What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as an "ANCHOR" that also replaces the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for Replacement Tooth/Teeth; and Dentures & Partials. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
Why dental implants?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant.
1. When Natural Roots are Removed (with an Extraction), the jawbone will shrink and become more fragile.
2. This shrinkage makes for ILL-Fitting Dentures and Partials; with plenty of discomfort and pain
3. The Ill-Fitting Dentures and Partials lead to a very ineffective chew-ability.
4. Jaw Shrinkage will also cause your face to "cave in" ... and make you look much older than your actually are.
5. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement.
6. Normally, Dental Implants will serve its owner for many, many years ...
7. Dr. Schlotz and Plaza Health Dentistry actually ASSURE Conventional Dental Implants for Life.
How much do Dental Implants cost?
First of All ... make sure that your Implants are Placed and Restored by a Very Experienced, Leading Dentist in the field of Implant Dentistry -- otherwise the Fee really doesn't matter. We at Plaza Health Dentistry have seen many cases where the initial Implant Treatment failed (Speed Dentistry?) and these Patients have had to undergo the Procedure twice (and pay the fee twice) to get the Treatment performed correctly.
The fee for Dental Implant Placement varies based on a few factors -- the amount and type of Bone already present; the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Factoring into the fee also will be the type of Restoration that is chosen to be placed on top of the Implants (either fixed or removable). Further, some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants.
However, with the above said -- Implant PLACEMENT can range from $795 - $1250 here at Plaza Health Dentistry => where we have a commitment to "Cost Sensitivity" ... Typically, Implants in the St Louis area might range from $1250 - $1500. Be careful to ensure that any fees that you are quoted are for CONVENTIONAL Implants and Not MINI-Implants ... Conventional Implants are FDA approved for LONG TERM usage and are more highly studied than MINI - Implants ... Mini-Implants have their place in dentistry -- but they are very different from Conventional Implants.
To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary for Dr. Schlotz examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your treatment choices can than be discussed s... along with corresponding fees. A Complimentary Consultation can begin the process ... and then you may elect to have an Exam along w/ any Necessary XRays after you have see our Office and met with Team PHD; and chatted with Dr. Schlotz.
Who is a Candidate?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.
How much time is required for a dental implant placement?
Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This minimally-invasive, 3-D computer guided method is rather new and has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
For conventional (non-mini) implants, Dr. Schlotz firmly believes in respecting long term (10 yr) scientific studies that show a 90% success rate. These studies show a significant benefit to waiting 4-6 months for the titanium surface of the implants to fuse (osseo-integrate) to its surrounding bone. When left un-loaded a titanium-coated implant will integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, patients are offered an interim prosthesis.
The type of restorative procedure (crown, bridge, overdenture, etc) chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to PHD throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask Dr. Schlotz to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
How will I care for my dental implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by Dr. Schlotz and the Team at PHD. Be sure to see us for maintenance at PHD every 3 months to maintain the PHD Assurance.
*Standard Disclaimer and Patient Information per: Missouri State Board Regulations as pertaining to Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic, Sedation & Implant Dentistry...
All are non-specialty interest areas that require no specific educational training to advertise. Drs. Schlotz and Von Rump are GENERAL DENTISTS and are engaged in the practice of GENERAL DENTISTRY in the State Of Missouri. Thus, they are NOT licensed in the specialties of prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics or oral-maxillofacial surgery.
TMJ Treatment is a non-specialty area not recognized by the ADA and requires no specific educational training to advertise.
*Standard Disclaimer and Patient Information Regarding Oral Sedation and Dentistry performed under General Anesthesia (commonly referred to as Sleep Dentistry)
Conscious Sedation is taught as part of post graduate residency programs approved by the ADA. Dr. Wm Schlotz and Von Rump have not completed such an ADA approved residency program.
It is a requirement (set forth by the Missouri Dental Board) that a licensed dentist be further licensed (Division of Professional Registration, State of Missouri) to perform oral sedation (aka Enteral Conscious Sedation) in the state of Missouri. Dr. Schlotz and Team have taken the Mandatory Training and Education for this licensure which includes over 20 hrs of training and education in the area of Oral Sedation and Medical Emergency Management. Dr. Schlotz and Team have also taken a 2nd Non-Mandatory course (of 25 hrs) in Oral Sedation and Emergency Medical Management.
Upon this licensure in the field of Oral Sedation, an "Enteral Conscious Sedation Permit" is thereby issued to licensee. Dr. William J. Schlotz has received certification and has been issued License #2009005253.
PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry has received an ENTERAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION SITE CERTIFICATE issued by the Missouri Dental Board (certificate/license #2009004858).
Dr. Schlotz and Von Rump are not providers of Deep Sedation Dentistry (wherein the treating dentist is also responsible for the deep sedation - commonly referred to as "sleep dentistry").
General Dentistry at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry is performed under General Anesthesia ONLY in concert with Premier Dental Anesthesiology (Board Certified MDs) as the attending caregivers and physicians of the general anesthesia.
PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry has been issued, by the Missouri Dental Board, a DEEP SEDATION/GENERAL ANESTHESIA SITE CERTIFICATE (#2008025661).