Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal cylinders made of titanium surgically placed in the jawbone where teeth are missing. They replace the roots of missing teeth and support single crowns, large bridges and dentures. State-of-the-art technology makes it possible for these replacement teeth to look, feel and function like natural teeth.

People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits, leading to secondary health problems like malnutrition. By replacing missing tooth roots, dental implants provide people with the strength and stability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew. Additionally, dental implants stimulate and maintain jaw bone, preventing bone loss and helping to maintain facial features.

Dental implant procedure is a form of prosthetic dentistry. Prosthodontists are well trained in implant dentistry. They typically play a quarterback role in communicating with other specialties such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and orthodontists to make sure the success of dental implant procedure. It is very important to schedule a consultation with your Prosthodontist before the implant surgery to determine if implants are right for you.

Based on the condition of your oral tissues, oral hygiene and personal habits, and commitment to follow aftercare instructions, your dentist will advise you of the most appropriate dental implant treatment plan. Some patients with insufficient bone or gum tissue require bone or soft tissue grafts and/or the use of small diameter implants.

Dental implants typically compose three parts: the implant body that mimic tooth roots, the abutment sticking up through gum tissue that helps retain crowns, bridges, dentures, or other types of prosthesis, and finally the implant supported prosthesis. The implants are typically placed in single sitting, but require a period of healing, called osseointegration by which dental implant anchors to the jaw bone. Dental implants typically take 3 to 6 months to osseointegrate. After the dental implants are anchored to the jaw bone, they are ready to be restored by your restorative dentist, in most of cases your Prosthodontist. Impression of the implants will be made and abutments and crowns or other types of prosthesis will be fabricated and then placed onto the healed dental implants.

Aftercare:

For five to seven days after surgery, your diet should be restricted to soft foods. If stitches are present, they may need to be removed by your dentist; however, self-dissolving stitches that do not require removal are typically used.

If provisional restorations were placed along with the dental implant, it will be important to clean them as you would to your natural teeth to ensure the best possible healing and fusing of the implant. Failure to floss and brush is a leading cause of implant failure, and infection can occur if the implant and surrounding areas are not cleaned properly. Smoking is also attributed to high failure rates with dental implants and should be avoided following implant procedures.