Dental implants are one of the best options for patients with missing teeth. Not only do they restore health, beauty, and function to the lost tooth, but they can do so permanently. The implant treatment process can seem daunting, and it is our goal to help you feel confident moving forward with implant care at our practice. We encourage you to read through this list of commonly asked questions about implants, then schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Mark Connelly. Along with discussing your smile goals, we provide a complimentary consultation and CT scan to help us determine the best treatment plan for your needs. For many patients, this state-of-the-art care combined with our expertise in dental implants and our comfortable, safe office is all patients need to decide to pursue care with us!
Dental implants are a replacement for missing teeth comprised of an implant post (surgically placed into the jaw bone) that functions like a natural tooth root and a dental crown (visible portion of the tooth). Implants mimic natural teeth in health, function, and beauty, making it seem as though you never lost a tooth in the first place.
Dental implants can replace one, several, or all failing or missing teeth. We have protocols set in place for whichever oral condition you are in. Our implant treatments include single implants, implant supported dentures , and full arch dental implants .
Most patients qualify for dental implants, but we will need to complete an evaluation before we can be sure if you do, too. Most of our patients are candidates for implants even if they have significant bone loss or are missing many teeth.
Depending on your oral condition, we may need to extract teeth, perform a bone graft, or treat gum disease. All these treatments ensure that your mouth is prepared for implants so they can last for many years.
Dental implant cost varies per case, including the severity of your oral condition, preliminary treatments you may need, the specific materials we use, and how many teeth need replacing. We work closely with our patients and their insurance companies to help create the most budget-friendly treatment plan for your financial situation.
This is a common misconception. Many believe the surgery is painful, however, we offer sedation options to ensure your comfort before and after the procedure. Once placed, dental implants are just as comfortable as natural, healthy teeth! Once in place, you may not even realize that one or more of your teeth are artificial. Our goal is to provide a tooth replacement solution that is comfortable, functional, and so natural looking, only you will know you had a tooth replaced with an implant.
Dr. Connelly provides all aspects of your implant care in our state-of-the-art St. Johns, MI office, including all preliminary treatments, surgical placement of your implant(s), and all restorative and follow-up care. We make your safety a priority and use many dental technologies to ensure your treatment success. Your personalized treatment plan reflects your smile goals and oral health needs, and by keeping all your implant care in-house, we can ensure these goals are met with the highest standard of care.
Dr. Connelly is certified to administer IV sedation, which allows you to “sleep” comfortably through your appointment. IV sedation is the highest form of conscious sedation and a solution we can personalize to your needs for optimal pain and anxiety control. You will leave our office with no (or very little) recollection of your visit and a brand-new smile. Very few general dentists are certified to administer IV sedation, and by offering this advanced sedation sets Dr. Connelly apart as the premier provider of IV sedation in Clinton County.
Treatment times vary for each patient, but depending on the situation, many patients can have a tooth extracted and an implant placed the same day. Similarly, by using plasma rich growth factors during bone grafting procedures, we can accelerate the healing of the bone so implants can be placed sooner. Ensuring that your smile is healing properly is our priority, however, and we will never speed up your treatment process if that means compromising your health.
Dr. Mark Connelly has been practicing dentistry for over three decades and is one of the leading implant dentists in the St. Johns, MI area. He has received live surgical training, including complex full arch extraction and full arch implant placement cases, from Dr. Carlos Roa, one of the leading oral surgeons in Mexico and a pioneer in his field in Latin America. Along with international training and hands-on learning, Dr. Connelly is a Master of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, one of the highest levels of credentialing this prestigious organization offers. Along with his experience in related procedures, including extractions and bone grafting, he is fully equipped to provide comprehensive implant care involving both surgical and restorative treatments.
Much like any surgery, getting dental implants can cause some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding at the treatment site. Pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication and the swelling and bleeding generally subsides within a few days. You can resume normal activities about a week after your surgery. Implants are commonly fully healed after 4-6 months, when you will be ready to receive your permanent restoration.
Dental implants, when properly cared for, can last the rest of your life! To ensure that no disease affects your implants, we always recommend that patients maintain routine dental appointments with us. Any symptoms, no matter how seemingly insignificant, that are caught early is the best way to make sure your implants stay healthy for many years.
