Dental Implants

Losing a tooth affects more than your smile. It can change the way you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. At Blue Water Oral & Facial Surgery, Drs. Varland and Scotland offer dental implants designed to restore function and confidence with results that look and feel like natural teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, our team is here to help you find a solution that fits your life.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root. Once the post bonds with the bone, it creates a stable foundation for a custom artificial tooth. The result is a tooth implant that looks, functions, and feels remarkably close to a natural tooth. Beyond aesthetics, dental implants also help preserve the jawbone and maintain the natural contours of your face over time.

How Does the Dental Implant Procedure Work?

For most patients, the dental implant process takes place over two stages. During the first stage, Drs. Varland and Scotland place the implant into the jawbone, where it gradually bonds with the surrounding bone over several months. Once that foundation is secure, the second stage involves placing a small post through the gums to anchor your custom artificial tooth. The full process typically takes six to eight months, and most patients experience minimal disruption to their daily routine throughout.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants cost can vary based on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration used. Because every patient’s situation is different, the most accurate way to understand your investment is through a personal consultation. Drs. Varland and Scotland will evaluate your oral health and walk you through the full scope of your recommended treatment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Coverage for dental implants varies by insurance plan, and many standard dental plans provide limited or no benefits for implant placement. We encourage patients to contact their insurance provider before their consultation to understand what is and is not covered. Our team is happy to help you navigate your options and answer any questions you have about the financial side of your care.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Scotland and Varland are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Drs. Scotland and Varland  perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Drs. Scotland and Varland perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.