Implants
Dental implants have become the standard of care when replacing missing teeth. They can be used from simple single tooth replacement to complex full mouth reconstruction. Implants are titanium posts that screw into the bone to replace the root of the tooth. After a short period of healing (3-4 months) to allow the implant to integrate into the bone, the restoration can then be placed. It is important to maintain a strict 6 month hygiene recall so the hygienist can use special instruments to clean around the implant and allow the dentist to evaluate the implant stability and bone. When replacing a missing tooth, implants should always be considered first treatment option. Implants can be used in the following ways:
- Replacement of one or more missing teeth
- Support of a bridge to replace multiple teeth
- Support of a non-removable full or partial denture
Some of the benefits of an implant versus a bridge include:
- A bridge requires aggressive tooth reduction of healthy teeth that are supporting the bridge. An implant saves the adjacent teeth.
- A bridge is difficult to keep clean
- Implants allow you to floss and clean the area just like a natural tooth.
- Implants preserve the bone level
- Implants have a success rate of 98%.
There are a few factors that can decrease implant success or prevent someone from being a good candidate. Some of these include uncontrolled diabetes, blood or bone disorders, chemo/radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, insufficient and or poor bone quality, smoking and certain medications. To find out if you are a good candidate for implants, schedule a consult with the dentist and they will answer your questions.
