An exam is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for implants. Films are taken to view the quantity and quality of the bone as well as the condition of surrounding teeth. Your dental and medical history will also be reviewed.

Implants are usually a two-step surgical procedure. The first step is the actual placement of the implant. The area to be treated in anesthetized, the bone is exposed and prepped, and then the implant is placed into the bone. A cover screw is placed on top of the implant and the area is closed and sutured. It will take approximately 3-6 months for the bone to fuse with the implant (integration).

Once the implant is securely integrated the second step of surgery is performed. The implant site is opened and the implant is exposed. A healing cap is temporarily secured to the implant. When the gums have healed, the cap is removed a custom abutment is placed. This will be the understructure for the prosthesis. The abutment is shaped and a mold is taken for the lab to make the final restoration. A temporary crown / bridge is made and worn until the final crown is completed, (usually about 3 weeks.) The permanent crown / bridge will be cemented to the abutment.

Implants can also be used to secure partial or full dentures. For a complete lower denture, 2 or 4 implants would be placed, custom abutments inserted after healing, and a denture would be made that would snap into place. For a complete upper denture, 4 implants are placed, custom abutments inserted after healing, and again a denture would be made. The upper denture could be made without the acrylic that covers the roof of the mouth, which is usually uncomfortable. The dentures are more stable and secure and the patient is more comfortable with the appearance and function of the new dentures.

Implants require routine maintenance and a commitment to good oral health care. The abutments will need to be cleaned professionally every few months. Films will be taken periodically to evaluate the bone surrounding the implant. The doctor will examine the abutment and prosthesis to make sure everything is secure and fits well as well as make any adjustments needed.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (synthetic material) that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, they are permanent and stable. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.

Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. There are different types of dental implants: the first is placed directly into the jaw bone, like natural tooth roots; the second is used when the jaw structure is limited, therefore, a custom-made metal framework fits directly on the existing bone.

How do they work?
Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth.

Can anyone receive dental implants?
Talk with your dentist about whether you are an implant candidate. You must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates. If you suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates.

What can I expect during this procedure?
The dentist must perform surgery to anchor the "artificial root" into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in the dental office with local anesthesia. Medications may be prescribed for soreness.

How long does the process take?
The process can take up to nine months to complete. Technology, however, is trying to decrease the healing time involved. Each patient heals differently, so times will vary. After the screws and posts are placed surgically, the healing process can take up to six months and the fitting of replacement teeth no more than two months.

What is the success rate of implants?
The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth. The success rate is about 95 percent for those placed in the front of the lower jaw and 85 percent for those placed in the sides and rear of the upper jaw.

How do I care for implants?
Your overall health may affect the success rate of dental implants. Poor oral hygiene is a big reason why some implants fail. It is important to floss and brush around the fixtures at least twice a day, without metal objects. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new implants. Additional cleanings of up to four times per year may be necessary to ensure that you retain healthy gums.

What is the cost of implants?
Since implants involve surgery and are more involved, they cost more than traditional bridge work. However, some dental procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Your dentist can help you with this process.

Missing Molars? Avoid Jawbone Loss, Anchor an Implant

Implants anchor natural-looking artificial teeth, keep bone structure intact and are quickly becoming the treatment of choice for some patients who are a candidate for a single tooth replacement 

Yet, a percentage of adults who may be implant candidates do not have implants. Extractions are performed, bridges, partials or dentures are placed, and the patient goes home, with nary a thought about the jawbone underneath the newly extracted tooth.

Many patients are unaware that bone loss in their jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth. When that happens, over time, bone loss can cause facial changes, speech changes and diet changes Successfully placed dental implants cause the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Dental implants can restore normal eating and speaking abilities, increase denture retention, and enhance facial appearance.

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?
Each patient must:

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