Dental Implants

What is the procedure for dental implants?

The first step of dental implants is having the dentist consult and examine the site in the mouth where the dental implant is being considered. The dentist will need to consider if any of the neighboring teeth need to be extracted and which type of bone graft needs to be conducted.

Once the patient has been given a few months to heal, the dental implant is placed into the bone and a healing cap is placed over the implant so the healing phase can begin. It’s important to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up to ensure healing.

What types of dental implants exist?

There are two types of dental implants that are commonly used by dentists: endosteal implants and all-on-4 implants.

• Endosteal implants are the most widely used option. They consist of a titanium metal rod that is placed into the jawbone and a supporting post that is specifically designed to hold either a dental crown or a dental bridge in place.
• All-on-4 implants are a new and innovative dental implant system that allows a complete top or bottom denture to be supported on just four implants. Each implant is strategically placed to ensure that the replacement teeth are stable and secure. The advantage of using four implants is that it promotes quicker patient recovery and minimizes the risk of complications resulting from possible implant failure.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Tooth loss can make it difficult to chew and speak clearly. If left untreated, it can result in problems such as tooth shifts, jawbone deterioration, and facial structure and bite imbalances, which usually develop over time due to the absence of a root system to maintain bone health and alignment. Dental implants are the most effective method to treat tooth loss, as they serve as an artificial root system to support a prosthetic tooth. They can not only help overcome short-term challenges but also prevent long-term problems associated with tooth loss.

Can a bite affect dental implant placement?

If you have a misaligned bite, the restorations placed on the dental implants will be at greater risk for fracture or failure. Proper tooth alignment prior to dental implant placement leads to a more esthetic result. Bite and tooth alignment problems should be addressed before dental implant placement.

Are there any post-treatment limitations once I have a dental implant placed?

You should be careful not to disturb the surgical site immediately after dental implant placement. This means no chewing on the side of the implant and careful cleaning methods for several weeks to a month. The dental implant takes several months to fuse to the jaw fully, so fewer disturbances to the area mean a higher success rate. If you have a temporary denture to replace your missing dentition, it is important that the denture does not rub on the surgical site.