DENTAL IMPLANTS AS YOUR BEST OPTION TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH.

Missing teeth can make everyday tasks such as chewing, speaking, or smiling difficult and even embarrassing. If you are missing one or more teeth you are not alone, millions of people are facing a similar dilemma – and so the question – what is the best treatment to replace them

Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard in tooth replacement. With proper care they will last you a lifetime, they are biocompatible and durable; they are the next best thing to a natural tooth.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implant systems consist of a dental implant body made from titanium, that is surgically inserted in the jawbone in place of the original tooth root. The dental implant abutment is attached to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw and extends into the mouth to support the artificial tooth.

What is the success rate of the dental implants?

Various studies show that dental implants have a 95% or higher success rate.

Who can get dental implants?

If you are in good general health, have healthy gums and have enough bone in the jaw to support an implant, dental implants are a good choice for you. If you don’t have enough bone structure to hold an implant, you might be able to get a bone graft to build up your bone.

Because smoking has been linked to an increased risk of surgical complications and implant failure, we recommend that you quit smoking if you are considering dental implants.

Although diabetes is not a contraindication for implants, it is not recommended to have the surgery done if your diabetes is not well controlled as you may experience slower healing, and again, a higher risk of complications.

Dental implants are not recommended for patients under 18 years of age as they are not fully anatomically developed.There must be enough space in your bite to fit the crown restoration/future implant, so it is a guarded treatment for severe grinders.

What does the procedure of placing dental implant involve?

It’s important to keep in mind that the timeline for placing dental implant can span several months.

1. First you might need an extraction of the damaged tooth and have a bone preservation done at the same time, by placing a bone graft to prepare the area for future implant. After that procedure, we prefer to let everything heal for 2-4 months prior to surgical placement of an implant.

2. We may send you for a 3D image of the area to make sure there is enough bone to support an implant.

3. The implant is implanted; you can have it done in local anesthesia or under intravenous sedation that we can administer safely in the office.

4. After surgically installing an implant, we have to wait 4-6 months for the full integration of an implant into your jawbone.

5. Once you are fully healed you will come back to see us to have your final impression taken. This impression will be sent to a dental lab to fabricate a final restoration – crown, bridge, or full denture.

6. The final appointment will be to deliver the restoration.
    

What should I know about caring for my implants?

Like natural teeth, implants need to be kept clean using toothbrush and floss – there is a slightly different technique to floss dental implants – ask one of our hygienists! Regular dental check ups are important so we can make sure that your bite is right, and the restorations are not loose.

Unlike your natural teeth, implants are stiff and don’t have ligaments to help them be flexible upon pressure so if you grind or clench your teeth, you will need a night guard.

Overall, dental implants are one of the best dental technologies used these days. They are predictable, reliable and an affordable investment in your health. If you are considering such a treatment don’t hesitate to book a consultation appointment with Dr.de Angelis or Dr. Sassi to find out if you are a good candidate!