Dental Implant

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are available in several different forms. The most common dental implants are called “root form implants”.

The implants are placed under the gum tissue and into the bone at the first surgical appointment. This surgical appointment is performed in the dental office under local anaesthetic with oral sedation. The dental implants are allowed to heal for a period of four (4) to eight (8) months. After this healing time the implants are exposed at a brief second surgical appointment prior to placing a post inside. The post becomes the extension to which a crown is attached. The total process tends to take a period of five (5) to twelve (12) months.

Implants are made of a biocompatible material called titanium, which can not decay and does not need root canal therapy.

An advantage of implants is that they stimulate bone growth and thus prevent future bone loss. Bone behaves similar to muscle. When the muscle is stimulated and active, it will grow. If the muscle stops being active, it shrinks. The same events occur with bone, however if bone disappears, it can only be replaced with a bone graft.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Individuals with complete dentures or who are missing even one tooth can benefit from the placement of dental implants.

Anchoring down dentures with implants can eliminate loose dentures, sore spots from dentures, food under dentures and embarrassing denture slippage. An increase in biting force is also realized. Replacing a single missing tooth with an implant has the advantage of removing the need to grind down adjacent teeth as you would to place a bridge. Occasionally, this grinding process can lead to the need for further treatment such as root canal therapy on these prepared teeth. Bridges that are not kept clean can result in decay under the bridge and result in further tooth loss.

AM I TOO OLD FOR IMPLANTS?

Age is not a determining factor for treatment with implants.

A patient’s general physical and psychological health are the most important factors in determining suitability for treatment.

THE PROCESS

In order to determine the best treatment for each patient, an extensive number of diagnostic records must be taken.

These include X-rays, models, photos, and an examination. This information together with the patient’s desires will determine the ideal treatment. It is impossible to give an exact estimate of time, fees or extent of treatment without a blueprint of the treatment plan.

Occasionally, if a patient does not have a sufficient amount of bone to place an implant, a bone graft may be necessary prior to implant placement. The amount of available bone is determined through the use of the diagnostic records. The doctor will explain any additional procedures necessary prior to implant placement.

If you have a budget concern, please discuss this with the doctor prior to his planning out your treatment. The doctor will design the best possible outcome for your desires and budget.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

With any surgical procedure there are certain risks.

Your doctor can, with various techniques and medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, minimize the risks.

You will likely have some swelling and slight discomfort following the procedure but most patients find that they do not experience any other problems.

Please follow your doctor’s instructions, as he will inform you on how to take care of yourself after the surgery takes place. You may not be able to wear your complete denture for up to two (2) weeks following surgery. Smoking is prohibited for one week following surgery.

The doctor is always available for emergencies.

HOW LONG WILL A DENTAL IMPLANT 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 how 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.

A FINAL THOUGHT

Often we may wish to go back in time and do things differently. Unfortunately this is not possible.

Dental implants do however, provide patients a second chance to regain their natural teeth and to cherish the benefits their natural teeth provide over dentures and bridges.

Don’t you feel you deserve the best? If you have a budget for your dental work, please discuss this with the doctor prior to his planning out your treatment. He will design the best possible outcome for your desires.

If you have any questions or concerns or would like to speak with patients who have had these procedures in the past, please ask us.