental implants are quite tough, but they will not last if you aren’t able to break bad oral habits that might harm them. Try to cut the following habits from your life:

  • Smoking and using tobacco – Smoking can interfere with osseointegration (the fusion between implant and jawbone) and make your teeth vulnerable to infection, both of which increase the risk of dental implant failure.
  • Using your teeth as tools – Holding objects with your mouth or using your teeth as tools to open packaging is a surefire way to damage your implants.
  • Chewing on hard objects – Biting hard items like fingernails, pens and pencils, and even ice cubes can quickly wear down the surfaces of your dental implants or possibly damage them.

Protect Your Dental Implants

an assortment of colorful mouthguards

If you participate in sports or physical activities where there’s an increased risk of facial trauma, you should consider investing in a mouthguard to protect your implants. These nifty devices are easy to use, effective against hard hits, and quite comfortable to wear. If you’re susceptible to bruxism, (teeth grinding), you can also request a custom nightguard appliance; if unaddressed, bruxism can lead to your implants wearing down and loosening over time.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

a patient receiving preventive dental care

Regular preventive dental care is undoubtedly one of the best ways you can ensure the integrity of your dental implants moving forward. Visiting us twice a year will allow us to inspect your implants for underlying oral health issues so that you can rest assured there’s no threat to your newly restored smile. Gum disease, for example, often poses a serious threat to implants as well as the surrounding mouth tissue—but it’s easily mitigated through preventive dental care!

Dental Implant FAQs

Woman checking smile in mirror after getting dental implants in Sterling Heights, MI

Dental implants are considered by many dentists to be the modern gold standard for replacing teeth. If you are thinking of using dental implants to rebuild your smile, get in touch with our team today! We’ll answer any questions you might have about the implant process so that you can decide whether it’s the best choice for you. For your convenience, we have answered some of the questions we’ve commonly heard in the past down below.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The answer will vary depending on your overall health and the kind of care you give your implants regularly. To help your dental implants last as long as possible, remember to brush, floss, and rinse at least twice a day. You also need to keep up with your regular checkups and cleanings so that we can identify and address any problems before they put your implants at risk. With the right maintenance, dental implants can last for three decades or more – far longer than traditional bridges and dentures.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

While dental implant placement does require surgery, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Sedation can also be used to further reduce your ability to register pain.

After the procedure, you can usually expect your mouth to be sore for a few days. If need be, you can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. You can also hold a cold compress against your jaw for 15 minutes at a time. Your pain should start to improve after two or three days; if it gets worse instead, call our office immediately so that we can figure out what steps you need to take next.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, but it’s still important to take note of the risk factors that can lead to failure. Usually, the problem is related to peri-implantitis, which is a type of gum disease that can damage the bone and gum tissue supporting the implant post. In other cases, your implant might fail to join with your jaw; this can happen if there isn’t enough bone density in the area.

The good news is that implant failure is avoidable. We’ll take a number of precautions to ensure your procedure is a success, and we’ll give you guidelines for taking care of your implants afterward to lower the chances of any problems occurring.

What is the Right Age for Dental Implants?

If a dental implant is placed in a jaw that hasn’t finished growing, it could interfere with bone development. For this reason, dental implants are not recommended for children. The minimum age is usually 18, but some patients may have to wait until their mid-20s for their jaws to be developed enough for implant surgery. There isn’t an upper age limit for dental implants, but it should be noted that seniors are more likely to suffer from health issues that can interfere with the implant process.