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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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