Frequently Asked Questions about
Implant Dentistry
How long have you been doing implants?
I have been involved with dental implants since the mid 1970's and have co-authored an implant report in 1978. I have been surgically placing and restoring implants for over twenty years. It has been a major part of my practice ever since. I pioneered the sinus lift procedure in New England in 1987.
I have been told that I can't have implants because of bone loss. What can I do?
There are many ways of handling bone loss with various dental implant placement techniques and different types of bone grafts. We perform many of these procedures and can choose the best for the individual situation.
Can I have implants in my mouth? What are the contraindications?
Most patients can have dental implants; however, there are some specific medical contraindications, such as ongoing pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or cancer. Other circumstances, such as substance abuse, psychiatric issues, and radiation therapy also preclude the placement of implants.
What is a dental implant?
Practically all the dental implants used today are metallic, usually Titanium, cylindrical substitutes for lost natural tooth roots. They usually have special surface treatments that allow them to be treated as self by the bone tissue. They are placed into the jaw bone and after healing in support artificial teeth such as crowns (caps), bridges or dentures. When healed in and in use they are not visible, cannot be felt, and are not subject to decay.
How long have dental implants been used?
The problem of missing teeth is ancient, and attempts to solve is also date back to ancient times. There is archeological evidence from several locations around the globe of successful dental implants that are hundreds, even thousands, of years old. The era of modern dental implants started in the 1950's in Sweden, and has led to dramatic improvements and success rates by the end of the 20th century.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care modern dental implants are highly successful and can last a lifetime. The crowns and other artificial teeth can usually be updated or repaired without affecting the implants.
How are implants different from other dental work?
There are several differences.
First of all they alone substitute for tooth roots, and so they allow to put support for a crown or bridge where the teeth have been lost, nearly at will. This is what makes dental implants so powerful a tool in restoring patient's function and smile.
Also, as they heal in, bone bonds directly to them, without the periodontal ligament that attaches natural teeth to the bone. This gives them excellent strength and also resistance to processes that cause teeth to loosen. This process takes several months for the body to complete, usually 4-6 months.
Thirdly, implants are not subject to dental decay.
What about anesthesia?
The implant placement surgery requires local anesthesia. Within two hours of leaving the office the sensations should be nearly normal. Occasionally, for patients who are very anxious we prescribe Valium to take the night before and the morning before surgery. Once the construction of the crowns or bridges starts no local or any other anesthesia is needed.
Can implants be rejected?
Technically they can not, the body does not recognize titanium dioxide, the material coating titanium implants, as foreign. However, if hygiene is poor, they become coated with bacterial plaque which can cause inflammation, and gum disease, and bone loss. Also, particularly in patients who grind their teeth or have broken restorations, excessive forces can lead to bone loss around the implants or even breakage of the implants or the restorations.
What types of implants do you use at your office?
Over the more than twenty years that we have been placing and restoring dental implants we have used many different systems, changing as improved designs became available. We choose among many systems and styles that we stock the most appropriate implant for the individual patient's situation. Currently, the systems that we use the most are the Nobel Biocare Replace Select™, NobelActive™, Straumann™, and the Bicon™ systems. However, we are also fully equipped to place restore and repair Biohorizons™, Implant Innovators International (3I)™, Minimatic™, as well as other, older now discontinued systems such as subperiosteal implants, blade implants, Stryker™ implants, Corevent™ implants and others.
What are mini-implants?
Mini-implants are implants which are less than 3.25 mm in diameter. By virtue of their size are usually used for temporary tasks. They can be used to hold temporary bridges while the long term implants are healing in, for support of Orthodontic work, or to aid with removable dentures, for example.
Will my dental insurance plan cover dental implant treatment?
In the past dental insurance companies did not extend coverage to implant services; however, high success rate, good predictability, and reasonable cost compared to other treatment options for missing teeth have changed that. Most of the plans are now including implants and implant restorations among the services they cover. You will need to contact your Human Resources or insurance representative to find out the details concerning your own situation.
What is the implant insertion surgery like?
Most of the time the surgery is quite simple for the patient. Typically, the actual procedure for a single implant lasts no longer than it does for doing a large filling. Pre-medications and all the measurements are confirmed. We check your vital signs, scrub and drape, numb up the area and proceed. We gain access to the bone where the implant will be placed and prepare the opening in it that is shaped and sized like the implant itself. The implant is secured, and any stitches needed are placed. Then we make an x-ray confirming the proper placement, and it is all done. If stitches were used we usually remove them in one to two weeks at a follow-up visit.
How long is the recovery from implant surgery?
Most of the time the patients report that they are pleasantly surprised by how easy the surgery and recovery was. Most resume active life the same or the next day. If antibiotic and anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen) coverage is prescribed then the patient continues taking the medication for several days. Most patients do not require pain medication or special recovery period.
How soon can I have the teeth after implants are put in?
In some cases as you leave the office from the implant insertion visit your new teeth are in your mouth and ready for use. More often a temporary bridge or other means is used until the implant has healed in. Depending on the number of implants, whether it is the upper or the lower jaw, the condition of the bone, the strength of your of bite, and other factors it may take a longer time before the permanent teeth can be used. Most of the time this delay is about four months for the lower jaw and six for the upper. In full mouth rehabilitation, when the placement of the implants is staggered, it takes even longer; however, appropriate temporaries are worn throughout this period to guarantee proper healing, function and comfort.
|
