Dental Implants
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
This page is intended to answer some of the questions youmay have regarding dental implants.
- What are dental implants? Dental implants are basicallysophisticated screws made of a medically pure metal, Titanium.These screws are then placed in the jaw bone and rest under thegum for 3 - 6 months. During this time they actually fuse to thejawbone and become osseo(bone)integrated. After the appropriatehealing time, we uncover the implants and use them to replaceone or more missing teeth by fabricating some sort of dental prosthesis.
- How long have implants been used in dentistry? Dentalimplants have been available for the past 50 or so years. Thereare significant differences, however, between the various typesof implants that have been used to replace missing teeth. Thesedifferences are important since they are directly related to theimplants success rates. The implants currently in use today, OSSEOINTEGRATEDIMPLANTS, were originally developed in Sweden by Dr. P.I.Branemark., a Swedish Orthopedist approximately 25-30 years ago.They have been used in the U.S. for the past 12 years.
- I understand they originated in Sweden? Is there a differencebetween the different implant manufacturers? All implantsin use in the United States are regulated by the Food and DrugAdministration. Originally, the only system available was theNoblepharma™ Branemark implant. Today, there are numerousimplant companies in use on a daily basis. All of these companiesare FDA approved and must meet very stringent requirements. Your dental teamwill choose the system that is best for you and the one that allowsthem to accomplish your mutual restorative goal.
- What are implants made of? Implants are made of commerciallyand medically pure Titanium. This is the same metal that has beensuccessfully used in hip implants for many years. It is inertand is not known to cause any type of rejection phenomenon.
- How complicated is the surgery? Implant surgeryis done in two stages. The first stage involves the placementof the implants into the available jaw bone. This is most commonlydone with just local anesthesia. It is complicated only in thesense that the surgery requires great precision. Every attemptis made to insure success. The room is set up similar to an operatingroom, the equipment thoroughly sterilized and the most moderntechniques utilized. Stage two involves the uncovering of theimplants after they have integrated ( fused ). This can be accomplished with minor gum surgery or with a dental laser and is a relatively minorprocedure. In both instances, minimal postoperative discomfortis noticed. You will be given the appropriated antibiotics andanalgesics just as a precaution. Very definitive postoperativeinstruction will be given to you at the time of surgery. Ifyou follow the guidelines, everything should proceed without ahitch.
- Can implants be rejected? No! They are made of an inertmetal which has no history of rejection by the body. They arenot a living organ such as the lung or liver and therefore thereis no rejection phenomenon. If failure should occur, and thisis only a remote possibility, it is mechanical in nature and notdue to rejection by the body. By the way, depending on the sourceyou read, implants are anywhere from 85-95 percent successfuldepending upon certain factors such as implant location, amountand quality of bone etc. These factors will be evaluated beforewe place your implants. If you have any questions regarding thisor any other aspect of the implant process, ask your dentist.
- If I lose several teeth, do they each have to be replacedwith a separate implant? No. Although implants simulate theroots of teeth, biomechanically one implant can be used to replaceone or more teeth. This will depend upon the mechanical requirementsof your chosen prosthesis. At your consultation your dentist will discussthe various treatment alternatives and the type and number ofimplants that are needed in order to fulfill our treatment objectives.
- What about infection and complications? During thesurgery every attempt is made to maintain a totally sterile field.This tends to minimize any potential for postoperative infection.Once again, your dentist will prescribe the appropriate antibiotics as aprecautionary measure. Once the implants have been engaged inyour prosthesis, it is imperative for you to maintain scrupulousoral hygiene. Success very often depends on your cooperation andhomecare efforts.
- What types of restorations can be placed on implants?The answer to this question depends upon your treatment objectives.This can vary from simple removable prostheses, using the implantsfor retention , to totally implant supported porcelain fused tometal crowns and bridges. Implant bridges can be either removableor fixed (not removable) depending upon the number of implants. We are now finally able to replace single or multiple missingteeth returning the dentition to a biologically healthy and estheticallypleasing state.
- Will I be able to chew and function normally? Yes. Once your implants have integrated, you will be able to functionnormally without any unusual sensations. Your chewing abilitywill really depend upon the type of prosthesis you have chosen.
- How long is the entire implant process? Dental implantstake approximately 3-4 months in the lower jaw and 6 months inthe upper to integrate. Once integrated, it takes several visitsto several months to complete the restoration depending upon thecomplexity.
- What is the cost? The cost of implant dentistry isbased upon a combination of the surgical phase and the prostheticphase. Your total treatment fee will depend upon the number ofimplants and the complexity of your final restoration.
We hope that this brief explanation will answer some of your questionsregarding implant dentistry. Your dentist will be happy to discuss any ofthese questions with you at your consultation. Please write downyour questions so that we can be sure to answer them to yoursatisfaction.