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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. 
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.
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. Click
here to learn more about the complete dental implant placement procedure.
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.
Click here to learn more about bone
grafting.
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 controlled, 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.
Which
is the Best Type of Dental Implant?
There are many different brands
of implants with some being more expensive than another. Because it is
something that is inserted in your body and can be expensive, complicated
and bad for you health if it goes bad, the bigger brand names are recommended.
Brand names like Astra, ITI, Straumann, and NobelBiocare to name the biggest.
What is the
Most Important Part of a Dental Implant?
By far, the most important part of getting a dental implant is the dentist
you choose. Sometimes one dentist will place and restore the implant while
other times one dentist will place the implant and another will restore
the implant with a crown. The quality, experience and training of the
dentist is the most important element in your care. A dentist that is
a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry would be one of the very
best selections possible.
Can anyone
get a Dental Implant?
Almost anyone can have a dental implant but a few health problems need
to be considered. Smoking, diabetes, weak jawbone, osteoporosis, dry mouth
and other medical problems that prohibit complete healing can be contraindications
for dental implants.
How do I care
for my Dental Implant?
You care for your dental implant just like a natural tooth. You need to
brush, floss and water pik around the implant twice per 24 hour period.
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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