About Dental Implants


 
Dental implants - something for you?

Just as a knee can be surgically reconstructed or a hip joint replaced, so too can missing teeth be replaced.   Those with implants experience the ability to speak, laugh, chew and socialize with the confidence of permanent teeth. 
Bioscience has fine-tuned the dental implant to allow placement of compatible materials within the bone to anchor one or more teeth.  This process eliminates the need for bridges and even dentures.  The procedures are ADA approved and the materials are FDA approved. 

Dental implants defined

An implant is an alternative to removable dentures, partials and bridges.  A Dental Implant can offer stabilization for loose fitting dentures, support for existing bridgework, replacement for a single tooth or can be placed for a complete denture.  
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What is a dental implant?

The Dental Implant can be of many different designs.  The most popular is a small metal (titanium) screw, which is surgically placed into the jawbone, much like an artificial hip or knee surgical replacement.  After adequate healing time, a replacement tooth or teeth are made to fit into the implant.  In selected cases, the implant can even be inserted at the time of tooth removal. 

What are the advantages of a dental implant?
1) Stabilize removable dentures
2) Replace removable dentures
3) Replace removable partial dentures
4) Strengthen existing bridgework
5) Single tooth replacement without crowning teeth on either side of the space to hold a crown
6) Renewed confidence in your smile
7) Clearer speech
8) Increased ability to chew food
9) Preserves bone through internal bone stress
10) Teeth do not need to be removed at night
11) Dental implants do not decay like natural teeth
 

How long does a dental implant last?

Longevity cannot be guaranteed, but typically an implant lasts a lifetime.  

How many appointments are required?

First there is a consultation appointment to diagnose the nature of your problem.  If you have a straightforward situation, then the implants can be inserted the next appointment.  Occasionally additional studies are necessary before the surgery to insert your implants.   I would like to see you in 2 months for a follow-up image and to evaluate healing.  Three to six months need to elapse after your surgical insertion.  You will then need several visits to your restorative dentists.  I would like to point out that dental implants are best done through a team approach and that my responsibility is for the implant or foundation portion of your teeth.   Your restorative dentist is responsible for the teeth.  I will be happy to work with your dentist or I can recommend a restorative dentist based on your particular needs. 
For all of my out of town patients appointments may be combined and the laboratory portion of the work expedited to minimize your time away from home.

Is it painful?

Generally the discomfort of having an implant placed is less than having a tooth removed.  For your comfort most procedures may be done in my surgical facility, whether under local anesthesia or local anesthesia and IV sedation.  

How do I know if I am a candidate?

Many people are candidates for dental implants if they are missing teeth and are tired of full or partial dentures or do not wish to have a traditional bridge.  An image is necessary to determine if adequate bone exists.  In the case of inadequate bone synthetic bone substitute or a graft from your own hip will often provide the support necessary for your implants or different types of implants my be used. 

Will my insurance cover implants?

In most cases, we bill your medical insurance for the implants and your dentists will bill your dental insurance for the teeth.  At the present time, many insurance companies will not cover the cost of implants.  In some cases insurance has covered the entire cost of implants.  Dental insurance will often cover the cost of the teeth on your dental implants, even if your medical insurance does not pay for the implant.  If you have a severe medical problem, such as reconstruction for an oral cancer or severe weight loss, we are better able to obtain coverage for you.  My office will be happy to predetermine insurance coverage for you.  

Dental Implants: Are They Right For You?

The Problem
More than 40 million Americans over the age of 55 have lost some of all of their teeth.  As Americans live longer, more active lives, many of these people face up to 30 or 40 years of toothlessness, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.  

Tooth loss results in an inevitable shrinkage of gums and jawbones which can lead to pain from ill-fitting dentures, decreased chewing function, subtle malnutrition, social withdrawal and emotional distress.  Dentures place constant pressure on the jawbones, thereby acceleration shrinkage and causing dentures to fit poorly because they no longer have a solid foundation on which to rest securely and comfortably.  

The Solution
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, however, are providing a more permanent solution to toothlessness with oral implants.  Oral implants are permanent tooth root substitutes which are surgically placed in the jawbone and act as anchors to stabilize artificial teeth.  The result is improved function, without the pain, frustration or other problems associated with conventional dentures and a restored self-confidence, which may have deteriorated as a result of tooth loss.  

Not everyone who is missing teeth, however is a good candidate for oral implants.  Implants are not recommended for persons prone to infections or for people who are unable to maintain stringent oral hygiene.  Additionally, implants may not be appropriate for children and teenagers whose bones have not fully matured. 

We offer dental implants from multiple major implant manufacturers and use only original OEM (non-generic parts). While there are mostly good generic and lesser known companies, I believe that it is important to stay with the known in case there is a problem with the implant or the abutment/crown. Therefore, if the need should arise, the chance of repair is greater, especially if you ever change dentists, your new dentist may not be familiar with the implant system and by using OEM parts from a major manufacturer, this risk is reduced.