Frequently asked questionsLook here for answers to the most frequently asked questions about dental implants: About dental implants
Dental implants are an excellent option for many patients. When you lose teeth, or even just one tooth, your ability to speak and eat is often negatively affected. Many people are uncomfortable with dentures or bridges, as they do not fully replace the appearance or function of natural teeth. As a result of these issues, more dentists are recommending, and patients are choosing, dental implants. Long an accepted treatment in Europe, implants are becoming more popular in the United States as a permanent solution to missing teeth. Many dentists and patients now consider dental implants to be the treatment of choice for many dental situations. If your dentist has recommended an implant, you probably have questions. This may help to answer some of them, but be sure to ask your dentist or your hygienist about any other questions or concerns that you may have. A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. The actual implant is a small metallic cylinder, or screw, that substitutes for the natural tooth root. Inserted surgically into the jaw bone, it provides a stable base upon which a crown or denture can be anchored. But unlike conventional bridges or dentures, dental implants feel and act more like your own natural teeth. What is the advantage of an implant? Most people with dental implants say they feel like natural teeth. Compared to conventional dental treatment, implants can also provide improved speaking and chewing ability, elimination of pain, and in some cases, enhanced appearance. People who have lost one or more teeth may be candidates for dental implants. Dentures can often fit poorly, because once the natural teeth are gone, the jawbone begins to shrink and change shape. This can result in discomfort, pain, impaired chewing and difficulty in speaking. Dental implants allow an artificial crown, bridge or full denture to be firmly attached to them, creating stability and better function. How successful are dental implants? Dental implants are designed to be permanent. Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in medical/dental replacement (such as knees, hips, etc.). Long term clinical success rates are well over 95%. There are numerous factors related to long term success. It is important that the patient maintains good oral hygiene, returns for dental checkups, and informs the dentist of any new medical condition that might affect the teeth, gum tissue or jaw bone. Initial healing is a key factor contributing to long term success of a dental implant. For example, grinding the teeth can cause problems with the implant bonding with the bone. Is the surgical procedure painful? Most implant patients report that the discomfort is far less than they expected and is much like having a regular tooth extracted. And although every patient is different with regard to pain, most patients are made very comfortable with minimal pain medication. The implant process is usually done in two steps. In the first procedure, the implant is placed in the jaw, which can be done with local anesthetics (just like a tooth extraction). The patient will have a few sutures in his/her gum tissue to help the area heal and help the implant stabilize in the jaw. The dentist will provide the patient with a temporary solution until he or she is ready for the second procedure. After three to six months, the second procedure takes place. The time in between allows the bone to grow to the implant to hold it in place. During the second procedure, the dentist places a post into the implant to hold the artificial tooth or teeth. The teeth are custom designed to the patient's exact mouth shape and size, ensuring comfort and proper function. Age is not the most important factor when considering implants. Overall health and quality of life are of primary concern. In the early 1940s and 1950s implants were originally designed for the aging patient with total tooth loss. Today implants are placed with high success rates in young people with sports injuries or congenitally missing teeth. Patients in their nineties also have been treated successfully with implants. Age is not a major factor as to whether or not you may be an implant candidate. If you have further questions about dental implants, ask your dentist. We want to ensure that you completely understand and are comfortable with this treatment option. The patient information can be downloaded, read and printed out. Note: requires Acrobat Reader™ for viewing.
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