Dental Implants
Life's simple pleasures can cause problems and pain for the millions of adults who suffer from permanent tooth loss. Men and women of all ages are self-conscious about their dentures, bridges or missing teeth. Some have difficulty speaking because their dentures slip or click. For others, the irritation and pain caused by dentures are constant reminders of the limitations they feel. Now, more and more people are putting an end to their problems by choosing dental implants. Implants offer an excellent alternative to the limitations of missing teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.
What are Dental Implants?
The best way to describe a dental implant is to compare it to a real tooth. A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. The part of the tooth that you see is the crown. Beneath the crown is the root. The implants themselves are titanium cylinders, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for crowns, bridges or dentures. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the natural bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
How Are Implants Placed
Usually, the office procedure to place a dental implant takes about an hour for one implant and no more than two to three hours for multiple implants. After you are comfortable, a small incision is made in the gum tissue so that the bone in the implant site is exposed. Using special instruments a socket is carefully created and the implant is inserted into the opening. For some patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first four to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear a temporary and eat a soft diet during this time. The second stage is the "uncovering surgery". At that procedure a healing cap is placed. This cap holds the gum tissue in the correct position so that your general dentist can take a good impression and fabricate the final crown. In important esthetic areas it may take up to 12 weeks for healing before your dentist can proceed. In some circumstances the implant-healing cap is inserted at the same time the implant is placed. If the entire process occurs during one step, a second surgery is unnecessary.
How Long Will The Implants Last
Implants last for a long time. Of patients who were missing all of their teeth, long-term studies (more than thirty years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate. For patients missing one or several teeth, six-year studies show a success rate of greater than 90 percent. This compares favorably with other areas in the body that receive implant replacement (such as hips or knees). If an implant does not heal properly it may loosen and have to be removed. After the site heals another implant can usually be placed.
How Do I Begin
Most times your regular dentist will present you with treatment options to replace missing teeth, replace a failed bridge or help you overcome the functional problems associated with dentures. When you call our office, you will be scheduled for a consultation. At that time an evaluation will be completed to see if you are a good candidate. X-rays are always needed and many times the treatment will need to be discussed with your dentist before a final plan can be presented. There is no fee for the consultation if X-rays are not taken. Once a plan is determined, a treatment and fee letter will be prepared and sent to you. It is important to have all your questions answered prior to making a final decision.
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