Dental Implants have come a long way in the last 5 years.  The American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the International Academy of Implant Dentistry have been   keeping records on the success of Implants for  years.  In the last 5 years Implants have become 98% successful.  There are numerous reasons for this increase from 85% for 15 years running  to 98% as of today.   Obviously better technology and accurate engineering and design of Implant systems have contributed to this increase in success rate. Additionally, Surgical technique has been refined and is being taught by the  Implantologist who have spent years learning the RIGHT WAY to do the job. 

Human teeth are only 90% successful.  Most adults  have fillings, have broken one or more teeth, have probably had to have a crown or extraction because of abscess, fracture, severe decay or periodontal (GUM)  disease.  Prior to 5 years ago the success rate of rebuilding teeth or making a crown or bridge etc., to restore the bite and function was better with natural teeth (90%) than the success rate for Implants (85%).  Therefore the "STANDARD OF CARE " for the dentist was to do everything he/she could to save the teeth.  Today the attitude that the dentist must have regarding the " STANDARD OF CARE" for restoring  someone's teeth must still be to save the teeth if possible.  However, if the probability of failure is in question then the dentist must inform the patient that the  IMPLANT  has the higher probability of success and this procedure becomes the  "STANDARD OF CARE" and  should take precedence .

There are some requirements for Implants.   You need adequate bone ( for depth and width) for the implant, adequate GUM tissue, and predominately no disease or systemic problems (Diabetes, Immune disorders, blood problems ETc).   Some of the above listed requirements can be fixed if you don't have them. For example, if you don't have adequate bone,  a bone graft can be performed in the area where the implant will be placed.  Gum tissue can be placed over the area as well.  As you can see NEW TECHNIQUES can make nearly anyone a good candidate for implant therapy.  The Patient must still be in reasonable health.   There are some additional contra-indications to implant therapy.  They are  Uncorrected Periodontal Disease, Heavy Smoking, Cancers effecting the Blood, Pancreas or  liver. These diseases  severely compromise the bodies immune system and should be corrected before any implant therapy.

If you are a good candidate for implants the dentist will need to gain information about your mouth, bite and upper and lower jaw relationship.  He will take molds, x-rays and a CAT SCAN. With these RECORDS he can plan the best approach to your implant needs..

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Restore or enhance facial tissues.
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires careful planning with excellent records like x-rays, CT scans models and pictures.  A treatment  plan is developed based on your individual needs. Your needs may require a simple correction or may be very complex.  Sometimes it takes several  visits.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are usually taken on the first appointment of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  After the diagnosis and developed treatment plan  the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.  Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After the implants are fully bone supported  and  healed  the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.   It only take about two weeks to make  the artificial teeth. On your final appointment the artificial implant supported teeth  are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient. They function and feel just like natural teeth.  In fact most people function better than they have in years because the implant systems restore them to function that they haven't for several yeras. After the anckoring process and placement of the teeth you will receive care instructions .  Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

If you have lost function or have difficulty eating because you have lost teeth over the years please give us a call. We will sit down with you and go over all your options and explain every detail.  Even if you have FEAR about the process you will walk away with a complete understanding of the NEW TECHNOLOGY that can help you when you decide to make that move to better function and you will find that your fear will go away.

If you are interested in knowing if you are a good candidate give a us a call. Remember that  many patients have been misinformed about the implant procedure.   It has become one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry today.