Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small appliances or synthetic materials which are inserted into the upper or lower jaw. They provide support and improved stability for removable dentures or fixed bridge work. Implants help reduce movement of dentures, crowns, and bridges to enable proper chewing and digestion of food. They are constructed of different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue.

Who Are Implant Candidates?

• Individuals with loose or poor fitting dentures
• Individuals with multiple missing teeth who need support for crowns and bridges
• Individuals missing one tooth

In such patients, normal eating and speaking habits are affected and in many cases individuals are unable to wear dentures. This loss of function is the primary reason dental implants are recommended. Along with improving an individual’s ability to chew and enjoy food, dental implants can make the patient feel more secure as speech and appearance are often improved as well. Implants promote “denture self-confidence.” Remember, not all patients are candidates for dental implants. As with any dental or medical problem, solutions vary from patient to patient and your individual needs should be discussed with your dentist.

Are All Implants Successful?

There are many variables to be considered in placing an implant. First, the patient must be healthy. There must be adequate healing powers present in the patient. For example, if the patient is an uncontrolled diabetic, inconsistent healing could complicate the procedure. If such a condition develops at a later date after the implant(s) have been done, this too may complicate the future of the implant(s). Second, a proper diagnosis must be made and the proper implant placement and procedure must be selected for the individual patient. Third, the implant(s) must be treated properly by the patient and the dentist. If either person is neglectful, there could be complications. Fourth, if the patient is a heavy smoker or an excessive alcoholic beverage consumer, the success of the implant(s) will be affected.

How Long Do Implants Last?

While no one can predict exactly how long any one implant will last, records have been maintained on patients with implants for 30 years or longer. Newer technology and implant materials have greatly improved the stability for long-lasting results.

Are Implants Rejected By The Body?

Implants are made of biologically compatible materials which have undergone extensive testing over a period of several years. Since these materials are metals made of titanium, and have never been living tissue, there is no likelihood of causing an antigen-antibody response which could cause rejection similar to that which sometimes occurs with heart and kidney transplants.

Where Are Implant Procedures Performed?

Most dental implants can be inserted in the office by a dentist trained in implantology.

How Expensive Are Implants?

Implant procedures, which vary in complexity and extent depending on the patient's dental condition and requirements, can involve a significant investment. A survey of 350 patients after completion of their implant treatment revealed that not only was it worth the investment, but that they would happily do it again.

Will There Be Pain?

Just as with any surgery, there can be some pain. However, anesthetics and sedation virtually eliminate discomfort during the actual surgery. Post-operative pain will be similar to that of having teeth removed. Patients will be provided with medication to alleviate this soreness and discomfort.

How Much Time Does It Take?

It depends on your condition and needs, and the extent of the work involved. Individual operations may take from one half-hour to several hours. There may be as few as one operation, or a series of operations and follow-up visits, which would be scheduled over a period of months to insure proper healing.

How Long Will I Be Off Work?

Generally, we recommend the day of surgery, plus the following day or two off for recovery. You can expect to have some swelling, pain, possibly some bruising, but at no time will you be without teeth. The time taken off from work is really an individual decision.

How Soon Can Dentures Be Placed On An Implant?

This depends on the type of implant that your doctor has selected for you. Many implants allow temporary dentures, crowns, or bridges to be inserted immediately. With other types of implants, there may be a waiting period required for healing to take place. This could vary from 3 to 6 months.

Is Follow-Up Care Required?

Yes, Good oral hygiene is as important for implants as it is for natural teeth. Each patient is given specific instructions on the care of an implant and when to return for check-ups.

What Is Osseointegration?

Beginning in the 1950s researchers observed that the metal titanium, and some other materials, formed a very strong bond to surrounding bone, a process termed "osseointegration."

After years of careful research and study, dental implants (titanium cylinders placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth) were refined with high success rates. There are now patients who have had implant supported teeth for more than thirty years.

Thus osseointegration began a revolution in dentistry, and at last, an answer to the many problems associated with missing teeth.

Why Should You Consider Dental Implants?

If you, like millions of Americans, have lost one or more teeth, you may be all too familiar with the unpleasant consequences. For many, missing teeth lead to an unattractive smile, embarrassment from loose dentures, and pain or difficulty with eating.

Traditional dentistry can provide replacements for missing teeth using bridges, removable partials and dentures; however, each of these has its problems.

Bridgework usually involves altering natural teeth to provide a stable foundation for support of replacement teeth. Partials and dentures can, at times, be very unstable leading to denture sores or speech difficulties.

Another little known problem associated with tooth loss is a process known as "atrophy," a shrinking of the jawbone that can progress relentlessly over the years. Bone atrophy not only affects jaw function, but can cause adverse facial cosmetic changes.

Because of the remarkable advances in dentistry in recent years, dental implants offer an effective solution to many of these problems.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Dental implants are usually completed in two phases.

Phase #1 is the actual implant placement, a process generally performed in the office with local anesthesia or light sedation to help make the patient more comfortable. Using precise, gentle surgical techniques, the implants are placed into the jawbone for 3 to 6 months while Osseointegration (bonding to bone) takes place. This helps ensure a strong, solid foundation for replacement teeth. During this time, temporary bridges or dentures may be used to minimize any cosmetic or chewing inconvenience.

Phase #2 involves creating and attaching the new tooth or teeth to the anchored implant(s) in your jaw. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or complete dentures. Your dentist can recommend the best choice for you.

What Are Some Benefits Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an effective, safe and predictable solution to the problems resulting from missing teeth. Many patients report exciting benefits from dental implants, such as:

• Replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth
• Improved taste and appetite
• Improved cosmetic appearance
• The ability to chew without pain or gum irritation
• Improved quality of life

One additional and very important benefit can be the reduction or elimination of bone atrophy or shrinkage, commonly associated with loss of teeth.

Dental implants are truly a revolution, solving an age old problem safely and predictably. Implant dentistry can change the smiles and lives of millions for years to come.