What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
Why dental implants?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:
It is the closest possible substitute for your natural tooth. It looks, feels and acts like your own tooth. There is no maintainance for a dental implant beyond regular brushing and flossing.
Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage can make your face look older than it is.
There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Are dental implants successful?
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel Biocare dental implants*, and even higher for the bridges they support.
* Results based on dental implants and dental bridges remaining and in function over a 5 year period.
Who places the dental implants
In our office all dental implants are placed by our doctors. In fact, we are so proficient at placing dental implants, other dentists come to our office courses to learn how to place implants. See our course brochure for our 4titude course here.
How much do dental implants cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, the number of implants required and if there are any additional procedures required beyond basic implant placement, such as bone grafting or sinus lift. Normal fees for a single tooth implant are comparable to a conventional 3 unit bridge but may be lower if multiple implants are needed. Implants used to support dentures are typically even lower in cost. To get an accurate fee estimate, our doctors will have to examine you mouth and determine what your dental implant needs are.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone to support the implant. During our examination, we will determine if there is enough bone to place and support the implant. If there is not enough bone, we often can perform ridge augmentation or other types of grafting to increase the volume of bone.
Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health if more of a determining factor than age. If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. We can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a carefull evaluation of your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root- the jawbone will begin to shrink in that area. This shrinkage can eventually cause your bite to collapse and make your face look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn't and in the case of the denture can even make this process faster.
Preserve natural teeth: With traditional fixed dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for the dental bridge. Dental implants are completely self supported and do not require the teeth on either side to be modified or changed.
Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable and feels like your own tooth. No adjustment is needed after placement. It will typically serve its owner for life.
How do dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose - in fact all of the foods you may have stopped eating due to loose or missing teeth can be enjoyed again. But most importantly dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what permanent, comfortable new teeth can do for their self esteem.
Do dental implant teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes, following a brief adjustment period, chewing ability is comparable to natural teeth.
How much time is required for dental implant tooth replacement?
The conventional process can take form 3-6 months. First the dental implant is placed in the correct position to replace the root of the missing tooth. This is left for 3-6 months to allow the bone to heal and actually grow around the implant, securing it. During the healing period you may be given a temporary solution such as a acrylic denture until it is ready to be finished. Once the implant is secure, a crown is made that fits onto the dental implant. This crown looks, feels and functions like the missing tooth it is replacing.
This procedure depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and how many teeth replaced. These factors will determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort than placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were MUCH more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. We will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some mild bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. Usually this discomfort is easily treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
How will I care for my dental implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly just like you natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended and attend your regularly scheduled appointments with your hygienist. With little maintainance your dental implants will provide a lifetime of smiles!