Dental Implants — Hutchinson, KS

Aesthetic Restorative Treatments by Dr. Grant Ringler

It’s extremely important that you replace missing teeth. Whether you opt for dental implants, dentures, or a fixed bridge, replacing missing teeth will improve your overall oral health, comfort, function, and appearance. Even if you’re only missing one tooth, problems like bone loss, bite change, TMJ pain, and gum disease can occur quickly. Dental implants offer many benefits and are an increasingly popular alternative to bridges and dentures. In addition to being more stable than traditional dentures, they are easy to clean and maintain because they mimic your natural teeth. Restoring your beautiful smile has never been easier, and Hutchinson, KS dentist Dr. Grant Ringler can help you find the right option for you to create a uniquely stunning smile with dental implants.

Why Choose Grant D. Ringler, DDS for Dental Implants?

Complete the Whole Dental Implant Process In-House

Replace Any Number of Teeth With Highly Personalized Dental Restorations

Flexible Dental Financing Options Available

What Are Dental Implants?

If you’ve ever wanted a replacement tooth that not only looks natural, but feels natural and lasts longer than any other tooth replacement, dental implants are difficult to pass up. Consisting of a titanium post, a dedicated restoration, and a connector that attaches these two components together, dental implants are considered to be the gold standard for replacing teeth thanks to their longevity, esthetics, and functionality. When placed by a professional like Dr. Ringler, you can expect your dental implant to last for decades, if not for the rest of your life, thanks to their unique osseointegration process.

The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

Before we can begin your journey to a full, beautiful smile with dental implants in Hutchinson, we’ll go over the entire process step by step with you at your initial consultation, including cost of the procedure and healing time. While you wait for your appointment, however, you can read this generalized guide on how the dental implant process works. We’re proud to say that we offer every stage of your implant treatment (including the placement phase) in-house. If you haven’t scheduled a consultation yet to replace your missing teeth with this sturdy and long-lasting option, give us a call at (620) 708-4045.

Initial Consultation

The first step in the process of attaining a new and healthy smile is visiting Dr. Ringler for a consultation. During this appointment, we’ll lay out all the steps necessary for the process of creating your brand-new smile. Our team will thoroughly examine your smile by taking x-rays. We’ll also discuss options for your restoration that will top your implant, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. Your consultation is also where you’ll find out whether you need any preparatory treatment before we can place your implants, such as gum disease treatment or a bone graft to increase the density of your jawbone. Once these procedures are squared away, you can move on to the next phase: dental implant placement.

Dental Implant Surgery

After we’ve discussed your treatment plan in detail with you, then you’re ready to schedule your implant placement surgery. This surgery is relatively simple and straightforward. Your dentist in Hutchinson will make a tiny incision in your gum tissue and then place the implant directly into the jawbone where your lost tooth root once was. To protect the implant and maintain your gum tissue throughout the healing process, a protective cap is placed over the implant. Before your abutment and restoration can be placed, a remarkable process called osseointegration must first occur.

Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

Osseointegration is a near-magical process by which your jawbone grows around the implant post during the few months following implant placement. This process can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on a few factors such as your body’s healing ability and how many implants you’re receiving. Once osseointegration is complete, we can place an abutment, a metal connector that anchors your restoration to your implant. Finally, we can take impressions and design your crown, bridge, or denture that will be meticulously crafted by a skilled dental lab team.

Delivery of Final Restoration

The last step in the process – receiving your new teeth – is finally here! By partnering with a dental lab, we can create a customized prosthesis that will attach to your newly integrated dental implants. After your restoration arrives, we’ll check to make sure it provides you with a powerful, comfortable, and well-aligned bite, making adjustments as needed until it does. When this process is complete, we’ll send you off into the world with your brand-new, lifelike smile!

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are two parts to a tooth: the crown and the root. When you lose a tooth, the crown is often replaced, but the root is usually not. Losing the root can negatively affect your oral health by reducing your jawbone mass and eventually leading to future tooth loss. Over 500,000 people choose dental implants each year because their unique placement provides incredible health and lifestyle advantages. Read on to learn more about the benefits of dental implants in Hutchinson.

Diet: Rooted in the jawbone, dental implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods without worrying about your smile shifting out of place. This will help you enjoy a better quality of life, and it will also allow you to eat a more nutritious diet.
Confidence: Have you been hiding your smile due to missing teeth or an ill-fitting denture? Dental implants give you the confidence to flash your grin in any social or professional setting. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, giving you a boost in self-esteem every time you smile.
Maintenance: Unlike dentures that require special care such as soaking overnight and extra cleaning tools, dental implants can be maintained similar to your natural teeth. Just be sure to brush them twice a day and floss once a day. It’s also important to visit our implant dentist in Hutchinson for routine checkups and cleanings.

Health Benefits

Dental health: Other options like dental bridges require the removal of natural tooth enamel to support the restoration. However, dental implants in Hutchinson are firmly secured in the jawbone, which keeps the rest of your smile intact. Plus, dental implants will keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of place after tooth loss.
Bone health: Dental implants are the only replacement that restores the teeth from the roots up. When you lose teeth, your jawbone loses the stimulation it was getting from their roots. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating after tooth loss. This also keeps your remaining teeth in place and helps you maintain a full facial appearance.
Overall health: Dental implants encourage better oral health, which lowers the risk of gum disease. This issue has been linked with increased chances of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and diabetes.

Long-Term Benefits

Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last for over 30 years and even a lifetime. This will also make your dentistry more convenient in the future by avoiding replacements. For example, traditional dentures must be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
Predictability: Dental implants have a success rate of 95% even after 10 years. While they do require surgery, the results are incredibly predictable, making implants dependable for many different cases of tooth loss.
Cost: Because dental implants can last for decades, they can actually save you money in the long run from avoiding additional treatments and the dental visits that come with them.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Most adults are capable of receiving dental implants in Hutchinson to replace their missing teeth. While some are cleared to move forward with dental implant surgery right away, others may be required to undergo preliminary treatments like bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction to ensure the success of future prosthetics. No matter your situation, you can trust that your dental implant dentist in Hutchinson, Dr. Ringler, will closely examine your smile and make the appropriate recommendation for your individual needs.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

You may not think there is any way you could be eligible for dental implants in Hutchinson; however, only until you meet with Dr. Ringler will you know for sure if you qualify. As we said before, most patients will be cleared to receive dental implants; however, during your initial consultation, Dr. Ringler will consider the following factors before making a decision:

Diet: Rooted in the jawbone, dental implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods without worrying about your smile shifting out of place. This will help you enjoy a better quality of life, and it will also allow you to eat a more nutritious diet.
Confidence: Have you been hiding your smile due to missing teeth or an ill-fitting denture? Dental implants give you the confidence to flash your grin in any social or professional setting. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, giving you a boost in self-esteem every time you smile.
Maintenance: Unlike dentures that require special care such as soaking overnight and extra cleaning tools, dental implants can be maintained similar to your natural teeth. Just be sure to brush them twice a day and floss once a day. It’s also important to visit our implant dentist in Hutchinson for routine checkups and cleanings.

If you were unaware before, you now know that dental implants are one of the most versatile tooth replacement options available today. These titanium posts are capable of treating all types of tooth loss, including:

Missing 1 Tooth

You might assume that a single missing tooth cannot cause much trouble for your smile; however, this is simply not the case. More than 120 million Americans are living with just one missing tooth and it’s changing the way they eat, speak, and smile. To minimize the effects caused by single tooth loss, we can install a titanium post into the vacated socket along with a metal abutment and customized dental crown. This not only mimics the natural tooth structure but also completes your smile for a full, natural, and beautiful aesthetic.

Missing Multiple Teeth

When two or more teeth are missing consecutively, your dentist in Hutchinson can easily use two dental implant posts to serve as the support for an implant bridge. Instead of relying on natural, healthy teeth to serve as anchors (as you would a traditional dental bridge), Dr. Ringler will secure a customized implant bridge to the tops of your dental implants, creating a secure prosthetic that can remain in place for decades or longer. But even if your missing teeth are not consecutive, we can still fashion an implant partial that attaches to your dental implants.

Missing All Teeth

For patients who have an entire arch of missing teeth, traditional dentures don’t have to be the answer. Instead, we can use between 4 and 8 dental implants along the top or bottom row to secure a fully fixed or removable denture into place. Not only will this continue to provide stimulation to your jawbone to minimize the potential for shrinkage and facial collapse, but it also improves functionality and boosts confidence like never before. With implant dentures, you can enjoy your favorite foods and embrace a full and fun lifestyle that is often void in the lives of denture-wearers.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

When you’re getting ready to start a complex treatment plan like dental implant tooth replacement, your dentist in Hutchinson, Grant D. Ringler, DDS, and his team will take the time to carefully explain all aspects of care, including budgeting and scheduling. Many patients are initially surprised to hear the estimated cost for their dental implant plan, but when they understand how that cost breaks down over the course of several phases of treatment and delivers flawless, functional results, most patients think that it’s worth the investment. On this page, we’ve discussed some of the factors that will influence the costs of dental implants, but the only way to get an accurate estimate of pricing for your specific plan is to call Dr. Ringler and his dental team to schedule an appointment. We’ll walk you through the process and help you budget for every step of your dental implant tooth replacement plan, so we can all avoid unpleasant financial surprises.

Where the Majority of the Cost Comes From

The majority of the price of your dental implant tooth replacement plan will likely stem from the cost of your dental implant posts and their surgical placement. A single implant, depending on the manufacturer, materials used, and other factors, can range in price from $500 to $3000 or more before you even have the implant post placed. We can review your options with you and help you find a dental implant that will fit your budget without sacrificing quality or risking dental implant failure.

Factors that Influence Pricing

In addition to the cost of dental implant posts, there are a number of other factors that will influence the cost of your tooth replacement plan, including all of the following:

Number of missing teeth
Type of dental restoration used (crown, bridge, denture)
Materials used for dental implant posts, abutments (connective pieces), and restoration
Use of dental sedation to maintain comfort
Need for preparatory tooth extractions or tissue grafts

Dental Insurance Coverage

The final factor that can influence the cost of your treatment plan is dental insurance. In most cases, dental insurance benefits don’t offer coverage for the dental implant posts themselves or their placement. However, other aspects of your tooth replacement plan may be covered, including the replacement teeth, preparatory procedures, and even dental sedation in some cases. Our team will do our utmost to maximize all available benefits to help you make the most of your coverage.

Benefits Worth the Investment

If you’re still on the fence, we would encourage you to at least schedule a tooth replacement consultation. During this appointment, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of each tooth replacement option available to complete your smile. Some of the benefits of dental implants we will discuss include:

Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants actually replace the roots of missing teeth. This improves oral health by protecting surrounding teeth and oral structures from damage that can occur when placing a traditional fixed bridge, partial, or full denture.
Additionally, the dental implant provides stimulus necessary to maintain healthy gum tissue volume and jawbone density, preserve the shape of your mouth and jawline, and prevent other unnecessary shifts or changes to your oral structures.
Traditional tooth replacement options need to be repaired or replaced every five to ten years, but an implant supported restoration can last two to three decades or longer.
UNatural looking and feeling implant supported restorations allow you to eat all of your favorite foods and easily maintain your at-home oral hygiene routine.

Dental Implant FAQs

Dental implants in Hutchinson are an investment in your oral health and quality of life, but you’re certain to have a few concerns before you are ready to commit to them. Don’t worry. Dr. Ringler understands you might be a bit apprehensive. He will explain each step of the process during your consultation. Here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask him about dental implants.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are the most reliable treatment for tooth loss because they are proven to last for decades with the proper care. Traditional bridges and dentures only last for a few years before needing to be replaced. It’s not unusual for dental implants to thrive for 30 years or more; however, their lifespan depends on your oral health and lifestyle. You can ensure your new smile serves you for decades by brushing twice a day, flossing nightly, and using an antimicrobial mouthrinse. Don’t forget to visit your implant dentist in Hutchinson at least every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.

Are dental implants removable?

Dental implants feel like your real teeth because they have the support of your jawbone stabilizing them. Your bone will fuse to your posts through a process called osseointegration. As a result, your dental implants cannot be removed except by a qualified dentist. While you can’t take your posts out, there are some styles of implant dentures that can be removed for cleaning.

Does getting dental implants hurt?

You’ll need oral surgery to place your posts in your jaw, so it’s normal to be concerned about a painful procedure, but you don’t have anything to fear. Your implant dentist will use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. After the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some tenderness, but you can manage it with a prescribed or OTC pain reliever. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to numb the area while also reducing swelling and bruising. Your mouth should only be sore for a few days. If your discomfort worsens or doesn’t improve, contact our office right away.

Are dental implants safe?

Most patients who have good oral and general health can safely get dental implants. You’ll need a thorough consultation to determine if you’re a candidate for them. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to make sure you have good oral health and a strong jawbone. If you have certain issues, like bone loss, they’ll need to be treated before moving forward with your placement surgery. Dr. Ringler will also learn more about your medical history to rule out any potential complications during surgery or while healing. If you have certain pre-existing conditions, like diabetes, we’ll take a few extra precautions to ensure your safety and the success of your dental implants. Dr. Ringler will discuss everything during your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect on your journey to a complete smile.

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

Once you’re done with implant surgery, next is your recovery! However, there is no need to worry – we’ll let you know exactly what to expect and how to enjoy a smooth healing period. If you ever experience intense pain or abnormal symptoms, call us. Until then, read on to learn our dental implant post-op instructions in Hutchinson.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

The best thing you can do is to leave the affected area untouched so the forming blood clot can heal properly. To ensure this can happen, follow these simple guidelines:

Do not spit – use tissues or swallow your saliva.
Do not use straws for drinking.
Do not smoke for at least the first day of recovery.
Keep your fingers and tongue away from the surgical site.

Common Side-Effects

Some symptoms are completely normal to experience during your recovery. Over the first few days after getting your dental implants in Hutchinson, you may notice:

Bleeding: This can be lessened with the application of gauze and light pressure. You may notice bleeding for multiple days.
Swelling: This will occur over the first 72 hours after your surgery, but it can last up to a week. You can apply a cold/warm compress to reduce swelling.
Pain: General discomfort is normal, and it can be managed with the medication we prescribe.

Diet

Your diet can help or hurt your recovery depending on the foods you eat. For the first few days of healing, we recommend softer, non-abrasive foods, including:

Yogurt
Ice cream
Mashed potatoes
Soup (not extremely hot)
Pudding
Scrambled eggs
Pasta

As soon as you feel up to it, you can return to your normal diet. However, you should do your best to avoid extra hard or crunchy foods. Additionally, your implant dentist in Hutchinson recommends avoiding direct chewing on the surgical site to promote healing.

Health & Oral Hygiene

The day after your surgery, you can go back to brushing your teeth like you normally would. However, be very cautious when cleaning around the surgical site. You should also rinse your mouth 2 to 3 times a day with salt mixed into water to keep your smile clean and promote healing. If you have prescription mouthwash, you can use this product instead. Just avoid mouthwashes that contain high levels of alcohol like Listerine or Scope.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Now that the hard part is over, you’ll visit our office for your final restorations. Whether you get a crown, bridge, or denture, you may experience some temporary sensitivity. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. There should be no bleeding, swelling, or significant recovery. All that’s left to do is to smile with your full, healthy, and strong set of teeth.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

After going through the process of completing your smile with dental implants, the last thing you want is for your new teeth to fail and your investment to be all for naught. That’s why good dental implant care in Hutchinson is essential in helping your smile last. Fortunately, maintaining dental implants is quite similar to caring for natural teeth. If you follow these five simple steps, your implants should provide you with decades of healthy, confident smiles!

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Daily brushing and flossing are still crucial even when your teeth are technically artificial. Without good oral hygiene, harmful bacteria can thrive in your mouth and attack the tissues supporting your implants, causing them to fail. Not to mention, your remaining natural teeth are still susceptible to cavities. Keep all of your pearly whites in pristine condition by brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing every night, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash for good measure.

Stick to a Healthy Diet

Eating too many sugary sweets is never good for you, no matter how many natural teeth you have left. Bad oral bacteria use sugar particles from the foods you eat as fuel to create acidic waste that erodes tooth enamel and infects gum tissue, which may lead to dental implant failure. Moderation is key when it comes to sugary foods and beverages.

Also, be sure to add plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins into your diet. In particular, items that contain calcium and vitamin C promote healthy jawbone and gum tissue, creating a healthier foundation for your dental implants in Hutchinson.

Break Bad Habits

The same bad habits that can damage real teeth may also spell disaster for dental implants. Smoking, nail-biting, ice eating, chewing on pens, using your teeth to open packaging or bottles… habits like these can easily cause irreversible damage to your smile. Chewing sugar-free gum can help you overcome the temptation to chew on harmful items, and our team can point you toward resources to help you quit smoking.

Protect Your Dental Implants

If you habitually grind your teeth and clench your jaw when you’re stressed, you need to wear a nightguard when you sleep. Otherwise, these habits can place serious stress on your teeth, implants, and jaw over time, causing enamel erosion and even dental implant failure. A custom nightguard creates cushioning between your upper and lower teeth, preventing harmful contact.

Similarly, you should wear a mouthguard if you play any sport that comes with the risk of impact to the face. By doing so, you can greatly reduce the risk of severe, permanent damage to your smile due to sporting injuries.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Last but not least, a key component of dental implant maintenance is visiting your implant dentist in Hutchinson every six months for a routine checkup. At these appointments, our team can evaluate your implants, remaining teeth, gums, and other oral structures for troublesome symptoms. Often, we can detect concerns in their early stages, making treatment easier and more successful.