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Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial replacement for the root portion of a tooth. It is made of titanium, is most commonly threaded like a screw, and is in the overall the shape of a tooth root. After the dental implant is placed, a replacement tooth (crown) is affixed to the implant.
Dental implants can be used to replace single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth, or all missing teeth.
Why do people get dental implants?
Depending on the location of a missing tooth, having a noticeable gap can have adverse effects on one’s confidence and may affect their desire to smile. If the missing tooth is in a posterior (back) position of the mouth, rather than affect looks it can have an impact on chewing ability. With a decreased number of chewing surfaces, many patients find that eating efficiency is decreased
Once the missing tooth or teeth are replaced with dental implants, the patient’s confidence in their smile and their chewing and eating ability is improved.
How many teeth can I replace with implants?
Dental implant treatment is a very versatile treatment modality. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth.
When replacing one tooth, a dental implant and crown can be used just like any other tooth in the mouth.
When multiple teeth are replaced with dental implants, the implants are placed on each end of the open space and an implant bridge is made.
When all of the teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaws, 2-4 implants can be placed in the lower jaw and 4-6 implants on the upper jaw. The number of implants present dictates whether a removable or fixed set of teeth can be made.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
It is infrequent, though not uncommon, for a dental implant to fail to fuse with the surrounding bone. The overall success rate of dental implants in the mouth is greater than 95%.
If an implant does fail and it must be removed, it is possible to bone graft the area and place another dental implant. Just because an implant failed once before does not necessarily mean that it will fail a second time.
How much time will I need to recover after getting dental implants? Will I have to take time off work?
It may sound hard to believe, but dental implant surgery is easier on the mouth than tooth extraction. After an implant placement, you may want to take the rest of the day to rest and recover. However, you should not need any additional time beyond that.
Pain management for a surgery like this is easily accomplished with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil.
How long will my implant last?
With proper oral hygiene and routine cleanings/follow-up, a dental implant has the potential to last a lifetime. But it is important to remember that several factors can potentially affect its longevity, such as gum disease, trauma, or excessive biting force.
The artificial tooth that is placed on a dental implant, however, will certainly require maintenance or replacement in the future.
Does smoking affect success rates of dental implants?
An active smoker will have a lower chance of success than a non-smoker. The reason for this is that smoking affects blood vessels, and this ultimately weakens the body’s ability to heal. It is recommended that you quit smoking if you are planning to get a dental implant.
A previous smoker who has quit will have a success rate closer to that of a non-smoker.
Do bisphosphonate medications affect success rates of dental implants?
Bisphosphonates are medications such as Actonel, Aredia, Boniva, Fosamax, Reclast, and Zometa. They come in oral and IV forms, and are most commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis.
While bisphosphonates are important for minimizing broken bones, the same mechanism by which they work causes healing problems in the jawbone. If you have not yet started bisphonate medications but your medical doctor has recommended that you start them, consider getting your dental treatment completed ASAP.
What is the treatment sequence for implants? How long does the whole process take?
Prior to placing the dental implant, an examination of the implant site must be completed. Once the implant is placed, the shortest possible healing time is three months. If bone grafting has been done as well, the healing period can take up to six months. After the implant site has healed, an impression can be done to make the implant tooth. The implant tooth is made by a dental laboratory, and will be delivered at a following appointment.
On average, the entire process can take from 6-9 months from the initial visit to the completed restoration.
What is the benefit of a cone-beam CT scan and 3D imaging?
A cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan is a three-dimensional image, which gives much more information than traditional two-dimensional X-rays. It allows for identification of the best implant placement site and avoiding vital structures like delicate nerves or the sinus.
I had an implant by another dentist. Can you restore my implant?
Believe it or not, dental implants are not one size fits all. There are as many implant manufacturers as there are car makers. And just like there is a make and model for each car, each implant manufacturer has different implant “models” that they offer.
If you have an existing implant that was placed elsewhere, the ability to use it depends on whether or not you can obtain the “make” and “model” of your implant from the dentist who placed it.
What is an implant overdenture?
A regular denture rests on the gums and is not supported by implants and improves the quality of life for patients. An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn't have any teeth but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants. Implant-supported dentures usually are made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there.You should remove an implant-supported denture daily to clean the denture and gum area. Just as with regular dentures, you should not sleep with the implant-supported dentures at night. Some people prefer to have a fixed (permanent) crown and bridgework in their mouths that can't be removed. Your dentist will consider your particular needs and preferences when suggesting fixed or removable options.
-A regular denture rests on the gums and is not supported by implants and improves the quality of life for patients. An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn't have any teeth but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants.
-Implant-supported dentures usually are made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there.
-You should remove an implant-supported denture daily to clean the denture and gum area. Just as with regular dentures, you should not sleep with the implant-supported dentures at night. Some people prefer to have a fixed (permanent) crown and bridgework in their mouths that can't be removed. Your dentist will consider your particular needs and preferences when suggesting fixed or removable options.
What are the Benefits of Denture Stabilization with Dental Implants?
-Poor-fitting dentures are often held by adhesives where implant overdentures are anchored in the bone and allow patients to have better digestion due to proper chewing and allows for a better diet
-Decreases bone loss by stimulating the bone in your jaw
-Better ability to speak clearly
-Increases comfort with less irritation of gum tissue
-Ends the cost and inconvenience of denture adhesives
-In some cases, can utilize your existing denture
Am I a Candidate for an Implant Overdenture?
The best way is to schedule an appointment for an exam and a 3D CT scan (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) this will give the doctor the ability to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. This is standard of care and will assist in the treatment planning of your implant overdenture. From your initial exam and 3D CT scan, the Brighter Way team will give you the best options to improve your overall oral health and quality of life. The doctor will discuss the entire process and what to expect.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a recommended option if you plan to replace an extracted tooth with an implant. After a dental extraction, the bone naturally begins to resorb (melt away). The resulting bone loss can limit your choices for replacing the missing tooth. Grafting at the time of extraction has the highest success with regards to preserving the bone. Grafting can also be completed after extraction, although it often is more difficult to achieve the desired results. After placement of a graft, we allow 3-6 months of healing. During this time, the grafted bone fuses with your existing bone to create an optimal foundation for an implant. Grafting is performed with either your own bone, a sterilized bone from another person/animal, or bone substitutes.
Are All-On-X Implants Right For You?
All-on-X Implants are not designed for everyone. Individual implants are more suitable for a single tooth or damaged tooth replacement.
You may be a good candidate for All-on-X implants if:
-You have lost multiple teeth in the upper or lower jawbone.
-You have several broken or damaged teeth in the upper or lower jawbone.
-Dentures make you feel pain or uncomfortable.
-You need a replacement for dentures.
The artificial tooth that is placed on a dental implant, however, will certainly require maintenance or replacement in the future.
With proper oral hygiene and routine cleanings/follow-up, a dental implant has the potential to last a lifetime. But it is important to remember that several factors can potentially affect its longevity, such as gum disease, trauma, or excessive biting force.
At Brighter Way Dental Center, our restorative dentistry and state-of-the-art dental technology will leave you with a confidence-boosting smile. Our specialists are renowned and highly qualified to perform extensive procedures with precision and quality.
Say goodbye to missing teeth and say hello to the innovative All-on-X implant technology, designed to give you natural-looking teeth in one go.
Get in touch with us today to book your appointment for All-on-X Dental Implants.
A Pain-Free Solution to Dental Restoration
-Minimally invasive alternative to dentures
-Prevents bone lossNo bone or gum grafting required
-Long-lasting results
Having stable teeth means you can chew or bite your favorite foods with ease, and advancements in modern dentistry now allow you to have a full mouth of secured teeth through a minimally invasive procedure.
All-on-4 dental implants are a more permanent solution to dentures. They can improve the quality of your life and give you back the confidence you lost.
Refined and Natural Looking
At Brighter Way Dental Center, we strive to design implants closely resembling your natural teeth. All-on-X dental implants are secured tightly to your jawbone, eliminating the need for partial solutions and unnecessary adhesives in your mouth.
A great addition to the traditional implant technology, our All-on-4 implants can last a lifetime.
Keep the Structure of Your Jawbone Intact
As the name suggests, four-six titanium posts are placed in your jawbone at the same time in the All-on-X dental implant procedure. These implants help maintain the natural strength and structure of the jawbone, preventing gaps between missing teeth from widening.
By preserving the jawbone structure, All-on-X implants prevent your face from sagging and aging at an early age.
