Procedures
Dental Implants
Dental Implant 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.
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Dental implants offer a method for replacing lost teeth that is as close to natural as possible. When a single tooth or multiple teeth are replaced with implants, it is not necessary to involve any other teeth in the process. Other techniques for replacing teeth such as bridges and removable partial dentures require other teeth being used as attachments (the dental term is “abutment”). The abutment teeth provide the support for the artificial bridge or partial denture teeth. Invariably, bridges and partial dentures require the removal of enamel and other healthy tooth tissue from the abutment teeth. By using other teeth for support, bridges and partial dentures place un-natural levels of stress and strain on them. Teeth used as abutments for bridges and removable partial dentures suffer increased rates of decay, fracture, gum disease, bone loss, mobility, and tooth loss.
Unlike bridges and partial dentures, dental implants remain isolated from other teeth. When dental implants are used as the foundation for tooth replacement there is no need to use other teeth as abutments. Less dentistry yields more stable results. In most cases, placement of a single implant is the simplest and least invasive way to replace a tooth. Implants are usually a team effort between an oral surgeon and a restorative dentist. Often Dr. Hooe will perform the initial tooth extraction, bone grafting (if necessary) and implant surgery. Your dentist fits and makes the permanent replacement tooth (or teeth).
A) X-ray of a 28 year old patient with a badly broken front tooth
B) X-ray following implant and crown placement
C) Photo of final result (implant supported tooth is on your right)
Dental implants are made of medical grade titanium. This is the same metal that is used for knee, hip, and shoulder replacements. There are very few patients that are not good candidates for dental implants. For example, most patients that have been diagnosed with diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease, remain good candidates for dental implant procedures. Placement of a dental implant can take as little as 20 minutes. In many circumstances, a dental implant can be placed during the same appointment at which a tooth is removed. Most dental implant procedures can be completed using local anesthesia. Some patients prefer the option of IV anesthesia so they can sleep through the surgery.
Prior to an implant supporting the forces of chewing, the bone around the implant must be given time to heal completely, and bond to the titanium. The healing process takes between 2 and 4 months. While waiting for the surrounding bone to heal, a temporary tooth can usually be attached to the implant. The temporary tooth can be made to look pretty natural, but will not make biting contact with other teeth.
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They 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 and smile with confidence, knowing that the replacement teeth are strong and have a natural appearance. Implants also help preserve facial contours and structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.