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Implant
Dentistry
Tooth loss is
something no one looks forward to. If you lose
one or more teeth, you have a number of options,
one of which is dental implants. You owe it to
yourself to be informed as possible about these
options. With this in mind, we've created this
section on dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are fixtures of titanium which
are surgically screwed into your jaw bone. The
implant is an anchor for a naturally-appearing
false tooth or a set of false teeth.
The success rate of dental implants depends on
where the implants are placed and their purpose.
They are typically best placed in the front
portion of your lower jaw.
Implants are great for replacing missing teeth.
It is important that you have enough bone in the
area of the missing teeth for the implants to be
attached to. Implants are not only used to
replace one tooth, but rather people missing
most, if not all, of their teeth benefit greatly
as well. Implants are increasingly being used to
replace certain types of bridges and removable
partial dentures.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
If you're missing one tooth or all of your
teeth, implants may well be for you. So long as
you have enough bone in the area of the missing
tooth to facilitate the anchorage of the
implants, this procedure can yield terrific
results. If you don't have enough bone for this
purpose, a bone graft may be necessary.
If you have a small dental bridge or partial
dentures (removable type), implants will be a
welcome alternative. Implants are an alternative
to a fixed bridge. The implant will last a
lifetime, but the crown on top of it will last
ten to fifteen years.
Overview of Dental Implants
Implants are surgically placed in your jaw bone
while under anesthesia. It is a very time
consuming procedure when having many implants
placed. As this procedure is surgical, it is
very important to research and find a well
credited cosmetic dentist that you are
comfortable with. For some people there are
varying degrees discomfort or pain, which
subsides in a couple of days. As with similar
types of surgery, bruising and minor swelling
might also develop shortly after the procedure.
How are Dental Implants
Attached in Your Mouth?
The implant procedure is a surgical placement of
the implant or implants in your jaw bone which
requires a three to six month healing period
before the implant restoration to replace the
missing tooth or teeth. During this healing
time, the bone grows in and around the titanium
implant creating a very strong support. Dental
implants can be rejected. Usually they are
replaced with another implant of a slightly
larger size. The rejection or "failure" rate is
minimal, only 1 to 2% of all implant procedures.
You must go without wearing your dentures for
one day to two weeks after an implant placement.
After the implant has "taken" and you have
sufficiently healed, a very natural crown is
placed on the implant.
When missing one tooth, your cosmetic dentist
may use a Flipper to fill the space. A Flipper
is a false tooth to temporarily take the place
of a missing tooth before the permanent crown is
placed on the implant. A Flipper can be attached
via either a wire or a plastic piece that fits
in the roof of your mouth. Flippers are meant to
be a temporary solution while awaiting the
permanent crown to be placed on your implant(s).
If you're missing one tooth or all of your
teeth, implants may well be for you. So long as
you have enough bone in the area of the missing
tooth to facilitate the anchorage of the
implants, this procedure can yield terrific
results. If you don't have enough bone for this
purpose, a bone graft may be necessary. A
procedure of building up the bone is known as
Bone Grafting. Bone grafting is common with
dental implants. The bone that is used is one of
three types. The preferred bone to use is taken
from other areas of your mouth or collected in a
suction device as the drilling of the sites for
dental implants occurs. Sometimes bone is taken
from areas such as a hip (this requires an
orthopedic surgeon and an operating room). The
third source for needed bone is a synthetic
type. This is the least preferred type of bone
to be used for this procedure.
Types of Dental Implant Procedures
Implants rely on titanium fixtures inserted into
the jawbone. Most implants are made of titanium,
which is very effective at fusing with living
bone (osseointegration). There are two types of
dental implants which your cosmetic dentist will
discuss with you:
Root Form Implant
This screw type implant is shaped like the root
of a tooth. This is the most commonly used
implant and is used where there is plenty of
width and depth to your jawbone. If your jawbone
is too narrow or short for placement of the Root
Form implants, bone grafting may be needed to
allow for their placement. After you've received
anesthesia, your cosmetic dentist will expose an
area of your jawbone and prepare the bone for
the implant. The number of incisions and bone
preparations depend on how many implants you
need. The implant will be set into place and
your gums are closed with stitches. It will take
three to six months for healing. After you've
fully healed, your implant is uncovered and an
abutment is attached.
Plate Form Implant
If your jawbone is too narrow for bone grafting,
a Plate Form implant is placed into your
jawbone. The Plate Form implant is unique for
this purpose as it has a flat and long shape for
a better fit into a narrow jawbone. After you've
received anesthesia, your cosmetic dentist will
expose an area of your jawbone and prepare the
bone for the implant. The number of incisions
and bone preparations depend on how many
implants you need. The implant will be set into
place and your gums are closed with stitches. It
will take three to six months for healing (some
Plate Form implants are immediately ready for
restoration without the long healing process).
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