| Twenty-five years ago, if someone described how missing teeth could be replaced with dental implants, it might have been called a miracle. Ten years ago, the use of dental implants to replace missing teeth might have been called astounding. Today, implant procedures are called routine. We would like you to have a basic understanding of what dental implants are, what can be expected from them, and what limitations they might have in your specific area of need. |
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Dental Implants (Part 1)
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Dental Implants (Part 2)
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Dental implants are synthetic metallic root substitutes that are placed or implanted in the jaw bone. It can be used to replace a single missing tooth, provide an abutment (anchor or retainer), replace several missing teeth, or provide added retention to a removable dental appliance such as a full denture. In fact, if you are missing all of your natural teeth, it is possible to have maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) fixed replacements. The replacements do not come out and you cannot remove them yourself. Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
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Restoring your Mouth with Implants - The Procedure
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Two separate events are needed when replacing a missing tooth with dental implants. First is the surgical phase in which the implant is placed. In the second phase the replacement teeth are constructed and fixed into proper position.
The placement procedure for dental implants involves making a small incision in the gum area where the dental implants are to placed, preparing a site in the underlying bone, inserting the implants into the prepared site, and closing the tissue over the dental implants with several sutures. This area is left undisturbed, usually for 4 to 6 months. More healing time may vary from dental implants due to the density of your bone. The lower jaw is composed of bone that is more dense than that of the upper jaw. This healing time allows for the slow integration of the dental implants within your jaw. The dental implants are held in place by the bone.
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Restoring the Lower Jaw
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Restoring the Upper Jaw
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| After the healing and integration of the implants, the placement site is exposed by reopening the gum. A post will then be fastened to the dental implants by cement or with internal threads. The crown, bridge, or other type of replacement will be attached to this post. Some dentists prefer to do all phases of the implant procedure themselves, but many choose to perform either the surgical or prosthetic (the actual construction of the replacement device) only. If this is the case, you will be referred to a periodontist or oral surgeon who will perform the surgical portion of the implant placement. |
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Implants After Restoration
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Implants After Surgery
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Dental implants are very successful. Maxillary and mandibular implants are more than 90% successful. Lower dental implants have a somewhat higher success rate than upper dental implants. Occasionally, dental implants fail, but it is not common. Chances of an implant failure, many times, can be determined during or after the surgical phase before the replacement tooth or teeth are constructed.
Smokers take note: There is a heightened risk of failure for dental implants among smokers¾as much as a 20% greater failure rate!
We will discuss with you the requirements and options for your particular situation. There are usually several possibilities for effectively replacing missing teeth. It is important to decide on the design of the implant-retained replacement prior to the actual implant surgical procedure. Position and alignment of the replacement teeth need to be carefully considered before determining the location of the dental implants.
If you have any questions about dental implants, please feel free to ask us.
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