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| Answer
01 :
While dental implants
are not appropriate treatment for every patient, it is rare for someone unable
to have implant. There are a variety of sizes, shapes and types of implants and
no single type is going to be best for everyone. Each individual has unique
oral anatomy, so we use a variety of implant designs depending on the needs of
the patient and their particular dental condition. The most obvious benefit is an increased ability to chew and function with implant-supported teeth. In fact, chewing efficiency is similar to that of natural teeth. One advantage of implant is that implants maintains bone architecture from shrinking. Facial structure will not be affected and teeth appear natural. Bone growth is strengthened and stimulated by implants. Implants improve comfort as gums are not irritated or injured as they often are with moving dentures. Implants are stable and speech will be improved while loose dentures may impede speech and make clicking sounds. When eating ability is improved with implants, better nutrition is obtained for better health. Implants are secured and you can’t lose or misplace your implanted teeth. Anyone with dentures knows how important the teeth, gums, and jaws are support for the lips, cheeks and lower face. Loss of these important structures gives an appearance of premature aging and for many people causes emotional distress and a loss of self-esteem. Implant-supported teeth and dentures can slow down this aging process and help improve self-esteem and the often-felt loss of intimacy. So, while functional benefits are the most obvious, cosmetic and emotional benefits are for many people as important as, or more important than, improved chewing. Back to Top Answer 03 : While there are risks
and concerns with any dental procedure, results of implant treatment are quite
predictable today. Each patient must be evaluated individually by a dentist
with experience in implantology. Some of
the early patients have had dental implants in place for more than thirty years. Studies show success rates ranging from 90 to
97 percent for individual implants. A successful implant is completely anchored in bone with absolutely no mobility. A loose implant is a failed implant. Once an implant has failed or is failing, it is simply removed from its site. The site is allowed to heal for several months. During this time, bone grows to fill the space which was occupied by the implant. Once the area has healed, the specialist will evaluate the area for placement of another implant. Back to Top Answer 05 : How long do teeth last? They should last a lifetime. However, we all can cite examples where teeth have not served for a person's lifetime. We know that dental problems mostly stem from improper home care or lack of treatment when needed. The same holds true for implants. With proper care and routine dental check-ups they should last a lifetime. No one can give guarantees because the health of a person is dependent upon many factors which are out of the control of one's dentist, e.g., proper nutritional needs being met, proper hygiene, genetics, disease processes which might occur. Back to Top Answer 06 : The procedure can involve a significant investment, with fees ranging from $2,700 and up for a single tooth replacement (about the same as a conventional "3-tooth bridge") to $5,400 and up for replacement of multiple missing teeth. Dental implants cost more than traditional dentures and bridges for several reasons. A highly skilled professional is involved in the process. To make a comprehensive diagnosis, dental professional must perform several diagnostic tests. Based on their evaluation, a patient receives a highly customized treatment plan that takes into consideration overall health needs as well as the esthetic and functional requirements related to implant placement. Some patients may
require additional procedures, such as bone grafting, to ensure the long-term
health of their implants. In addition,
implant bridges and dentures contain precious and semiprecious metals and are
fused with porcelain. These must be
fabricated by experienced technicians.
Few carriers pay for them. If they do, they only cover a portion of the costs. Our staff will work hard to see that you get the best possible benefit from your insurance.> Back to Top Answer 08 : Presume that dental implants are natural teeth and treat them that way. Return for regular check-ups. Brush and floss. Realize also, that caring for the gums is the best way to care for one's teeth. More teeth are lost as a result of gum disease than any other single cause. Back to Top Answer 09 : Legally yes, but like any medical or dental procedure, not all practitioners have equal experience, training or comfort with implant treatment. Also, for every procedure, there is a "learning curve" and you want practitioners with significant experience to help you with implant treatment so you are likely to get the best possible long term result. Back to Top Answer 10 : The pressure of dentures or partials on the tissues can cause bone to shrink over time. When this occurs, the dentures usually become loose and awkward even when adhesives are applied, and this causes more bone loss and gum problems. Unlike dentures, which put pressure and stress on top of the gums and ridges, implants are actually surrounded by bone and the chewing forces transfer pressures into the bone, much like teeth do. This actually can strengthen the bone and increase bone density, reducing the bone shrinkage seen regularly from dentures. Back to Top Answer 11 : Dental implants take approximately 2 months in the lower jaw and 4-6 months in the upper to integrate. Once integrated, it takes several visits to complete the restoration depending upon the complexity. Back to Top Answer 12 : Usually, yes. When an implant fails, the implant is removed. If conditions allows, the site is prepared for another dental implant. Sometimes this can be done at the time the implant is removed. Other times, the surgeon feels it is better to wait after a prescribed healing period. Regardless of when an implant is placed in the site of a failure, it meets with a high degree of success. Back to Top Answer 13 : Yes. The single greatest concern is for the lower jaw. When implants are placed in the posterior region, there is a risk of injury to the mandibular nerve. This nerve runs through the length of the mandible starting from behind the last tooth and exiting just behind the canine, in the premolar area. A concern for the upper jaw would be lack of bone for implant due to maxillary sinus in the posterior region. In this case, sinus lift grafting will be required. Back to Top Answer 14 : The first phase of treatment, after a detailed evaluation and treatment plan, usually is the actual placement of the implants. This procedure is generally done in the doctor's office during one visit. The waiting period for Osseointegration, the biological bonding of the bone to titanium of the implant, varies from 2 to 6 months. Through this healing period, you will probably wear your modified denture or a temporary denture or bridge and maintain normal activities without restriction. You will need to follow a modified, soft diet for the first couple of weeks. Back to Top Answer 15 : Yes, if bone architecture is sound, an implant can be placed on the same day of tooth removal. If this is possible, this can save at least two months in healing time before the implants can be placed. Also, placing implant on the same day can preserve both width and height of bone. Back to Top Back to Top Answer 16 : Yes, if implant is placed properly, a temporary crown can be fabricated on the same day. This will preserve the gum around the implant. |