Why should you consider dental implants?
If you, like millions of Americans, have lost one or more teeth, you may be all too familiar with the unpleasant consequences. For many, missing teeth lead to an unattractive smile, embarrassment from loose dentures, and pain or difficulty with eating.
Traditional dentistry can provide replacements for missing teeth using bridges, removable partials and dentures; however, each of these has its problems.
Bridgework usually involves altering natural teeth to provide a stable foundation for support of replacement teeth. Partials and dentures can, at times, be very unstable leading to denture sores or speech difficulties. Another little known problem associated with tooth loss is a process known as “atrophy,” a shrinking of the jawbone that can progress relentlessly over the years. Bone atrophy not only affects jaw function, but also can cause adverse facial cosmetic changes.
Because of the remarkable advances in dentistry in recent years, dental implants offer an effective solution to many of these problems.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
Dr. Nguyen can evaluate your case and tell you if you are a candidate for dental implants. Most patients with adequate bone mass can have implants, although it varies among individuals. Typically an x-ray and occasionally a CT-scan will be used to determine if you have enough bone to place the implant, as well as to verify the size and kind of implant that should be placed. Some considerations are:
Medical Health – Pre-existing conditions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis; however, with exception to growing children, dental implants are a likely solution for most individuals, even those with high blood pressure or diabetes.
Problem Teeth/Gum Disease – Problematic teeth and gums don’t eliminate one from dental implant candidacy. In fact, most implant procedures performed on patients with previous periodontal disease or severe tooth decay are successful as long as the dental issues are addressed and managed appropriately.
Currently Wear Dentures/Partials – Dental implants can easily replace removable dentures or bridges and can even be utilized to stabilize and secure existing dentures to increase their comfort level.
Smoking – Smoking can decrease the rate of dental implant success; however, smokers are not immediately eliminated from dental implant candidacy.
Severe Bone Loss – Very common among those with problem teeth and periodontal disease, bone loss can be remedied with a bone graft procedure.
Children – Dental implants are often deferred until children’s jaw growth is complete, but circumstances do arise that will prompt a dental professional to recommended this procedure to be performed sooner.
Dental implants are usually completed in two phases.
Phase #1 is the actual implant placement, a process generally performed in the office with local anesthesia or light sedation to help make the patient more comfortable. Using precise, gentle surgical techniques, the implants are placed into the jawbone for 3 to 6 months while osseointegration (bonding to bone) takes place. This helps ensure a strong, solid foundation for replacement teeth. During this time, temporary bridges or dentures may be used to minimize any cosmetic or chewing inconvenience.
Phase #2, the other part (abutment) are placed on the implant to enable Dr. Nguyen to eventually place a crown (cap) on the implant. Implants can also be used to support full or partial dentures, dramatically improving denture retention and stability.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants become fixed into the jawbone. Though the life span of a dental implant varies from patient to patient, many have lasted for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants can last a lifetime.
What factors can influence in the healing process of an implant?
The most critical factor in the success of dental implant supported restorations relates to the healing potential of the natural structures following the procedure. Uncontrolled diabetes, history of radiation of the head and neck area, and hypothyroidism will act to limit the healing potential and therefore alter the anticipated success of dental implant therapy. Success rates for patients who smoke have been shown to be 10% lower than healthy non-smokers due to a diminished healing capacity. When a concern arises regarding the healing potential, the time between the placement of the dental implant and the placement of the definitive restoration may be extended in order to provide the greatest opportunity for success.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
A combination of local anesthesia and sedation dentistry, if necessary, is used during implant placement, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. After the initial surgery, discomfort should be minimal. However, prescription pain medications may be prescribed to relieve any post-surgical pain or discomfort.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place they will serve you well for many years if you take good care of them and keep your mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with Dr.Nguyen is key to the long term success of dental implants.