Dental Implants – The Top 11 Questions Everyone Asks

by Richard Siggers Dental Help and Advice

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

If you are missing one or more teeth due to trauma, tooth decay or gum disease, then you may be a candidate for a dental implant. We will be able to discuss your individual clinical situation. Dental implants will allow you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence and comfort.

If you have a tooth (or teeth) which is badly affected by decay or gum disease or has broken beyond the point of repair, a dental implant may be the alternative and it is wise to make this decision before a tooth is extracted as sometimes an implant can be placed straight in at the same time. Sometimes, if you are facing extensive dentistry to try and ‘save’ your remaining teeth, implants are worth considering as an alternative.

For surgery you should be of good health, and the remainder of your teeth will need to be healthy and free from tooth decay or gum disease, without gums bleeding. Other conditions will need to be treated before surgery.

Also, there needs to be enough bone in the jaw, so we may need to check for bone density using a CT scan. There are bone augmentation techniques and different types of implants available for borderline patients. Some patients who have previously been told that they don’t have enough bone can now have treatment with a special type of implant called a zygomatic implant

Why should I have a dental implant?

Losing one or more of your teeth starts a chain of events that can have physical and cosmetic consequences.  The most obvious result is a gap in your smile. Less obvious is the loss of chewing function and the inability to eat a complete diet that can result from tooth loss. While these are certainly serious issues, a potentially bigger problem lies hidden beneath the surface: bone loss.

Your jawbone needs the chewing action of the teeth to stimulate it and keep it strong.  Otherwise, it will begin to disappear (atrophy) in the same manner that the unused muscles beneath a cast supporting a broken bone get smaller. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face may begin to look prematurely aged. The good news is that tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.

 

Can an implant be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?

Not all teeth are good candidates for root canal treatment. Root canal treated teeth are susceptible to decay and fracture, while implants are not susceptible to decay and almost never break. Implants are an excellent and prudent alternative to the root canal, post and core, crown lengthening, and crowning procedures. A lot of patients are referred to the implant centre because of failed root canal treatment.

 

Is the dental implant ever rejected by the body?

The implant is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy (Ti 6Al-4V), which is a biocompatible material. However, there is a very small chance that it will not integrate with bone. If this were to occur, the implant would be replaced with another one. It is highly unlikely that the second implant would not integrate.

 

What if I smoke?

Smoking can inhibit proper healing of an implant. However, this does not prevent smokers from having implants successfully placed and restored. However, the implant can be more likely to fail in a smoking patient than a non-smoking patient. You should speak with us for more specific information relating to your dental needs and the effects of smoking.

 

What about any discomfort?

This is usually mild to minimal. While undergoing treatment, you will receive local anaesthesia. You may have mild post-surgical soreness for a few days. An over-the-counter pain reliever will alleviate the discomfort for most patients. 

 

How much time is required to have an implant procedure?

A single dental implant placement is usually completed in an hour or so with local anaesthesia.

Traditionally, the implant is then allowed to heal with the bone, this usually takes 8 to 12 weeks in the lower jaw and 12 to 16 weeks in the upper jaw. During this time a ‘temporary’ tooth can be provided to fill the space or a temporary bridge or denture depending on how many teeth you have missing.

Once you have been given the all clear you can then have your crown, bridge or denture made and fitted.

There is a procedure known as All on 4 where we can remove failing teeth if required, place implants and a fixed full arch bridge. This can avoid the need for a ‘temporary denture’ stage and has many advantages. Our team can discuss whether this would be suitable for you.

If you have poor quality bone and bone augmentation procedures are necessary, the overall process can take up to 12 months or more. We will determine which surgical procedure is best for you.

How do I properly maintain the implant once treatment is completed?

Ironically, dental implants can require less maintenance than a natural tooth. Simply brush and floss as though it were a natural tooth. Remember, regular visits to the dentists and hygienists are required for long-term health and success of the implanted teeth and your natural teeth.

 

How long does a dental implant last?

If your body accepts the implant, it should last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

 

What is a sinus floor bone augmentation?

When an upper posterior tooth is lost, the floor of the maxillary sinus drops down into space formerly occupied by the root of the lost tooth. In order to place an implant, it is often necessary to put the sinus floor back up to where it originally was by adding a bone substitute. This procedure is called a sinus floor bone augmentation or a sinus lift.

What is a bone augmentation (sometimes called a graft)?

A bone augmentation using a synthetic bone substitute is a surgical procedure for adding height or width to a jawbone in order to increase its volume for the placement of an implant.

Summary

As different treatment options become more available to people with missing teeth, it has become more important than ever to understand the benefits of implants as opposed to conventional restorations. 

 

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Created on Dec 21st 2017 03:50. Viewed 2,620 times.

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