Mayda Ferguson, DDSDental Implants – Metairie, LA
A Healthy and Permanent Way to Replace Missing Teeth
Are you missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth? At Second Line Family Dentistry, we often recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore the smile to its full function, health, and beauty. Dr. Mayda Ferguson is experienced in restoring dental implants with dazzling dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. She will partner with a trusted oral surgeon for the placement of your dental implants; after the mouth and jaw are done healing, you will come back to our dental office for your restoration. Read on to learn more about this tooth replacement option and the advantages that dental implants in Metairie can bring you. Contact us if you’re interested in scheduling a dental implant consultation.
Why Choose Second Line Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Partnered with Knowledgeable Local Specialists
- Lifelike Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures
- Trust-Based Relationships with Patients
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have three main parts:
- The implant post that is surgically inserted into the jaw.
- The crown, bridge, or denture that fills in the gap in your smile.
- The abutment that keeps the prosthesis anchored to the post.
Unlike traditional dentures and bridges, dental implants are able to act as artificial tooth roots. Not only does this make them more stable and boost the chewing power that they’re able to provide, but it also means that they can actively help prevent the bone loss that is associated with missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer patients a wealth of benefits, including:
- A comprehensive solution that mimics the natural tooth structure
- Restored ability to eat and speak with the confidence of a secure smile
- Better oral health with stable restorations
- Maintained health of remaining natural teeth
- Preserved and strengthened jawbone
- Easy to clean
- Can last for a lifetime with proper care
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dr. Ferguson will consider your unique needs before making any recommendations for treatment. When dental implants are a viable option following tooth loss, she will not hesitate to recommend implant dentistry. As a truly comprehensive solution for one, two, or many missing teeth, nothing rebuilds a smile better than dental implants.
Learn More
Missing Single Tooth
If you’re missing a single tooth, an implant-supported dental crown will be used to restore your smile. This dental crown will be custom-made to match your natural grin, giving you a seamlessly complete set of teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
If you’re missing multiple teeth in a row, the gap can be filled with an implant bridge. This personalized dental prosthesis literally bridges the empty space in your smile. Dental implants on either side of the gap anchor your bridge in place, which allows for a sturdy and strong restoration.
Missing All Teeth
Are you missing all of your teeth? It’s possible to replace your whole smile with implant dentures. Strategically placed dental implants can be used to anchor your prosthesis, giving you a highly natural-looking and feeling grin.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
For some patients, deciding between traditional tooth replacement and dental implants all comes down to the cost. We understand, and we want you to feel confident going into treatment that you’re getting your money’s worth. Below you’ll find information that can help you have a better picture of the value that dental implants offer and what the overall cost will look like. An estimate can be provided during your initial consultation.
Learn More
Types of Dental Implants
When you look at a typical arch of teeth, you can quickly see that the front teeth (anterior) look different from the back teeth. Even those that are most visible in the front don’t exactly match because they perform various functions. Just as not all the teeth in your mouth are the same, there are different kinds of implants you can get based on the number and location of the teeth being replaced. For example, back teeth tend to require larger implant posts because they bear more force when you chew.
What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?
After you have agreed to move forward with the dental implant process, an implant specialist will surgically insert the implants into the jawbone and close the gum tissue. Following this procedure, you’ll need to wait a few months for the bone to grow and envelop the posts. Then, abutments will be attached to the posts, and digital impressions of your mouth will be taken so that your final restoration can be created. When it’s finished, you’ll return to our office and have your restoration affixed to the abutments, completing your new grin!
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
It depends on how long you plan for your new smile to last. While traditional dentures and bridges usually must be replaced roughly every 10 years, properly maintained dental implants have the potential to remain in the mouth for more than 30 years! Consequently, although the upfront cost of dental implants is greater than that of dentures, over time dentures may actually be more expensive. Plus, with dental implants, you also get the added benefits of a stronger bite, more youthful facial structure, and more confidence. Overall, yes, dental implants prove to be a worthwhile investment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Dental insurance companies generally don’t cover as much of the cost of dental implants as they do other treatments. However, many are getting better about providing benefits for this service. Your plan may cover portions of the process, such as the final restoration or preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy, but you’ll need to check with your provider to learn exactly what is or is not covered.
Dental Implant FAQs
Is the Dental Implant Process Painful?
The world of dentistry is constantly refining and improving through new innovations. This, coupled with the added advantage of receiving care from the capable and gentle hands of a reliable specialist, means you don’t have to worry about enduring an uncomfortable experience. Before any work commences, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your implant placement process is painless.
However, after the initial surgery, you may feel some discomfort. There’s no need to worry, though, because it’s typically manageable with an over-the-counter pain reliever. If your discomfort is more acute, you may be prescribed medication to ensure a smoother recovery process.
Will My Smile Look Natural with Dental Implants?
When you invest your time and finances into dental work, you don’t want to have to settle for just functional improvements. You also want to know that you’ll have the type of look you desire. A unique perk of the dental implant process is that you can get the best of both worlds: usability and aesthetics.
This is made possible through the placement of the implant into the jawbone, which perfectly recreates the original stability provided by the missing tooth root. The end result, once the prosthetic tooth is placed, is a more natural-looking smile.
How Long Will My Dental Implant Last?
One of the reasons we are advocates of replacing teeth with dental implants is that it’s not a temporary fix. With proper care, a dental implant can last over 30 years or even up to a lifetime. From a statistical perspective, at the 10-year benchmark for the procedure, the average success rate is 95-98%, which is further evidence that the dental implant process is in a class of its own.
To ensure the most longevity, Dr. Ferguson suggests you brush and floss your teeth consistently and maintain six-month visits for preventive dental care. Thus, if there are any new developments, they can be nipped in the bud before they become bigger issues.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The dental implant procedure has to be tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Otherwise, the security of the placement can be compromised. Therefore, you’ll need to undergo a thorough examination that will help determine what options are best suited for successfully replacing your teeth. Then, based on your customized treatment plan, an accurate cost estimate can be generated.
If you need an alternative payment option, we accept CareCredit, which provides financing for dental procedures so you don’t have to wait to receive the vital care you need. One of the benefits of this program for qualified applicants is that it’s a low-to-no-interest form of financing.
Will I Be Able to Maintain a Normal Diet with Dental Implants?
While traditional dentures typically restore around 25% of your original chewing capacity, you can expect much better results with the placement of dental implants. With this treatment, you can regain up to 75% of your original chewing capacity, which can make for a much more pleasant life.
