Dental Implants
Losing a tooth, particularly a front tooth, can be a traumatic experience. It can alter not just our ability to chew, but also how we feel about ourselves: our confidence, our self-esteem. It can alter our lifestyle and affect us socially and professionally. The question is what can you do about it? What are your options? Dental implants are a proven solution for people in good overall oral and systemic health who have lost one or more teeth due to caries, periodontal disease, trauma or injury. Below is a before and after rendering of an actual patient's treatment.
So, what is a dental implant?
Dental
implants are screw-shaped or cylindrical root-form titanium posts
that act as artificial tooth roots. The Shortly thereafter, a crown is made to fit on top of
the implant(s) so as to replace a missing tooth or teeth with a
"brand-new" tooth. What are some of the benefits of dental implants? They look and feel
just like your own teeth. Dental implants restore your
confidence to talk, laugh, and chew with comfort and without worries.
Implants preserve the integrity of facial structures.
Implants prevent the hard and soft tissue
collapse that can occur under conventional bridges and removable partial
dentures. In patients who have lost all of their teeth, the lower one-third of
the face is prone to collapse if implants are not placed to preserve the
bone and the facial profile. Implants form a strong bond to the surrounding
bone to provide support and anchorage for biting and chewing as well as
stimulation for the bone to hold it in place.
Implant-supported crowns and bridges
do not require neighboring
teeth for support. When teeth are replaced using traditional tooth-supported
bridges, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are ground down so
that the bridge can be cemented onto them (Click on figure at left). This tooth structure can never
be replaced. Removable partial dentures use clasps and rests which have to
be carved onto adjacent teeth. As the partial rocks back and forth, it can
loosen the teeth it depends on for anchorage, causing them to be lost.
Implants replace the entire tooth and the missing root so it is a free-standing
restoration. This leaves more of your natural teeth untouched and free of
restorations which saves your natural teeth.
Better health and nutrition because you can eat what you
want. Patients with dentures often find themselves unable to eat certain
foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which can compromise their nutrition.
With dental implants, it is much easier to bite into and chew your favorite
foods.
Ease of cleansing. An
implant supported crown can be cleaned like your other natural teeth, i.e.
brushing and flossing. Cleaning under a bridge, however, requires the use of
floss threaders for proper cleaning, while a partial must be taken out
several times a day and scrubbed clean.
Enjoy your food. Patients
who wear an upper denture often have trouble really tasting food because the
roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth, it
is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy
the taste of all your favorite foods.
What if I have already lost all of my teeth? If you are a denture wearer and are having problems keeping your
dentures in place or you cannot enjoy some of your favorite foods, implants can
still make a big difference for you. Depending on your individual case, anywhere
from 2 to 8 implants can be placed in each jaw to anchor your dentures in place.
No more wobbling or clicking; no more messy pastes and glues. You will be free
to enjoy all of your favorite foods with confidence and comfort. How long do implants last? Published clinical research shows that implant supported
restorations have been successful for over 30 years with success rates now
reaching over 97%. These cases were carefully followed from the very
beginning and are likely to remain successful for the lifetime of these
patients. Dental implants are designed to be permanent but there are many
factors that contribute to their longevity. Home care and regular visits to the
dentist or specialist are probably the most critical aspects. However, smoking,
grinding of the teeth, or too much pressure on the implants can alter their
success. By comparison, research shows that the typical tooth supported
bridge lasts from 7-10 years and that partials and dentures last an average of
only 5 years. In fact, insurance companies expect that bridges, partials, and
dentures will last 5 years and will therefore pay for replacements every 5
years. In
what situation then, if any, would a dentist recommend a tooth supported bridge? Until recently, most dentists considered conventional bridges
the treatment of choice for replacing missing or lost teeth. However, over the
past decade there have been tremendous advancements in dental implant systems
allowing more options for dentists. Sometimes
if the adjacent teeth have large restorations
(fillings) that must be replaced or if the teeth are severely broken
down, a tooth supported bridge may be the best option because those
teeth
could benefit from the protection of crowns attached to traditional
bridges. Most dentists, however, detest the idea of grinding down perfect
teeth in order to place a traditional bridge and will therefore recommend dental
implants in these cases.
se are carefully placed in the jawbone
and allowed to heal. During the healing phase, your bone is growing right up to
the implant surface in order to lock it in place.
Procedure
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Heidari or by Dr. Shayesteh. Your questions and concerns are important to us. Our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, our office designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Heidari will then uncover the implants and attach a small gum shaping healing collar. After proper shaping of the gums Dr. Heidari will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Following this, posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes three to eight months based on the location of the teeth and quality of the bone. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.