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Dental
implant surgery is an option to get artificial teeth. Learn about the
surgical process, types of artificial teeth, and benefits and risks
of the procedure. 
If you have gaps in your smile where
your permanent teeth used to reside, you may find that more is missing
from your life than just teeth. You may also miss out on good nutrition
and even social engagements.
It doesn't have to be that way,
though. Dental implants along with artificial teeth are often a good
option to fill the gaps left by tooth loss. Many people find that dental
implants are more comfortable, efficient and secure than are dentures
or bridgework.
Here's a look at the dental implant
surgery procedure questions.
What is
implant dentistry?
A Implant
dentistry is the branch of dentistry that involves installing an artificial
tooth into a patient's jaw in order to replace or restore a missing
tooth.
Is dental implant surgery for me?
Dental
implants aren't the same thing as artificial replacement teeth. Dental
implants are actually the threaded metal cylinders that serve as the
roots of missing teeth. The implant, sometimes called a post or cylinder,
is surgically implanted in the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. An
abutment, or extension, is attached on top of the metal cylinder.
Finally, a realistic-looking artificial tooth (crown) is attached
to the abutment, creating a three-piece device that completes your
smile. You may have one tooth replaced with dental implant surgery
or many.
Most healthy adults with missing
teeth are able to have dental implants. Your dentist, oral and maxillofacial
surgeon or periodontist can help you decide if dental implants are a
good option for you.
In general, dental implants may
be right for you if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a jawbone that's reached
full growth
- Have adequate bone to secure
the implants, or are able to have a bone grafting procedure
- Have healthy oral tissues
- Don't have health conditions
that will impair bone healing
- Are unable or unwilling to wear
dentures. We now offer Single
Day Implants for denture wearers. Click
here to learn more.
- Want to improve your speech
Can
Anyone Get Dental Implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough
to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered
for an implant procedure. Patients should have healthy gums and enough
bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral
hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering
from uncontrolled chronic disorders – such as diabetes or heart
disease – or patients who have had radiation therapy to the
head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you
are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are
right for you.
Is the concept of dental implants a new one?
A
Modern implantology began in the United States at the beginning of
the 20th century. However, popularity really grew in the 1980’s
with the increased success of the titanium cylinder. Since then, many
brand name implants with minor variations have been approved.
What should
I eat?
Keep to a diet of
soft foods and liquids for a short period after the dental implant operation
to avoid any extra strain on the implants
Why are
the screws made of titanium?
Because titanium
has the unique property of fusing with the bone tissue through a process
of integration, and therefore becomes like a part of the body in the
process. This gives the dental implant its extreme strength of attachment.
How is dental implant surgery done?
Placement of dental implants and
artificial teeth involves surgical procedures usually done in several
stages. The entire process takes
three to nine months, or sometimes even longer. That may sound daunting,
but a lot of that time is spent on healing and waiting for the growth
of new bone in your jaw.
When is the bone grafting
required?
If your jawbone isn't thick enough
or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before you can proceed with
dental implant surgery. That's because the powerful chewing action of
your mouth exerts great pressure on your bone, and if it can't support
the implant, the surgery to replace your teeth would likely be a failure.
A bone graft can create a much more solid base for the implant.
With bone grafting, a piece of bone
is removed from another part of your body, such as your hip, and transplanted
to your jawbone. The transplanted bone will grow, but it may take six
to nine months to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant.
In some cases, you may need only minor bone grafting that can be done
at the same time as the implant surgery. The condition of your jawbone
determines how you can proceed.
What happens after dental implant
surgery?
Whether you have dental implant
surgery in one stage or multiple stages, you may experience some of
the typical discomforts associated with any type of dental surgery.
These may include:
- Swelling of your gums and face
- Bruising of your skin and gums
- Pain at the implant site
- Minor bleedingVery
rarely, stiffness of your jaw muscles may occur, or an inability
to fully open your mouth. When these do occur, they're usually
a result
of passing a surgical needle through jaw muscle.
If swelling, discomfort or any other
problem gets worse in the days after surgery, contact your implant surgeon.
He or she may prescribe pain medications or antibiotics.
After each stage of surgery, you
may need to eat soft foods for five to seven days. Typically, stitches
that dissolve on their own are used. If your stitches aren't self-dissolving,
your doctor removes them in about 10 days.
How do I Make my dental implant
surgery a success
Most dental implants are successful.
Still, you can help your dental work — and remaining natural teeth
— last longer if you:
-
Practice exceptional
oral hygiene. Just as with your natural teeth, implants,
artificial teeth and gum tissue must be kept clean. Specially designed
brushes, such as an interdental brush that slides between teeth,
can help clean the nooks and crannies around teeth, gums and metal
abutments.
- See your dentist regularly.
Schedule dental checkups every six months to one year to ensure the
health and proper functioning of your implants.
- Avoid
damaging habits. Don't chew hard items, such as ice and
hard candy, which can break your crowns — or your natural teeth.
Avoid tooth-staining tobacco and caffeine products. Get treatment
if you grind your teeth.
When dental implant surgery doesn't
work
In some cases, dental implants don't
work. Usually that happens when the bone fails to fuse sufficiently
to the metal implant cylinder. In this case, the implant is removed,
the bone is cleaned up, and you can try the procedure again in a month
or two.
In addition, the implant may become
loose. If this happens, the implant can be removed and replaced with
a new one.
What factors contribute to the long term success of dental implants?
A Long-term success depends on multiple factors. Firstly, success
will depend on the quality and quantity of one. The better the bone and
the more available, the greater the chance of long-term success. Secondly,
the experience and ability of the dental surgeon will be a factor. As
with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience
and individual talent of the dentist. And finally, the quality of the
restoration placed on top of the implant will play a big role in long-term
success. If the design of the implant crowns
or overdentures are poorly constructed, and biting forces are not balanced,
even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate.
How
Painful Are Dental Implants?
Most people who have received dental
implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure.
Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report
that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction. After the dental
implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications,
such as, Paracetamol, Tylenol or Motrin.
Are there
any age limitations for dental implants?
No. Any person at
any age can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available
in which to place the implants.
How often
will I need to have my implants checked?
The success of your implants will depend greatly on how well
you maintain them. They will need to be professionally cleaned by a hygienist
and examined by your implant dentist every three to four months. This
hygienist should be trained in the specific procedure of maintaining dental
implants. Also, brushing and flossing daily is absolutely necessary for
long-term success.
When can
I return to work after implant surgery?
You can go to work the next day, unless some particular surgical
circumstance arises. Your implant dentist will discuss all postoperative
instructions with you.
Will my implant
teeth work as well as natural teeth?
While nothing works as well as a full
set of natural healthy teeth, implants provide the next best thing. Generally,
patients are not aware they even have implants after the short healing
period. The implant replacement teeth looks, feels, and function in a
manner that allows people to forget they have implants.
Will implants last a lifetime?
Few things last forever. Every case
depends on the individual patient. Generally, the current overall dental
health of the patient and the condition of the bone structure remaining
in the jaws are important factors in determining long-term success rates.
Of course, everyone needs regular visits to their dentists, and this is
particularly important for dental implant patients.
I like my dentures, but they move ?
Implants can be used as retention for your existing dentures, eliminating
movility and improving your chewing ability.
When should I start this treatment ?
As soon as you loose a tooth, otherwise the bone starts shrinking.
What if I have gum disease ?
It will need to be controled, and remove teeth with poor prognosis before
placing the implants, improving your esthetics and function.
Are implants difficult to clean ?
No more difficult than your original teeth.
Will others know I have dental implants ?
Today's implant treatment enables you to have your new teeth look, feel
and function like your own. Even though others will be unaware you
have dental implants, many patients are so pleased they tell everyone
they know.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
In general,
implants are not covered by dental insurance in USA at this time. Coverage
under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the
insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about
your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed
with your dentist and your insurance provider. You may be able to get
reimbursed for portions of your dental treatement from your dental insurance
provider. Please check with your insurance company.
Where do dental implants
work?
Dental implants replace the form
and function of missing teeth. They support replacement teeth in virtually
the same way that your natural tooth root supports your natural teeth.
Various replacement options are possible:
- Dental implants can be used to
replace a single tooth, so that grinding down or altering adjacent teeth
is no longer necessary.
Dental implants can be used as anchors to support a fixed bridge.
- Dental implants can support loose
teeth by being splinted to them.
- Dental implants can support replacement
teeth for an entirely toothless jaw
Dental implants can provide stability for a complete denture,
thereby eliminating unsightly moving and clicking associated with dentures
Dental Implants are actually an amazing
procedure, actually giving you a second chance for your teeth!
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