Dental Implants

• What are dental implants?
• Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
• Questions About Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Eckert, Dr. Harsha, Dr. Maxwell, Dr. Cofer and Dr. Johnson are sometimes able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of twelve weeks of healing time before permanent replacement teeth are placed by your dentist. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.  Drs. Eckert, Harsha, Maxwell, Cofer or Johnson performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Questions About Dental Implants

• Are dental implants safe?
• Do dental implants feel like natural teeth?
• What is the success rate of dental implant surgery?
• Is dental implant surgery painful?
• Will I miss work to get dental implants?
• Who is a candidate for dental implants?
• How long do dental implants last?
• Will I need bone grafts for dental implants?
• Is there an individual implant for each missing tooth?

Are dental implants safe?

Yes, titanium and zirconia dental implants are safe. They have been used for years to support crowns and dental prostheses to replace missing teeth. They fuse to the jawbone to preserve the bone and facial structure.

Do dental implants feel like natural teeth?

Yes, unlike dentures, which can slip, click, and come loose at inopportune times, dental implants are permanent and never shift. They feel and function like your natural teeth. They do not come loose or need to be relined or adjusted; you cannot get seeds or food particles caught beneath them.

What is the success rate of dental implant surgery?

Between 95 and 98%. The success rate is higher for patients who do not smoke and have not had periodontal disease.

Is dental implant surgery painful?

Implant surgery is done either with a local anesthetic or under IV sedation. Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may experience mild pain and swelling for two to three days, after which both will subside. Most patients tell us the pain is not as great as they feared. The pain and swelling can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.

Will I miss work to get dental implants?

Most people’s day-to-day lives are not disrupted during the healing process. You will most likely miss a single day of work if you get a single dental implant. If you get several implants, you may need to take two or three days off but will be able to return to normal activities soon after that.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone in good health who is missing teeth or a tooth is a candidate for dental implants. You need enough jawbone to support a dental implant; otherwise, you may need a bone graft first to build up the area. Some individuals may have pre-existing conditions that could rule them out, including hemophilia, uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, some forms of heart disease, cancer, history of radiation treatments, or certain bone density medications.

How long do dental implants last?

An implant should last a lifetime with proper care. The visible part of the tooth replacement (a crown or prosthesis) can last twenty years or more. It can be replaced without disturbing the implant. To ensure your implants and prostheses last as long as possible, brush and floss daily and have regular dental checkups.

Will I need bone grafts for dental implants?

It depends on how much jawbone material is available to hold the implant. You will not need a bone graft if you have sufficient width and bone density. If the jawbone has thinned, you may need grafting and a healing period before the titanium implant can be placed. However, recent developments have led to new types of placements that do not require as much jawbone material. We will evaluate your situation and determine the best route for your situation.

Is there an individual implant for each missing tooth?

If you have one missing tooth or a few missing teeth, you will most likely get an individual dental implant with a crown attached to each one. However, if all of your upper or lower teeth are missing, you may get between two and six implants in the jaw to hold a complete arch of replacement teeth that resembles a denture but is held permanently in place by the implants. We will discuss your options at your consultation.