What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement of the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
Why dental implants?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:
- Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is.
- There are no loose parts to worry about. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
- You can replace missing teeth without compromising adjacent teeth.
- Dental implants are the only method of tooth replacement that preserves the jawbone.
Are dental implants successful?
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel Biocare dental implants*, and even higher for the bridges they support.
* Results based on dental implants and dental bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.
Who places the dental implants?
Your Oral Surgeon will place your dental implant right here in our office.
How much do dental implants cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have your Oral Surgeon review your x-rays and examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your Oral Surgeon will recommend the treatment plan that is best for you.
Who is a Candidate?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth for any reason: injury, disease, tooth decay or never having that tooth, may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your Oral Surgeon is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Is age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your Oral Surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what implants can do for their self-esteem.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.
How much time is required for a dental implant placement?
The implant placement appointment is about 45 minutes. Additional time may be necessary if general sedation is given or if multiple implants are placed in the same appointment.
The healing process can take from three to six months allowing the implant to integrate with the jawbone. In some cases, during the healing period, you may be given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.
Is the treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia may be administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor may prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with over the counter pain medication. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
How will I care for my dental implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist every six months, or more frequently if so advised.