dental implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants get high marks for restoring missing teeth beautifully, but the benefits go far beyond looks alone. 

In addition to restoring your smile, dental implants prevent the bone atrophy that affects the jaw following tooth loss.

Gooch Family Dental in Birmingham, AL, uses the latest implant technology for long-lasting, natural-looking results. 

Why Replace Missing Teeth? Dental Implants Provide Many Cosmetic and Practical Benefits

Dental implants are the most trusted and reliable tooth replacement solution in dentistry. They are also the only option that maintains bone in your jaw to avoid future complications. 

Traditional bridges and dentures can replace missing teeth, but unfortunately, they lack a crucial tooth structure: the roots. It is the root of a tooth that signals your body to maintain bone in your jaw, keeping it strong and healthy.

Without the root, your will shrink and change shape; nearby teeth can migrate into the gap. That movement can lead to uneven wear, damaging more teeth.

If you are missing a significant number of teeth, your receding jawbone may cause more teeth to fall out. The loss of teeth and bone then causes your facial features to sink, making you look older than you are.

Let our implant dentists at Gooch Family Dental in Birmingham explain your options to replace missing teeth and prevent further complications. 

man with missing tooth

Fear Just Disappears Our Caring Staff Puts Patients at Ease

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Briton Bradley

2020

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I am the quintessential terrified-of-the-dentist person. I arrived at the office in tears from the anxiety. As embarrassing as that was, the entire staff was gracious and patient. We took time to develop a plan that would help me feel comfortable getting much-needed work done that I had procrastinated on due to fear. The combination of their professionalism, education, and amenities for comfort (I used nitrous and did very well), made the experience actually pleasant. I really cannot recommend them enough if a phobia of the dentist if you’re issue. I look forward to working with them again.

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Brittany Howard

2019

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Throughout the years, I’ve tried multiple dentists and have a HUGE fear of them in general. Until now, I’ve never found a dentist sympathetic to my fear of dental work or one that took the time to treat me like a person instead of just the person who’s teeth they’re filling. Dr. Berry and both of the assistants I’ve had have gone above and beyond, being both assuring in their profession and personable. All have made sure I was comfortable before and during the procedures and gotten to know my personality and truly make me feel like I’m in good hands (like tolerating my ‘oh it was a good day until I had to come see you guys!’ jokes). I truly tell everyone they need to come to Gooch Family Dental now. Fantastic staff.

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Ready to Restore Your Smile?

If you are looking for a solution that is not just cosmetic but also helps prevent future complications, dental implants are ideal. But you also want your dentist to have the technology and techniques that promote a long-lasting, natural-looking result.

From our 3-D cone-beam scanner that identifies the ideal location for dental implants to our custom-designed surgical guides that ensure each implant is at the correct depth, angle, and location, Gooch Family Dental is a leader in dental implant surgery in Birmingham.

Book a consultation to learn the finer details that make our dental implants the long-lasting and beautiful solution for missing teeth.

(205) 991-9892

man brushing teeth

A Closer Look at Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small threaded post, typically made from biocompatible titanium, that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. It is combined with two other pieces, a connector piece called an abutment and the artificial tooth, to create a complete tooth replacement from root to crown.

Our 3-D Digital Technology Makes Implant Surgery Safe and Accurate

At Gooch Family Dentistry in Birmingham, we use state-of-the-art technology to make implant treatment safer, more efficient, and more beneficial.

First, our 3-D cone beam scanner identifies prime locations for implants in your jaw. We then use a sophisticated 3-D printer to create a customized surgical guide based on measurements of your smile to accurately position the implants. 

In addition to optimizing the location and placement of implants, our 3-D scanner and other state-of-the-art technology:

  • Helps avoid damage to nerves and sinus cavities
  • Makes surgery more efficient
  • Skips the unpleasant sensation of biting into impression material to create traditional 3-D models 
cone beam scanner

Cost of Dental Implants Initial Cost Vs. Total Cost

Traditional bridges and dentures typically cost less initially when compared to dental implants. But it's important to think about long-term costs too.

For example, traditional partial dentures can weaken the natural teeth that support them, leading to a need for additional dental treatments. Likewise, a traditional bridge can cause the natural teeth supporting it to fail, in which case both the bridge and the natural teeth could be lost entirely. Meanwhile, it's important to remember that traditional dentures require ongoing adjustments as the jaw changes, which requires both time and money.

With the proper care, dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime - only the restoration would need to be replaced. Denture wearers especially appreciate not having to constantly pay for denture adjustments since dental implants keep the jaw strong and healthy.

Are You Concerned About the Cost of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an investment in your oral health and your quality of life. Our team in Birmingham will go out of their way to help you take full advantage of your insurance benefits. And, to cover out-of-pocket costs, we accept CareCredit®, a third-party dental financing company endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA). Their low-interest and interest-free payment plans can make implants a fit for virtually any budget.

"The Best Dentist Office." More 5-Star Reviews

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Stephanie Armstrong

2021

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This was absolutely the best dentist office! The staff treated me like I was their only patient and I always had someone with me just in case I needed anything. They have state of the art equipment. It was amazing!!

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Ross Swenson

2019

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The best place for professional patient care. Every encounter I have had with anyone in this office has been a positive experience. They take preventive measures for overall dental health and wellbeing. Simply a great practice with a great staff.

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What About Snap-On Dentures?

Implant-supported vs all-on-4 dentures

Implant-supported partial and full dentures can be designed in two ways. They can be either screwed onto the implants or snap onto them. Screwed in partials and dentures, also called "fixed," remain in your mouth all the time. The snap-on version can be removed by the wearer for cleaning.

While snap-on partial and full dentures are much more secure than traditional ones, they don't offer the security that a fixed restoration does. If you have questions about either kind, please request a consultation so that we can explain the finer points of each. 

Dental Implant Timeline

Gooch Family Dental can perform every step of the dental implant procedure at our practice in Birmingham. Depending on your needs, your dental implants timeline may vary slightly. 

 Our advanced 3-D scanner and printer make implant placement more precise. 
 Our advanced 3-D scanner and printer make implant placement more precise. 

Consultation

In addition to reviewing your overall health, your implant dentist will use a 3-D cone-beam scanner to assess your jawbone structure and density to determine if implants are an appropriate solution. 

Preparatory Procedures

To optimize implant success, some patients need preparatory treatments. If you lack the bone density to support an implant, we can perform a bone graft. Gum disease is another condition that needs to be treated before implants are placed.

Implant Placement

In preparation for oral surgery, the implant area will be numbed and, if you desire, we offer sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. During dental implants surgery, we will use a custom surgical guide created specifically for you to precisely place the implant. 

Healing Period

The next step is to allow the titanium implant and jawbone to fuse together in a process called osseointegration. This takes about three to six months. 

Abutment Placement

Once the implant has fused with the jaw, small incisions will be made in the gums to allow a connector piece called an abutment to be attached to the implant. It will take about two weeks for the gums to heal, leaving the abutment accessible above the gumline.

Impressions

After the gums have healed, the dentist will take a digital impression of the area to guide the manufacturing of your restoration. If you need a dental crown, we can use our advanced CEREC technology to mill your restoration and attach it immediately.

Restoration Placement

When your restoration has been completed, the dentist will check that it fits comfortably and looks attractive. When both of you are satisfied with the results, the restoration will be attached to the dental implants. 

Do You Have Questions About Dental Implants? Call for Answers

Dental implants provide a variety of benefits, but we understand if the treatment sounds complicated or intimidating.

Our doctors have advanced training in implants and are happy to address any questions you may have. We want you to make an informed decision about dental implants and decide whether they are right for you.

During a consultation, we can assess your mouth and explain in detail which options are appropriate in your situation before you commit to any treatments. 

Request a consultation with our doctors or ask over the phone and call our Birmingham office at:

(205) 991-9892

Office
Our Birmingham practice focuses on comfort. We offer luxury amenities and high-tech tools that make treatment more comfortable and improve results.

More About Osseointegration

Most implants are made out of biocompatible materials like titanium to help with osseointegration, a process where your body accepts the implants as a natural part of the body. Successful osseointegration occurs when new bone grows around the titanium implant, securing it in place. This step accounts for the longest part of the procedure but leads to life-changing results. 

Our Implant-Supported Restorations

Along with handling your implant procedure, we can also often create tooth replacements in-house, which can make treatment faster and more convenient.

Dentures

Dentures

Implant-supported dentures can replace several missing teeth or an entire arch of teeth. By using implants to secure your dentures you can restore daily functions like the ability to speak or chew and never have to worry that your denture will slip out of place.

Same-Day Crowns 

Dental Crown

Made using CEREC same-day technology, our crowns can be attached to implants and replace a missing tooth for a natural-feeling restoration. Our porcelain-based crowns also mimic the translucent properties of natural teeth to blend in with your smile. 

"Kind and accommodating"  How We Operate Our Practice 

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Priscilla Denard

2022

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Everyone is very kind and accommodating from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave. Dr Bates and her assistant Daisy are great, I’ve had to have a lot of work done and they’ve been very nice during all the procedures making it as comfortable as possible for me.

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1

Terrell Clark

2022

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My wife and I have NEVER had a dental experience as awesome as this. From the moment we walked through the door to the time we left it was an elevated experience. The Hygienist was gentle and informative. The doctor was clearly interested in giving me complete information and was not in a hurry. 

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Gooch Family Dental

Gooch Family Dental

Gooch Family Dental is dedicated to providing convenient, comprehensive dentistry to the community in Birmingham, AL. We take advantage of the latest dental technology to streamline treatment, and deliver fast, beautiful results. Our proud affiliations include:

  • The American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Birmingham District Dental Society
  • The Alabama Dental Association

You can learn more about our services, and schedule an appointment today by filling out our online form, or by calling (205) 991-9892.

Send Us a Message Today

"I have never received such individual attention and care, from the moment I walked in the door through the entire cleaning and exam. A completely comfortable and satisfying experience. I look forward to having Dr. Gooch's team take care of my dental health for years to come." Amber L.

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