Dental Implants
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are man-made teeth that take the place of damaged or missing teeth and fit, feel and function similarly to natural ones.
Dental implants consist of 3 parts:
- Implant: a metal (titanium) screw-like post that replaces the root of a tooth.
- Abutment: A connector that holds a single tooth or set of teeth. This piece is permanent but can be removed by your doctor if necessary.
- Crown: This is the visible part of the tooth that is used for chewing. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and appearance.
BENEFITS
There are many reasons why a person would opt for dental implants rather than other tooth replacement options. Dental implants:
- Behave like natural teeth: Most patients can’t tell the difference between them and their natural teeth. They can eat, smile, and talk normally without implants shifting, unlike with dentures or bridgework.
- Are easy to maintain: You can brush and care for dental implants just like your natural teeth. They still need to be brushed to prevent bacteria build up, but the material will never decay so you can’t get cavities.
- long lasting: When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Encourage bone growth: When a tooth is lost and not replaced, bone loss begins immediately due to lack of stimulation from chewing. Dental implants replace both the root and the crown which enables you to eat normally, preventing bone loss.
- Restore facial structure: If missing teeth are not replaced, the remaining teeth begin to shift due to lack of support, which causes the face to sag, develop wrinkles, etc. Dental implants act just like your teeth, so they prevent changes in face shape.
WHAT IS DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY?
An oral surgeon replaces a natural tooth with dental implants to help a patient with missing teeth, damaged teeth, or chronic dental problems. They offer a strong foundation that matches your natural teeth. There’s no need for regular repairs, no problems with chewing, and no concerns about smiling.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
THE PROCESS AND TIMELINE
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Bauer performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Step 1: You will meet with one of our oral surgeons to discuss your specific needs and to develop an individualized treatment plan. We will then set a date for your dental implant surgery.
Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment.
Step 2: During your second appointment, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the dental implant will be placed. Then, when you are comfortable, our oral surgeon will gently replace your tooth’s root with a titanium implant. With time, your jaw bone bonds with the implant creating a strong foundation for your new, artificial tooth.
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Bauer is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum healing period before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
The procedure to place a single dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes. Time varies for multiple implants and will be discussed during your initial consultation. The number of appointments and time required, vary from patient to patient.
It’s most common for implants to be placed several months after extraction. Occasionally, an implant may be placed immediately after a tooth extraction. This can speed up the process and get the final tooth in place earlier. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, we do not recommend immediate implant placement.
Step 3: A support post (abutment) is placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In select cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed.
If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
1. Normal
2. Tooth Loss
3. Healed Bone
4. Implant Placed
5. Healing
6. Implant Restored
ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS SAFE?
More than 5 million implants are placed each year by dentists in the United States according to the American Dental Association.
Dr. Bauer, our oral surgeon, has completed extensive training in dental medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery. During your initial consultation, we will discuss all of your specific needs before we determine your treatment options.
Throughout your procedure, our team will be monitoring you closely and making sure you are comfortable. We also follow up with you afterwards.
Success Rate
Dental implants have a success rate of roughly 95%.
However, sometimes, the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. If this happens, the implant is removed and cleaned, and you are eligible to try the procedure again after a few months.
ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS PAINFUL?
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.
SHOULD YOU GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants might be a good fit if you:
- Have healthy gums
- Are committed to oral hygiene
- Have enough bone to hold the implant
- Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
- Are willing to commit several months to the process
You should not get dental implants if you:
- Smoke tobacco
- Suffer from diabetes or heart disease
- Have health conditions that will affect bone healing
- Have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area
HOW LONG Do Dental IMPLANTS LAST?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for several decades, and in some cases, a lifetime. The actual lifespan of a dental implant can be influenced by various factors such as oral hygiene, implant quality, and the patient’s overall health.
Studies conducted over 30 years have shown that implants used to replace all of a patient’s teeth have a success rate of between 80 to 90 percent. Similarly, recent studies have reported success rates exceeding 95 percent for implants used to replace one or more teeth, which is comparable to the success rates of implants used in other parts of the body (like hips and knees).
HOW MUCH DOES DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT COST?
We understand that before you begin your treatment, you want to know exactly what to expect in terms of costs. That’s why we will make every effort to provide you with an accurate estimate of all expenses involved in placing the implants and creating your replacement teeth.
In some cases, there may be a charge for the initial diagnostic work-up, which includes study models, x-rays, and the creation of a surgical template to ensure optimal results. You will also be charged for the abutment or support post(s), as well as the crown, dentures, or any other restorations placed over the implants, including temporary options. Keep in mind that periodic maintenance, such as hygiene visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines, and repairs, will also incur additional costs.
If multiple doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for their services. We will do our best to assist you in estimating your out-of-pocket expenses once we evaluate your insurance coverage or any other third-party payments. However, it’s important to note that some insurance plans may provide limited or no coverage, so you should also consider your personal financial investment in each treatment option.
Since every patient is unique, it’s impossible for us to cover every possible scenario or treatment outcome. Our website provides general information about the available treatment options, but we encourage you to contact us directly if you have any questions about your specific dental care. We are always happy to address your concerns and provide personalized guidance to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
WILL ONE DOCTOR DO EVERYTHING?
Two doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment: your dental surgeon and dentist. It’s possible that other specialists could become involved as well.
Your oral surgeon handles the placement of your dental implants as well as other surgical procedures, while your general dentist creates the temporary and permanent replacement teeth.
WHAT CAN You USE FOR TEETH WHILE Your Dental IMPLANTS HEAL?
There are numerous options available that can be customized to your specific requirements. In case you require a replacement tooth during the implant’s healing period, you can opt for either temporary removable teeth or a temporary bridge.
If all of your teeth are missing, we can modify your current complete denture or create a new temporary denture.
Alternatively, if you prefer non-removable teeth while healing, temporary transitional implants can usually be placed alongside permanent implants, and temporary teeth can be inserted on the same day. Depending on your situation, some implants can be immediately loaded with a temporary or permanent replacement tooth on the same day or shortly after the placement of the dental implant.
HOW Do You CLEAN your NEW TEETH
Cleaning dental implants is an important part of maintaining good oral health and ensuring the longevity of the implants. The following steps can be followed to clean dental implants:
- Brushing: Brush the implant and the surrounding teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a low-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant surface.
- Flossing: Floss between the implants and surrounding teeth to remove any food particles that may have been missed during brushing.
- Interdental brushes: Use an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the implant.
- Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing. This helps to kill bacteria that can cause gum disease and bad breath.
- Regular dental visits: Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to maintain good oral health and to detect any potential problems early.
Similar to conventional dentures and other tooth replacements, dental implants and their components are prone to wear and tear over time and may require repairs such as clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other necessary adjustments.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY?
Although it’s normal to have concerns about post-operative pain associated with dental implant procedures, most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and antibiotics that we will prescribe as part of your recovery plan.
However, it’s important to note that there is a small risk of developing postoperative infections, which may require additional antibiotic treatment. While our team takes utmost care to place the implant with precision, there is still a slight possibility of adjacent tooth injury during the placement process.
Additionally, there’s a risk of nerve damage in the lower jaw that provides sensation to the lower lip and chin, particularly if there’s significant bone loss. Although we strive to avoid nerve damage, it can result in tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in your lip, chin, or tongue. These symptoms may resolve over time, but they can also be permanent and/or painful. We encourage you to report any post-operative numbness to us as soon as possible so that we can provide appropriate care.
WHEN ARE THE REPLACEMENT TEETH ATTACHED TO THE IMPLANT?
The replacement teeth are attached to the dental implant after the implant has fused with the jawbone, which can take 2–6 months. The process of attaching the replacement teeth to the implant is known as the “restorative phase” of the dental implant treatment.
During this restorative phase, your oral surgeon will take impressions of your teeth and gums to create a custom dental prosthesis, which can be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Once the prosthesis is ready, it is attached to the implant using an abutment, which is a small connector that joins the implant and the prosthesis.
The attachment of the replacement teeth to the implant is a crucial step in the dental implant process, as it ensures that the prosthesis is securely anchored to the implant and functions properly. Your dentist will also check the fit and function of the prosthesis to ensure that it looks and feels natural, and that you can bite and chew properly.
What To Expect After Dental Implant Placement
Learn what to expect after your dental implant surgery including care, diet, medication and more.
Book an Appointment
You can schedule an appointment online or over the phone.