Discovering the Benefits of Dental Implants

Introduction

More than half of today's population is affected by the loss of one or more teeth.  Because our lifestyles, social activities, and appearances are so much a part of our individual uniqueness, tooth loss may be a deeply personal issue. However, with the latest advancements in dentistry, no one should feel self conscious about their smile, their comfort, or their ability to eat certain foods. 

If you are missing a single tooth or many teeth, dental implants may be an option for you.  Implants have the look, feel and function of natural teeth.  Implants can replace teeth that have been missing since birth or teeth that have been lost to gum disease, infection, trauma, or decay.  They can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, and they can dramatically increase the retention and stability of dentures.

Dental implants help distribute chewing forces throughout the jawbone. They also minimize the melting away of the jawbone that normally occurs when teeth are lost.  Many patients who have received dental implants comment that there is a significant improvement in the quality of their lives.  Patients feel more confident and comfortable chewing and smiling.  Implants also eliminate many of the problems associated with bridges, removable partials, and full dentures.

Consequences of Tooth Loss

Following tooth loss, loss of the underlying bone also occurs.  As bone reduction occurs, problems associated with the lack of support can lead to denture discomfort, mobility  and lack of retention. Continued loss of bone from the upper and lower jaws can affect the appearance of the overlying facial soft tissue, giving the patient the appearance of aging.

Problems Associated With Missing Teeth

• Embarrassment
• Decreased taste
• Difficulty eating
• Decreased self-esteem
• Pain and discomfort
• Difficulty speaking
• Bone loss

How Dental Implants Can Benefit You

Dental implants provide a foundation of support, helping to eliminate any embarrassment associated with removable teeth. More importantly, implants improve your ability to chew and speak.

The Benefits Are Plain and Simple

Implants provide you with:

• Increase chewing function and taste
• Improve speech
• Preserve remaining natural teeth/bone
• Provide increased comfort
• Improve self-esteem
• Eliminate partials/dentures
• Increase stability
• Eliminate adhesives
• Reduce bone loss
• Restore natural tooth appearance

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Who Can Benefit From Implants?

Although not every patient is a candidate for implants, the primary consideration in evaluating an appropriate patient is their general health. Implants are successful in patients from all ages.  Any tooth loss, whether from birth, accident, decay or periodontal disease may be successfully replaced by implants.

Are Dental Implants a New Procedure?

No, quite the contrary, the implants we use today have been developed and perfected for the past 30 years. Implant procedures have become standard of care in our practice. The implant systems we use in our practice are the best that implant dentistry has to offer.

Are Implants Successful?

Some patients have had their implants for as many as 30 years.  The expected longevity of an implant is greater than restorations on natural teeth. How long an implant remains depends on the general state of health, habits, and commitment to follow-up, professional, and home care. Implants fail for the same reasons as natural teeth-poor oral hygiene and neglect.

What About Rejection or Infection?

Implants are made from biocompatible materials-materials our bodies do not consider foreign-and therefore, no rejection occurs. Since these materials are made of metal such as titanium, there is no likelihood of causing an antigen-antibody response, a rejection similar to that which sometimes occurs with heart and kidney transplants.

The possibility of an infection occurring around healed dental implants is the same as that for natural teeth. As with natural teeth, you must practice good oral hygiene to keep the tissues healthy, therefore, implants and replacement prosthesis must be professionally maintained.

Will People Know I Have Implants?

Not unless you tell them. Since the prosthesis (replacement teeth) covers the implant posts, no implant components can be detected. However, many patients tell their friends that they have dental implants, because of the benefits they receive from having them in place.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Treatment time for surgical placement of implants and healing depends on the location in the mouth and the type of implants placed. In unique cases, the implants and the crown can be placed the same day!  Most often the implants will require between 4-6 months to heal completely.  During the healing phase, temporary teeth are placed to provide the best esthetic appearance possible.

Are Implants Expensive?

Implants are an investment in your physical and oral health. A treatment plan will be presented after your initial comprehensive oral examination/ consultation. Treatment fee’s have a wide range depending upon the complexity of the patients needs. All patients agree that their implants were worth the investment. Patients in our practice overwhelmingly indicate the positive change that implants have made in their lives. Many indicate that the initial financial outlay was minimal compared to the long-term benefits.

What's the Procedure for Having Implants Placed?

A sample implant timeline is indicated below.  While this sample timeline is fairly precise, your actual timeline may vary depending on the complexity of your treatment.

Implant Evaluation

This portion of your implant treatment consists of a detailed consultation and the development of a treatment plan. If you are under a physician's care, or if your medical history indicates, we may request that you consult with your physician.  We require a thorough medical history to determine whether there are any conditions that could affect the outcome of treatment, such as diabetes, allergies, or bleeding problems. As Dr. Esposito is a medical doctor in addition to being a dentist; he can comfortably manage your medical history. His thorough understanding of medicine greatly facilitates clear communication with your primary care physician.

Radiographs are taken, and serve to help us evaluate the current quality and quantity of existing bone. This information assists us in determining the proper placement of implants, and the length of time required for healing. 

After your comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination Dr. Esposito will schedule a meeting with your restorative dentist. He or she will make impressions and a diagnostic wax-up that records the natural alignment of your teeth and jaw.  Surgical guides are then made to direct the exact placement of the implants during surgery.  You are then ready to begin your first phase of treatment.

Treatment Phase 1

In the first procedure, implants are placed in the jawbone and are covered over with the gum tissue. For the comfort and safety of our patients we recommend IV sedation and general anesthesia.

If the patient’s bone provides adequate stability, the implants can be restored immediately!  Most often the bone requires 4-6 months to achieve adequate implant stability.  Detailed instructions will be provided for you on how to care for your mouth following surgery.

Treatment Phase 2

After the implants have fused to the bone, we attach the healing abutments. To do so we uncover the implant and attach the abutment to the underlying implant. The abutment projects up through the gum tissue. We also modify the temporary partial dentures, to cover the abutments so that the metal post (abutment) is not visible.

Treatment Phase 3

Approximately six to eight weeks after surgery, the gum tissue surrounding the abutment should have healed enough for your restorative dentist to begin fabricating your final prosthesis. 

Follow Up

After your restorative dentist places the final prosthesis, we will see you for routine check-ups twice a year for the first year, then once a year thereafter. Of course, we are always available anytime you need us.  And your restorative dentist will want to examine you at regular intervals to assure that all is well.

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