For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. But today dental implants are available. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 3 million Americans have implants, and that number is growing by 500,000 a year.
Dental implant is tiny titanium post, surgically placed into the jaw bone, where tooth is missing. The bone bonds with the titanium. Titanium post acts as a tooth root substitute, and provides a strong foundation for artificial replacement tooth, matching your natural teeth.
There are many advantages of dental implants versus bridges and dentures:
-
Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
-
Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
-
Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
-
Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
-
Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
-
Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
-
Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With proper care, many implants last a lifetime.
-
Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the success rate of dental implants has been reported as 98 percent.
Dental Implant placement is a team work of an oral surgeon and a restorative dentist. The oral surgeon performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting, if necessary. The restorative dentist makes temporary prosthesis (temporary crown), needed during the implant process, and permanent prosthesis (permanent crown).
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implant involves two surgical procedures. First, implant is placed within patient’s jaw bone. During the period of three to six months following surgery, the jaw bone gradually bonds with the implant. During this time patient wears temporary dentures, and dentist is forming new replacement tooth.
After the implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. Oral surgeon will uncover the implant and attach small post, which protrude through the gums and will act as anchor for the artificial tooth. When the artificial tooth is placed, the post will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
The latest development of dental implant technology allows implant placement in one stage. This implant does not require a second procedure to uncover it, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial tooth is placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Dr. Norris performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, where state-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all time. Dr. Norris also performs inpatient hospital implant surgery for patients, who have special medical or anesthetic needs.
What Types of Prosthesis Are Available
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth: each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery, can be considered for a dental implant. If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
How Painful Is Dental Implant Surgery?
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. You may be asked to eat only soft food for approximately 2 weeks after surgery.
Do Implants Require Special Care?
Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-up.
For better understanding the Dental Implants Procedure you may watch this video from the ADA American Dental Association® Patient Education Library:
Click Here to download an e-book for more information
