What is a dental implant?
There are two types of dental implants:
(1) Those that sit on top of the jaw bone, but
under the gums.
(2) Those that fit into the jawbone similar
to the root of a natural tooth.
The choice of what implant is to be used depends on the quality and
amount of available bone and the type of prosthesis or denture which
will be supported by the implants. In some patients one or more implants
might be used to replace single tooth, act as an anchors for a bridge,
or as support for a full denture.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most patients who are healthy enough to undergo normal dental
treatment and maintain good oral hygiene can have dental implants.
Since general health conditions or structures of the mouth may prevent
the use of an implant individual evaluation is necessary.
Advantages of dental implants and how they can help you.
-Implants restore proper chewing function so you can enjoy foods
previously too "difficult" to eat.
-You feel confident that your replacement teeth won’t move or
loosen.
-You regain the closest thing to the look, feel and function
of your natural teeth.
-Forget about unsightly partial denture clasps which place damaging
pressure on remaining natural teeth.
-Chew comfortably and efficiently.
-Eliminate irritated and painful gums.
-Improve your speech by eliminating or reducing the "fullness" of
full or partial dentures.
-Replace missing teeth with the look and feel of natural teeth
without having to "cut down" healthy teeth.
Does it hurt to have dental implants placed?
The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant is
done under local anesthesia and is generally not at all painful.
When the anesthesia wears off about three or four hours later, you
might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different
from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant
problems. Some patients do have varying degrees of pain or discomfort
which may last for several days. Swelling and black & blueing
may also develop.
How long will my dental implant last?
Some implants are still functioning successfully after 25 years.
For patients who have a history of trouble with their mouths and
whose bone physiology around their roots have been a problem, the
prognosis would be less optimistic than for patients who have had
fewer dental health problems. Also, if there are many natural teeth
remaining, the expected longevity of an implant is greater than if
all the teeth are missing. As with any artificial replacement In
the human body. no promises or guarantees can be made as to longevity
of the implant or of the implant supported appliance.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW HOW LONG ANY PARTICULAR IMPLANT WILL
LAST AND THEREFORE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT OR GUARANTEE SUCCESS
Do these procedures cause any pain?
During the surgical procedures required for implant insertion,
the anesthesia given during surgery blocks any pain or discomfort.
Postoperatively, medication for pain or swelling and to prevent infections
are usually prescribed to ease any discomfort.
Cost for dental implants.
There is a significant investment involved to place the implants
as well as restore them. They can be placed by periodontists, oral
surgeons, or trained general dentists. The cost could be $1000 to
$2000 per implant placed and $800 or more per tooth replaced. So
make sure to keep the implanted areas healthy, by brushing and flossing
daily.
