What is a dental implant?
Today, the preferred method of tooth replacement is with dental implant. They replace missing tooth roots and form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
They can be used to support individual teeth or to help anchor removable dentures. Using local anesthetic, the implants are surgically placed under the gum and into the bone. The healing period for dental implants varies depending on the location and the health of the bone. It can be as little as 6 weeks or as much as four months. Some form of aesthetic temporization is always preferred in visible areas. Once the implant is biologically attached to the bone, the crown part is attached with the help of screw connection between implant and crown (abutment).
Implants are made of a bio-compatible material called titanium, which cannot decay. One advantage of implants is that they stimulate bone growth, and thus, prevent future bone loss. Bone that disappears when a tooth is removed can only be replaced with a bone graft.
What are the advantages of choosing dental implants?
- Maintain Anatomy:If you have missing teeth, the bone begins to shrink over time. Unhealthy bone loss can make your jaw line recede and change your facial structure. Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone so your face retains its natural shape.
- Grinding of natural teeth not necessary:A better long-term alternative to bridgework, dental implants eliminate the need to grind down healthy teeth when replacing one or more adjacent teeth. Your own natural healthy teeth are not compromised.
- Security:Securely anchored dental implants do not slip or move. This eliminates some of the key problems of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation and pain from exposed nerves. The result is superior comfort, reliability, and freedom from embarrassment.
Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures or a Fixed Bridge
- AestheticDental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
- Tooth-savingDental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
- ConfidenceDental implants will allow patients to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence. They are secured and they don't allow dentures to wobble in the mouth giving more confidence to smile, eat and talk.
- ReliableThe success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.
- Immediate PlacementFractured, decay, blocked canals and other conditions can prevent the successful completion of root canal treatment. Fortunately, if this is anticipated, it is possible to remove the tooth and immediately replace it with an implant.
How do dental implants work?
The "root replica" implant is made up of titanium and is inserted in channel created in the jaw by precision instruments (which is same as removing the tooth). After osseointegration (when the surrounding bone has bonded to the implant), a replacement tooth is secured to the top of the implant. This new tooth looks, feels and performs similar to your natural tooth.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth due to injury, disease or decay is a candidate for dental implants. Occasionally, older patients may get worried over the surgical concerns of the dental implant as a concern to their age. Health is more of a determining factor than age. A careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history must be made to determine whether you can safely have a tooth removed. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're healthy enough to receive dental implants.
Is there any pain or discomfort involved?
Most patients report very little discomfort and were much more comfortable following the procedure than they anticipated. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort during the procedure.
How long will the treatment take?
Treatment time will vary depending on your particular situation. Nowadays it is often possible to get well-functioning and esthetic looking teeth within a few days. In some cases it may be necessary to wait longer before finishing the restoration in order to obtain an optimal result.
What is involved in the implant procedure?
The dental implant process involves several steps that take place over a time period that averages from literally immediate placement and loading to 6 months. The typical process will include:
- Pre-treatment consultation:After a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history, your practitioner will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, you will then have a thorough consultation before your treatment begins.
- Initial implant placement:Your practitioner places the dental implant into your jaw while you are under either local or general anaesthesia. Over the next several months, bone will heal to the surface of the implant, anchoring it into position. Depending on your particular case, an additional minor procedure creates an opening through which your artificial tooth will emerge.
- Implant prosthetic attachment:During this phase, your practitioner painlessly attaches a prosthetic "post" to the implant. An impression will be taken, and soon after, an artificial replacement tooth will be created for a natural restoration.
Proper maintenance:Your dental practitioner will guide you on the proper care and maintenance of your new implants before, during and after the procedure. By following a regular routing of careful oral hygiene and regular checkups, your implants will look, function and feel great for many years to come.
Will I ever be without my teeth?
This depends on your situation. Most patients can leave the office wearing some type of temporary prosthesis.
How much will it cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. It is important for you to know that you do not necessarily need an implant for each missing root. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you and what your investment would be for the procedure.
How long do implants last?
Modern dental implants have been maintained in individual cases for more than twenty years. An implant, although made of metal, still requires continued care after placement. This includes patient home care and professional maintenance. The life of the implant varies with factors of patient health (diabetes, HIV, metabolic bone disease), patient habits (smoking, oral hygiene) and structural overload.
It is impossible to predict exactly how long an implant will last, therefore it is impossible to predict or guarantee success. If an implant fails it may be replaced, however the prosthesis (overdenture/crowns) will need to be remade. It is not uncommon to have success rates over 95% in the field of dental implants.
Is it important to take care of the implants after the treatment is completed?
Yes! Maintenance of the implants will help to assure the long-term success of your treatment. You will be responsible for daily plaque removal, which can be accomplished through brushing and flossing around your restoration. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to properly care for your implants. You should visit your dentist at least once a year for maintenance appointments.
