Dental Implants in New Orleans, LA
Tooth loss affects you every day, whether or not you realize it; it impacts the way you speak, chew, and prevents you from interacting confidently with others.
However, you do have options! We are pleased to offer dental implants for New Orleans patients who want to restore their comfort and quality of life.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
We recommend dental implants because they are the only tooth replacement that includes an artificial tooth root.
The implant post we place in your jaw is made of medical-grade titanium and replaces the lost tooth root. This is crucial because when a tooth is lost, bone in the jaw around it immediately starts to break down.
Replacing the lost root with the implant not only stops bone loss but also stimulates healthy bone regeneration.
Why is this important? A strong and healthy jawbone supports all your teeth, but when it starts to break down in one area, surrounding teeth loosen, and we might need to remove them.
And since your teeth help support your facial features, you’ll start to notice sagging or a hollow appearance.
Tooth implants at our New Orleans dental office solve both of these problems; they keep your jawbone strong and healthy and maintain a more youthful facial appearance.
What’s Involved with Getting Dental Implants
Here are the steps involved with getting dental implants.
Dental Implant Evaluation
The first step is an evaluation with Dr. Rathke at our New Orleans dental office so he can see if you’re a good candidate. That means you must have enough dense bone into which we can place the implant successfully.
Dental Implant Placement
Next, we’ll schedule an appointment so Dr. Rathke can place the implant post in your jaw. We perform the procedure under local anesthesia, so your mouth will be numb, and you won’t feel any pain.
It takes about 3-8 months for the titanium implant post to integrate with your jawbone. After it heals, the implant forms a firm foundation for a dental restoration that restores function and fills the gap in your smile.
Placing Your Tooth Restoration
Depending on how many teeth we replace, Dr. Rathke will attach a crown, bridge, or denture to the implant so you can chew on the tooth again. Since we craft beautiful, high-quality tooth restorations, you can expect yours to look natural and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
How to Care for Your Dental Implant
Dental implants have a 97 percent success rate and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. In particular, it’s essential to maintain excellent gum health. The stability and longevity of your implant depend on maintaining a strong and healthy jawbone.
Dental Implant Cost in New Orleans
Compared to bridges or dentures, dental implants do tend to cost more initially. However, implants tend to last much longer, but you'll need to replace bridges and dentures every 5-10 years, making them more expensive in the long term.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are interested in having a top dentist in New Orleans tell you more about tooth implants, please call us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rathke.
We look forward to helping you smile confidently again!
