Archive for the ‘Dental Implants’ Category
Dental Implants
What exactly are dental implants and what can they do for you?
Implants are the best substitutes for natural teeth offering you a permanent and secure solution for replacing one or more teeth. They are made of biocompatible materials, just the same as hip implants or similar orthopaedic devices, and function as anchors or support for traditional forms of dentistry, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. Many patients will tell you that implants have not only improved their smiles, and overall appearance but also the quality of their lives!
There are numerous reasons to choose dental implants:
- Aesthetically, they look like real teeth.
- Functionally, dental implants feel and act like real teeth.
- With implants, you can eat and chew again without pain or irritation. Foods that were forbidden are now back in the diet.
- Implants eliminate the need for distasteful adhesives. There is no longer a need to use “glue” when your prosthesis is anchored to implants.
- Implants can actually allow for the improved enjoyment of the textures and flavours of your favourite foods. With less plastic covering the roof of your mouth, you can enjoy natural flavours and sensations again.
- Lastly, implants can help maintain your bone structure and support your facial tissues. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes “shrinkage” or facial cosmetic changes.
What benefits can I really expect?
- Eat whatever you like! Implants improve your health with the ability to chew a wider variety of foods.
- Smile with confidence. Discoloured or missing teeth ruin your appearance but implant-supported restorations help increase your self-esteem.
- Implants increase the retention and stability of your teeth.
- Improve your external facial structure and decrease the likelihood of continued bone loss.
Are implants successful?
Implants, as we know them today, have been in existence for at least forty years with success rates at many treatment centres consistently over 95% with proper personal and professional care. Few forms of medical, orthopaedic or dental treatment have such high success rates.
Who does implant dentistry?
Only suitably trained and experienced dentists should be involved with implant dentistry. Implants usually involve two phases of treatment: placement of the implant and its core (abutment) and placement of the crown, bridge or precision attached denture. Some dentists feel they can offer better solutions for you by using the different expertise of other team members, e.g. performing the surgery or the restoration. Other practitioners feel that performing both the surgery and the restoration within one office is optimal for many patients.
Does it hurt?
Usually, discomfort is not a problem but it is common practice to recommend taking simple pain-killers for 24 hours after the implant operation. In fact, many patients have said that having a tooth extracted is more painful!
How long will it take?
Recent advances in implant systems have reduced the time for initial implant procedures. Treatment for the simple cases could take anywhere from 2-4 weeks and in more complex cases 6-8 months, based on where the implants are placed and the type of restoration you desire.
Am I too old?
Implant patients can be in their late teens or be mature adults in their seventies and eighties. Good health and adequate bone are the most critical factors in evaluating implant candidates. Even if health issues exist, by taking the right precautions, nearly every patient is able to receive the benefits of Modern Implant Dentistry in our practice.
Is one implant system better than the others?
No. There are many FDA approved implant systems available for your benefit.
What will it feel like when it is done?
Once the entire procedure is complete and the final restorations placed, they will actually feel or function like your natural teeth!
How do I take care of my implants?
Normal routine home care and professional cleaning visits are required. It is important to know that every 6-12 months, you will need to have a routine cleaning and evaluation. An individualized program should be designed for you to optimally care for your new teeth.
