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. |