What do Implants have to offer?
Whether you have full or partial dentures or have recently lost
a tooth, implants may be an option for you. Implants attach artificial
teeth directly to the jaw. There are three components of an implant:
the anchor, which may be surgically embedded into the bone, a post
to which the tooth attaches and the artificial tooth. Implants can
replace one or more teeth, provide support for a denture, or are
used to attach a full denture.
Implants are not an option for everyone. Because implants require
extensive surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy
gums, have adequate bone to support the implant and be committed
to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
How do I know if implants are right for me?
If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation by your
dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate. This
evaluation includes a clinical examination and a complete dental
and medical history to gather information about any dental or medical
conditions that you have, such as diabetes, heart problems or any
condition that interferes with normal healing. Be sure to tell the
dentist about allergies you have or any prescription or over-the-counter
medications that you take. If necessary, the dentist may request
a consultation with a physician.
During the dental examination, the dentist will check the condition
of your mouth, the supporting bone in your jaws and the way your
upper and lower teeth fit together. The dentist may gather additional
information by taking X-rays and by making models (cast) of your
teeth. This information will help your dentist determine if you
are a good candidate for an implant and decide which implant to
use and exactly where to place it.
What is involved in placing implants?
Implants cost significantly more than dentures or bridges and require
a considerable investment of time. The implant process involves
several steps and may take up to nine months to complete
First surgery is preformed to place the anchor. Surgery can take
up to several hours, and up to six months may be required for the
bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Some
implants require a second surgery in which a post is attached to
connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. With other implants,
the anchor and post are already attached and are placed at the same
time.
After the gums have had several weeks to heal, the next step is
begun. The restorative teeth are made and fitted to the post portion
of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step
can take one or two months to complete.
Implant surgery can be done in either a dental office or in a hospital,
depending upon the type of implant, the patient’s health and
the dentist’s preference. A local or general anesthetic may
be used. Usually pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics
are prescribed. Your dentist will give you careful instructions
on diet and oral hygiene.
What are the benefits and risks?
Implants provide artificial teeth that look more natural. Many people
also report that when they chew, the implants feel more secure than
natural teeth. People who cannot successfully use conventional denture
may be candidates for implants.
Sometimes using implants can cause "stress" to the bones
in the jaw. If bone loss occurs as a result, the implant may loosen.
If the implant fails and needs to be replaced with a conventional
denture, there may be problems in getting the denture to fit. Other
possible complications include improper alignment, cosmetic problems,
implant break-down, inadequate healing or damage to the adjacent
teeth.
How Do I take care of implants?
Because there is always the possibility of a gum infection, brushing
and flossing regular dental visits are essential to the success
of dental implants. Your dentist will give you instructions on proper
care and periodically evaluate the healing and attachment of the
implant to the jaw. Given proper conditions and scrupulous daily
oral hygiene, implants can last for many years.
What materials are used to make Implants?
Replacement teeth are made of porcelain, metal or polymer resin,
the same materials as those used for conventional bridges and dentures.
The anchors and post are made from a number of synthetic materials.
Titanium is a favored metal for many implants since it is very compatible
with bone and other tissues.
Is there more than one type of implant?
There are several types of implants. One factor involved in determining
which type to use is whether of not the jawbone is adequate to support
the implant. Two types of implants that the American Dental Association
(ADA) considers to be safe- with careful patient selection –
are the endosteal and the subperiosteal. Manufacturers of implants
can submit their products to the ADA’s Council on Scientific
Affairs, which evaluates products for safety and effectiveness.
Talk with your dentist about the implant you will be receiving.
Endosteal
An Endosteal implant is placed directly into the jawbone. Adequate
bone is an important requirement for its use. First, an anchor is
surgically placed into the jaw. Anchors come in several shapes and
are sometimes coated with a material that helps bone adhere to it.
This process of attachment, called osteointegration, can take from
tree to six months. A second surgical procedure may be needed to
conduct a post to the implant. Finally, artificial teeth are then
attached to the post.
Subperiosteal
A subperiosteal implant consists of a metal frame that rest upon
the jawbone, under the gum tissue, rather than being placed directly
into the jawbone. A metal frame is made, using impressions of the
surgically exposed jawbone. After the frame has been constructed,
the gum tissue is reopened and the frame is fitted onto the jawbone.
As the gum tissue heals, the implant becomes fixed to the jaw. Post,
which protrude through the gum, support a denture.
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