Dental Implants: Replacement Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own
The predictable use of dental implants has revolutionized prosthodontics and the way missing teeth are replaced. Dental implants is going to be the standard of care for the replacement of teeth because dental implants allow a missing tooth (or teeth) to be restored to optimum function and appearance without invading or damaging any other teeth or tissues.
Surgical Placement of dental implants
No surgical implant procedure should be started without a proper and definitive restorative plan, knowing exactly what is going to be fabricated, the different restorative options and alternative, as well as the restorative limitations if the ideal surgery is not achievable as requested. Otherwise it will be setting the stage for future complications.
A fixed partial denture (bridge) was used to replace a missing tooth, in the past. However, with today’s technology the patient is ideally treated by a crown supported by a dental implant, avoiding any drilling of the other teeth. Dental implants are the ideal solution for young people with congenitally missing teeth such as lateral incisors.
Dental implants can also replace multiple missing teeth which are traditionally replaced by a removable partial denture. Occasionally dental implants can act as anchors for a fixed bridge to replace the teeth making the removable partial denture obsolete. In some cases there are too many teeth missing to use a fixed bridge; however, using a dental implant with an attachment that snaps into the removable partial denture will significantly improve its stability and improve the patient’s chewing function.
A dental implant is similar to a tooth root that holds a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. On the other hand longevity of a single implant crown is significantly longer than a three unit bridge. In many cases the broken tooth can be extracted and replaced with a dental implant and a provisional crown will be connected to the implant immediately so that patient will leave the office with a new crown on the same day. (tooth in a day!). However, immediate implant placement and immediate load is a technique sensitive procedure and will require knowledge, training and skills beyond the four years of dental school.
While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth, maybe your dentures don’t feel secure, or perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a specialist and diligent, patient and professional maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants when they are done by specialists.
What Dental Implants Can Do?
- Replace one or more teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
- Provide retention for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures or a Bridge
Aesthetic Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
Tooth-saving Dental implants don’t sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
Confidence Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They’ll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.
Reliable The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
Since Prosthodontists are the dental specialists who have extensive training, knowledge and skills in this filed, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do Prosthodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own.
What Is Treatment Like?
Your Prosthodontist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, Dr. Noohi will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. All the details, options and alternative treatments, recommended treatment plan, the length and the course of treatment and steps involved will be discussed in depth. The cost will be presented and a payment plan will be discussed with you that fits your budget before the treatment is initiated.
Replacing a Single Tooth: If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown assembly ( an Abutment and a Crown) can replace it. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root.
Replacing Several Teeth: If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.
Replacing All of Your Teeth If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported bridge (Hybrid denture) or complete over-denture can replace them. These are more complex procedures and will require post-graduate specialty training to achieve optimal result and long term prognosis, otherwise the treatment outcomes will be compromised.
Sinus Augmentation A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.
Ridge Modification Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!
Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.
Mini Implant vs. Conventional Implant to replace a missing bicuspid. What’s the difference?
“Mini implants” have become popular lately, and they do have some applications in stabilizing partial or complete dentures. However, in most cases a traditional implant is the best option and potential risks of fracture is significantly reduced.
In the case of a mini implant, the entire crown is sitting on a tiny nob (left side), which is often inadequate. On the photo on the right side, the crown is sitting on the custom made abutment, which is much more stable and ideal for long term success.