People who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, or injury, and who prefer not to wear dentures can consider dental implants as a great solution. Dental implants are ideal for people who have healthy gums and adequate jawbone tissue.
Most adults are eligible to have dental implants. The American College of Prosthodontists says more than 36 million people in the United States are completely toothless, and more than 120 million are missing at least one tooth.
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
A dental implant holds a replacement tooth by placing a screw into your jaw. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or several teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or any other reason.
- Dental implants can replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
- Dental Implants can eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
- Dental implants can provide support for a denture, making it secure and comfortable.
- Dental Implants can last a lifetime.
Replace a missing tooth with a DENTAL IMPLANT?
They are secure and offer freedom from the bothersome discomfort and wobbles of dentures.
Orthopedic Surgeons use the same technology in the replacement of knees and other joints as the science behind dental implants.
Additionally, dental implants are more tooth-saving than traditional dental bridgework, because implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.
The DENTAL IMPLANT process
Getting a dental implant is a multi-step process that requires a thorough evaluation and preparation. The following is a step-by-step guide to the dental implant procedure:
1. Dental Implant Consultation:
The process starts with an initial consultation to determine if a dental implant is the right option for you. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth to see if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant.
Not all patients are strong candidates for dental implants. You need a certain degree of healthy bone material to place a dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone material, your dentist could recommend a smaller mini dental implant or bone grafting to improve the jawbone at the procedure site.
2. Dental Implant Placement:
During surgery to place the dental implant, your oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed. The metal post is then placed into the hole in the bone and the gum is stitched back over the implant.
The procedure takes around an hour or so to complete for a single implant. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage any discomfort that you may experience during the first few days after the procedure.
3. Waiting and Healing:
After the dental implant is placed, the healing process begins. The implant will need to fuse with the jawbone, which can take several months. During this time, a temporary crown may be placed on the implant
4. Abutment Placement:
Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment is used to support the crown.
5. Artificial Tooth Placement:
Finally, a crown, a replacement tooth, is custom fabricated to match your natural teeth, completing the dental implant. During the last appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown, attach an abutment to the dental implant, and place a permanent crown.
It is important to note that the entire process can take many months from start to finish, and much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. How you proceed depends on the condition of your jawbone.
Dental Implant - What are the success rates?
According to multiple sources, dental implants have a high success rate. Studies have shown a five-year success rate of approximately 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. Another study reported a success rate of over 95% for the implant restoration process.
A retrospective study found a success rate of 97% at 10 years and 75% at 20 years. However, dental implant failure is still a possibility, with an estimated 5% – 10% of dental implants failing either shortly after a procedure or months or years later.
Factors that can affect the success of a dental implant include gum disease, autoimmune diseases, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, which cause the body to heal at a slower pace. It is important to choose a knowledgeable, well-trained implant dentist to minimize complications and ensure skillful handling of any problems that may arise.
Here at Mount Vista Dental, you’ll be in great hands with Dr. Hiller and his team. Dr. Hiller loves to learn and stays up-to-date through continuing education courses. Past courses have included implant placement and restoration, periodontal and oral surgeries, oral and IV sedation, bone grafting, endodontics, orthodontics, TMJ care, sleep apnea treatment, full mouth reconstruction and laser dentistry. His professional associations include the WSDA, ADA and AGD.
What are My Options if I Need More Than a Few Dental Implants?
Dental Implants is a process that can address one or multiple missing teeth. Additionally, we can provide an entire mouth full of teeth using the dental implant system. By screwing four (4) carefully planned dental implants, Dr. Hiller can place a denture of false teeth.
This will allow the patient to have permanently attached false teeth that will never decay, never need a root canal, and be able to eat foods that they would not be able to with a traditional denture. Also, there is never a worry about them becoming loose or falling out of your mouth.
Implant dentures are designed to never need to be removed and they are much smaller in size than traditional dentures because they are not held in using suction.
At Mount Vista Family Dental, we call this restorative solution Teeth-in-a-day™ with All-On-4 Dental Implants Concept. Teeth-in-a-day™ with the All-on-4® Treatment Concept is less expensive than many other options and you can receive an entire arch of teeth in one day. The Process is similar to that of a single implant and acts as a permanent denture that will never come loose, fall out, or give you trouble while eating your favorite foods.
In Conclusion
Dental implants may be right for you if you are missing one, more, or all of your teeth! A lot of patients have said it’s life-changing. Don’t hesitate to call us today with any questions you may have or to schedule your dental implant consultation.