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What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Dental implant use has been exploding in recent years and for good reason. They are among the most predictable and long lasting methods to replace missing teeth. Dental implants allow for a missing tooth to be replaced without having to grind down the adjacent teeth. They act to stimulate the bone where a tooth has been lost and prevent bone resorption in these areas. There are 4 phases to implant treatment. They are:
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning.
Prior to having implants placed you will have a thorough examination, including a special head x-ray to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. You must have enough good bone below your sinus in your upper jaw and above the mandibular nerve in the lower jaw so that an implant may be placed safely and securely without impinging on other structures and so that it may be angled in a way that ensures a good cosmetic result. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for an implant, our staff will then begin the process of exploring any medical or dental benefits to which you may be entitled and give a you an estimate of out-of pocket expenses as well as formulate a comfortable payment plan. Presently, most insurance companies do not allow benefits for implant surgery, however that is likely to change dramatically in the near future. 2. Implant Placement The implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the bone. Implants act as tooth root substitutes. The implant only replaces the root of the missing tooth. The gum and bone is made numb with a local anesthetic. The implant is gently inserted into the bone where it will undergo a process called osseointegration. This means that the bone grows onto the surface of the implant. This takes between 6-12 weeks in most instances depending on the condition of the bone. Sometimes the implants are submerged under the gum during this healing phase. Sometimes they are left exposed flush with the gum. If they are submerged, then a second procedure will be needed to expose the implant after it has integrated with the. If the implant was not submerged, the prosthetic phase can begin once osseointegration is complete. Many times a single tooth can be replaced with 3 visits and only 8 weeks of time.
3. Implant Uncovering If the implants were submerged at the time of placement, a second procedure will be needed to expose the implants. This is minor procedure in which a small incision is made in the gum in the area of the dental implants. A titanium healing abutment is placed on top of the implant and the gum is sutured around it. The prosthetic phase can usually begin in 2-3 weeks time.
4. Prosthetic Phase Your dentist will make the replacement teeth that are held in place be the dental implants. This will take varying lengths of time depending on the type of restoration planned. Your dentist will discuss this with you before treatment begins. Your implant restoration may be cemented onto the implants, or it may be screwed into place. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a segment of missing teeth, or a whole arch of missing teeth. Implants can also be used to secure a loose denture.
5. Maintenance Phase Just like natural teeth or like the finest automobile, dental implants need ongoing maintenance if you are to realize their full benefit over many decades. This will include proper care at home as well as professional maintenance. The Doctor will work closely with your dentist to custom tailor your maintenance program to your specific needs. Most patients experience minimal disruption to their daily lives when undergoing dental implant treatment. Most people never have to walk around without teeth during the entire process. This will be discussed with you before any treatment takes place. We believe in no surprises!! Click the links below to view some examples of patients treated with dental implants.
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Copyright 1998, 2002 Glick, Layman & Associates, Inc. / Last Updated: 01/07/2012 Legal |
