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Congratulations!
You're about to
discover how you can replace your missing tooth (or teeth) with a
technique that many have said "is the next best thing to a third set of
natural teeth!"
Dental implants are wonderful for
replacing missing teeth. They are truly a modern day miracle.
Implants can not only improve a patient's smile, since they are
indistinguishable from natural teeth, but our patients also enjoy biting
into apples, corn-on-the-cob, and carrots without the fear of the tooth
coming out.
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What are implants? |
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Implants
are titanium root form posts that are surgically placed beneath your gums.
After placement, the implants fuse to the bone of your jaw and act as
artificial tooth roots. Replacement teeth--singularly or grouped on a
bridge or denture--are then mounted to the implant.
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What are the benefits of
implants? |
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One key advantage of implants is that they
fuse to the jawbone, offering stable support to artificial teeth.
Implants help maintain bone after the natural tooth has been extracted.
Dentures, bridges or individual teeth mounted to the implants won't slip
or shift in your mouth--an especially important benefit when eating and
speaking.
This secure fit also helps
replacement teeth feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.
Some people may find the stability of
implant-supported dentures to be more comfortable than removable dentures.
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Can anyone have implants? |
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Candidates need to
have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant--and they must
commit to keeping these structures healthy. Meticulous oral hygiene and
regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental
implants.
Because implant
placement involves more than one oral surgery, candidates must be in
overall good health.
Certain chronic diseases--like diabetes, osteoporosis or chronic sinus
problems--may interfere with proper healing and could prevent the bone
from attaching to the implant. Long-term medication use and certain
behaviors, like smoking, also may affect the stability of the implant over
time.
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What are implants made
of? |
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The implant itself is made of metal--usually
titanium as it has proven to be very compatible with bone and other
tissues. The surfaces of some implants are treated with a substance that
helps them adhere to the bone.
Just
like conventional crowns, bridges or dentures, the replacement teeth
mounted on the implants are made of porcelain, porcelain and metal, or
polymer resin.
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Are there different types
of implants? |
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With proper patient selection, the ADA
considers two kinds of implants safe:
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endosteal; and
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subperiosteal.
Like tooth roots endosteal implants
extend into the jawbone. A sufficient amount of bone is required to
support this type of implant.
After placement, the gum tissue may be
stitched over the implant for a period from three to six months. During
this time the bone attaches to the implant in a process called
osseointegration. A second surgery would be needed to attach a post to
the implant. Artificial teeth then can be attached to the
posts--individually, or grouped on a bridge or denture.
A subperiosteal implant can be used
if there is not enough bone present to support an endosteal implant. The
subperiosteal implant is a metal frame that fits on the jawbone beneath
the gums. As the gums heal, the implant becomes fixed to the jaw. Posts,
which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with the
endosteal implant, artificial teeth then are mounted to the posts.
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Is there any way to build
up the bone in my jaw to support implants? |
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Some studies suggest that implant placement
can be successful in augmented bone. Bone substitutes--either synthetic or
natural--can be placed under the gums. Over a period of about six to 12
weeks, these materials can stimulate new bone growth.
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Would I need to see a
specialist to have implants placed? |
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Implant placement is not one of the dental
specialties recognized by the ADA.
Implants can be placed by general dentists or specialists--like oral and
maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists or periodontists. Any dentist who
places implants, however, should have special training in the procedure.
When seeking a dentist qualified to place
implants, you should ask:
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how much training the dentist has in
this procedure;
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how many implant patients he or she has
treated;
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how long the dentist has been working
with implants.
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What else should I know
about implants? |
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As with any medical or dental
procedure, implant placement is not always successful. You and your
dentist should discuss complications related to healing factors that could
influence long-term retention of the implant.
Placing the implant and allowing the
bone to fuse with the implant will take some time. The entire
procedure can take place over a few months and usually involves more than
one surgical appointment. Your dentist may be able to make temporary
bridge or denture that you can use during this healing period.
Placement and adjustment of the artificial teeth also may require more
than one fitting.
Implant placement also can be
costly, and some insurance carriers do not cover this procedure.
When considering implants, you should check with your insurer to determine
how much of the cost will be covered under your plan.
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How can I tell if
implants are the right choice for me? |
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Talk to your dentist. He or
she is familiar with your oral health and history, and will help you
determine whether dental implants are an option for you.
As part of a thorough evaluation,
your dentist will check the condition of your mouth, the supporting bone
in your jaws and the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
The dentist may gather additional information by taking dental
X-rays or making models of your teeth. This information will help
determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
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Levy Dental Group
921 State Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06511
203 865-2245
Would you
like a cosmetic dental exam to find out how you can
look years younger and feel better about your smile?
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See
More Before And After
Smiles
For...
Tooth Whitening
Veneers
Bonding
Beautiful
Dentures
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Porcelain Crowns
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921 State Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06511
203 865-2245
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