An Overview of Dental Implants
Twenty years ago, most people with missing teeth had them replaced using fixed or removable bridgework. Dental bridges work well in many cases, and can still sometimes be the first choice. However, with implant therapy available today, more people are choosing to replace missing or loose teeth with implants.
Implants are used to replace missing teeth, but not all patients are good candidates. It takes a trained dentist, periodontist or oral surgeon to determine if implants are suitable for a patient. First, X-rays or a CT Scan are used to determine if the missing tooth area has enough remaining bone to hold an implant. If bone is inadequate, augmentation surgery can sometimes generate enough bone to place implants. In addition to bone quantity, the quality of bone is also important. Dense, hard bone is better than soft, porous bone. Bone quantity and quality vary between patients, and between areas of the jaws.
Age of the patient is not a major factor as long as the person is in good health. Diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes would compromise implants. Although smoking reduces the success rate of implants, they are often still successful in smokers. Periodontitis, or gum disease around natural teeth could affect implants. Periodontitis of the teeth should be treated to avoid loss of teeth and implants.
Many people who wear full dentures (plates) have difficulty with eating and phonetics. Often dentures move around during function. In many of these cases, implants can greatly improve the quality of life. Treatment could vary from placement of two implants under the denture for secure fastening to placement of several implants with non-removable restorations.
How to Get Implants
First, see your dentist for a consultation. Usually, X-rays or a CT scan and models are taken. After evaluating the X-ray or CT scan your dentist can assess where the implants can be placed, their sizes, and how many are needed. They will advise you about your particular case, sequence and fees.
If tooth extractions are needed, these areas will usually require some months of healing before implants can be placed. Sometimes implants can be placed at the time of extraction. Once implants are placed, three to six months of healing are needed for osseointegration. When the implants are ready to restore, "abutments" are attached to the implants. Abutments serve to connect the implants in the bone to the restoration in the mouth. Then the restoring dentist fabricates and attaches the restoration to the implants. Depending on the situation, the whole process can take from three months to over a year. In most cases, the dentist provides a temporary restoration for this period.
In summary, dental implants offer a superior method for tooth replacement in many individuals. Implants are predictable as well as highly successful, and improve the quality of life with better chewing function and aesthetics.
