Dental Implants

Implants: Permanent, Secure Tooth Replacements

Why should you consider dental implants to support your dentures?

Over time, as you wear your denture, you continually lose the boney structure that supports your soft tissues. Because your soft tissues actually make contact with your dentures, they too will start to recede with the bone, this will leave you in a continuous state of adjustment, discomfort, and difficulty with everyday functions like; speaking, chewing, and especially smiling.

• Implant supported dentures provide tremendous support and fixation so you can comfortably speak, chew, and smile.
• They keep your upper and lower jaw bone from receding which prevents facial shape changes like the "shrunken" look.

How do I find a dental implant surgeon?

If your personal dentist does not also specialize in implant surgery, they can refer you to a great specialist such as a prosthodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon.

Some questions to consider during your consultation with your dental surgeon:

• Does the doctor have before and after pictures of their previous patients, and models for you to examine?
• How many implants should I consider?
  Usually, the minimum number is 2 implants under an upper or lower denture, but commonly some have more placed to make the denture or bridge more stable.
• When can I start the implant procedure?
• It is important to have the best new dentures made before you start with your implants.
  • This establishes the aesthetics; including shape, length, and color of your teeth.
  • Establishes proper vertical dimension. In other words, a youthful appearance achieved through correct facial dimensions, filling out the lips, cheeks, and face.
  • The new denture also serves as a template for the location and placement of implants.
• Will the procedure be painful?
  Dental implants have been found to have very little discomfort, and certainly less pain than a tooth extraction. Many surgeons offer different levels of sedation and/or anesthesia to make you feel comfortable. The post operative discomfort reported by most patients is very minimal and usually only requires an analgesic (ibuprophen) tablet.

• "Titanium Root Form" dental implants form a permanent bond with your bone called Osseointegration. With proper care and maintenance dental implants can last a lifetime.

  How long will it take the implants to heal?
  Under normal conditions, dental surgeons want you to let your implants heal approximately 3-4 months before they put them into function under your denture. This allows the titanium material and surface of the implant to integrate with your bone and gives the implants the best chance of lasting you a lifetime. There are many dental surgeons that feel that implants under certain styles of dentures can be put into immediate function and load. This means that the minute your implants and dentures are finished you can go out and eat a meal, smile, and speak with confidence. You should discuss this option with your dental surgeon if you are interested.
• How long do dental implants last, and how do I maintain them?
  The time period can vary from patient to patient, depending on their overall health, age, and hygiene. Dental implants can last a lifetime for most people if they stay healthy and follow the care and maintenance requirements. While you will continue to maintain your denture the same way, you will also need to brush the implant abutments daily and visit your regular dentist annually for a cleaning and check up.
• Besides a classic denture, are there any other dental restorations I should consider?
  Usually, the classic denture over 2 implants is the least expensive and least complicated. As you add more implants, and as you change the restoration into a more dentist removable appliance that looks and acts more like real teeth, then the treatment becomes more complicated, expensive, and time consuming. As an extreme example, if you had adequate bone throughout your mouth, you could have an implant placed for every missing tooth. This could add up to over 20 or more implants and the attached dental work. Our best advice to you is to talk with your dental surgeon and let them give you all of the options and prices, and then you can make the decision that best suits your needs and budget.

Summary

Dental implants have helped millions of people regain their chewing ability, their speech, and their smile. This is a very predictable and safe procedure that is performed thousands of times a day all over the world. Dental implants have been in existence for over 30 years and will continue to be one the most popular voluntary dental procedures performed well into the future. You should have all t he confidence in having this procedure performed and in the outcome results.