DENTAL IMPLANTS: ARE THEY RIGHT FOR YOU?


If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to restore your ability to smile, speak and eat with comfort and confidence, then dental implants may be right for you.


Perhaps your dentures don't fit as securely or comfortably as they once did. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces caused by missing teeth. Or, perhaps you have loose teeth that need to be stabilized after treatment of advanced gum disease.


If any of these situations keep you from feeling good about yourself and your smile, dental implants may be a solution for you. Technological advancements in dental materials and techniques have improved the success rate of implants, enabling many patients to enjoy comfort in eating and confidence in their health.





WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?


Dental implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. The implants-small anchors, shaped like screws or cylinders-are placed into the jawbone. Replacement teeth are attached to the top of the implant.

WHAT DO DENTAL IMPLANTS DO?


Dental implants can provide non removable tooth replacements for the toothless individual. Dental implants can provide support for a full denture, making it more secure and comfortable. Dental implants can support a fixed bridge, eliminating the need for a removable partial denture. Dental implants also can assist in the replacement of a single tooth without the need to alter adjacent natural teeth.




WOULD I BENEFIT FROM A DENTAL IMPLANT?


Although dental implants have brought a comfortable, confident smile to many patients, they are not for every one. The ideal candidate has good general health, good oral health and adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. Equally important, the ideal candidate is willing to commit to conscientious oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

If you are considering dental implants, you may want to speak with a Restorative Dentist. A Restorative Dentist is the individual involved in the treatment planning, placement, function, esthetics and maintenance of dental implants. He or she can help you decide if a dental implant is right for you. Essential for decision is a comprehensive dental examination. The Restorative Dentist will review your medical and dental history, thoroughly examine your oral tissues and supporting bone in the jaw, and check the way your teeth fit together when you bite. X-rays and models will be taken and analyzed, with the help of a computer.

After the careful examination, your Restorative Dentist will talk with you about dental implants options.
You should discuss the benefits, risks and possible alternative treatments.





WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?


Dental implants can support replacement teeth in much the same way as tooth roots support natural teeth. Dental implants provide alternative to a denture that wobbles, clicks or causes pain. Dental implants also can prevent embarrassment about spaces caused by missing teeth. Instead, you can smile and speak with confidence and enjoy your favorite foods again.


When tested dental implant systems are placed by experienced dentists, they can have a very high success rate. In fact, with effective oral care at home and regular dental visits, dental implants have already been tested for over 38 years and are functioning for millions of individuals today.


We are able to report a 100% success rate on all our patients. We have placed, restored and monitored implants for over a decade without a single complication or failure.


WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?


A dental implant requires a greater financial investment than a removable bridge or conventional denture. On the other hand, an implant can offer advantages in terms of comfort, longevity and appearance- benefits many patients find well worth the cost.


Dental implants also require an investment in time, perhaps 4 months or longer, from start to finish. If you consider that implants have functioned more than 38 years and can last a lifetime, the investment in time is quite reasonable.


As with any surgical procedure, dental implants involve a risk of infection. Occasionally, an implant may loosen and require replacement. Because each person is unique, implant success can not be guaranteed.


WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?


The treatment will vary depending upon the type of implant and the health of the patient. For example, many patients can receive implant treatment in our facility. A local and/or sedatives will be used to help ensure patient's comfort during treatment.


The first step is placing the implant into the jawbone. After the surgical treatment, the bone in the jaw attaches to the implant, holding it firmly in place. The attachment of bone to the implant usually takes 3 to 6 months.


Second, small metal posts or cylinders are attached to the implant, projecting through the gums. After this second surgical treatment, the gums take several weeks to heal.


Third, replacement teeth are created and securely attached to the small metal posts or cylinders. Several fittings of new teeth may be needed. After treatment is completed, brushing, flossing and regular professional dental care are essential to the success of the dental implant.