1. What are dental implants?
A dental implant is composed of three key components: a small titanium screw that is inserted into and fuses with the jawbone, an abutment or post which attaches to the implant, and a crown (in the case of one implant) that fits over the abutment to provide a natural looking tooth that functions well. Dental implants may be used to replace individual teeth, multiple teeth, or all your teeth in one or both arches. In the case of a full arch, 14 teeth may be supported by as few as four implants.
2. What are the benefits of dental implants?
Implants are fixed in place, and look and perform almost like natural teeth
Implants fit precisely without slipping or the need for adhesives
Implants preserve facial features, and restore a natural smile
Implants avoid damage to surrounding healthy teeth
Implants prevent loss of bone in the area of the missing teeth
Implants and beautiful new teeth can now be placed all in the same day
Implants can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worry about your teeth
Implant treatment can last a lifetime
3. How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants successfully integrate with the bone in more than 97% of the cases. In those few cases where an implant becomes loose, your oral surgeon will remove the implant and place a new one in a slightly different position to achieve better integration with the bone.
4. Can anyone get dental implants?
Almost everyone that has lost a tooth, several teeth or even all of their teeth is a candidate for dental implants. There are very few situations in which implants are not indicated. In fact, the dental profession is undergoing a great paradigm shift in that regular restorative dental crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures are starting to be considered obsolete, to be used only as alternatives to the effective treatment of dental implant supported restorative dentistry.
5. What is involved in getting dental implants?
Traditional dental implant treatment involves an exam by your dentist, placement of the implants by your dentist or a specialist, several months of healing time, then creation of your prosthesis (new teeth) by a specially trained restorative dentist. The entire process can take up to 12 months, or more.
6. How painful is the dental implant procedure?
This procedure, as any other oral surgical procedure, has some associated pain. However, many implant patients comment that they were surprised at how minimal the pain and discomfort of their procedure were, especially when performed under sedation.
Once the implants are placed, your new teeth are fixed to the implants, and do not rest on your gums, thus avoiding aggravation to the surgical site. This can mean less pain than traditional dentures or other treatment approaches, and shorter duration of discomfort.
7. Who places dental implants? Where do I go for my treatment?
Dental implants may be placed and restored by any licensed dentist. However, as with other complex dental procedures such as root canals and orthodontics, most dental implants are placed and restored by specialists (oral surgeons, periodontists and prosthodontists) who have additional training, qualifications, and experience in implant dentistry.
8. Does insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but is generally limited to the coverage provided for a bridge or partial denture.
9. How do I care for my dental implants and new teeth?
Implant supported teeth need to be brushed and cared for just like natural teeth, though flossing will be different. As with natural teeth, you will need to visit your dentist periodically for cleanings.
10. Am I too old to have implants?
Age appears not to be a factor for dental implant success. Bone healing around dental implants occurs in patients from the 6th to the 10th decade of life with almost equal success as in younger patients.
The only thing to stand in the way of dental implant treatment in the elderly is general medical health. There are a number of medical conditions that can preclude treatment. Therefore, in addition to a general health history, a physical, blood studies and cardiograms may be required, as well as a release from your medical doctor.
