Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile and make everyday activities like eating and speaking more difficult. Dental implants in Omaha might be what you need if you’re looking for a permanent solution that looks and feels natural. At Legacy Dental, we help patients restore their confidence and quality of life with state-of-the-art implant dentistry.
Unlike temporary fixes like dentures that can slip or require constant adjustments, implants integrate directly with your jawbone to create a stable foundation. They’re designed to last decades with proper care, making them a smart investment in oral health.
What Are Dental Implants, Anyway?
Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots made from titanium. These small posts get placed into your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time through osseointegration. Once secure, your dentist attaches a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. The result? A replacement tooth that functions just like your natural teeth.
The beauty of implants is that they don’t just replace the visible part of your tooth. They also replace the root, which helps preserve your jawbone density and prevents the bone loss that often happens after tooth loss. This makes them fundamentally different from other tooth replacement options.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options?
The advantages of implants to traditional dentures or bridges become clear. Implants don’t require altering or filing down adjacent healthy teeth, which is often necessary with conventional bridges. They also eliminate the worry about your teeth slipping at the worst possible moment, like during an important presentation or dinner with friends.
Here’s what makes implants stand out:
- Durability: With proper care, implants can last 25 years or longer
- Natural appearance: Custom-designed to match your existing teeth perfectly
- Bone preservation: Stimulates jawbone growth and prevents deterioration
- Comfort: No adhesives, no clicking sounds, no irritation to your gums
- Improved speech: Unlike ill-fitting dentures, implants won’t cause slurring or mumbling
Understanding the Implant Placement Journey
Many patients feel nervous about getting implants because they don’t know what to expect. The process at Legacy Dental is actually more straightforward than most people think. Treatment begins with an in-depth consultation, during which Dr. Lauren Semerad or Dr. Maggie Larsen uses advanced imaging techniques to assess the condition of your jawbone and confirm that it’s strong enough to support the implants.
Next comes the design phase. Scans of your face, mouth, and jaws create a blueprint for your custom prosthetic teeth. These temporary teeth will be ready to place in your mouth shortly after your oral surgery, so you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing period.
Once you’re cleared as a suitable candidate, the surgical phase begins. Dr. Craig Snyder places four to six titanium implants into your jawbone, typically under sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Your temporary prostheses are placed in your mouth the next day, giving you an immediate improvement in function and appearance while your implants integrate with the bone.
Different Types of Dental Implants in Omaha
Not everyone needs the same type of implant solution. Your specific situation determines which option works best for you. Single dental implants replace individual missing teeth without affecting neighboring teeth. Fixed implant bridges can replace multiple consecutive missing teeth using implants as anchors instead of crowns on adjacent teeth.
All-on-X dental implants offer an innovative solution for patients missing most or all of their teeth. This technique uses four to six implants to support an entire arch of replacement teeth. It’s a game-changer for people who have been struggling with traditional dentures. Another option is implant overdentures, which snap onto implants but can still be removed for cleaning.
Managing Comfort During Your Procedure
Some people are anxious about oral surgery, which is completely understandable. That’s why Legacy Dental offers various sedation options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. During your consultation, you can discuss your concerns and preferences, and the team will recommend the sedation level that makes sense for your situation.
Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery process is. You might experience swelling or minor discomfort for a few days, but over-the-counter pain medication usually handles it well. The temporary prostheses placed the day after surgery let you eat soft foods and smile confidently while your implants heal.
What About Cost and Payment Options?
Dental implants represent a significant investment, but they’re also the most cost-effective long-term solution when you factor in their durability. The exact cost varies based on how many implants you need and which type of restoration works best for your situation. You’ll receive a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing during your consultation.
Legacy Dental wants to make quality surgical dentistry accessible, so we offer flexible payment options and a membership plan that helps patients without insurance access the care they need at reduced rates.
Taking the First Step
Getting dental implants in Omaha doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The experienced team at Legacy Dental guides you through every step of the process, answering your questions and addressing your concerns along the way. You can book an online consultation, where you’ll learn whether implants are right for you and what your personalized treatment plan would look like. Your new smile is closer than you think.