TITANIUM IMPLANTS

To those who have no idea what a dental implant refers to, it's more than just talking about false teeth. The field of dental implantation has spanned some 40 years of rapidly growing technology and expertise in the area of implantation, and from this, it has been elevated to the most realistic and reliable dental work available today. Because dental implants are the most natural looking, they are the strongest solution to permanent tooth and teeth replacement options currently available. This service helps support the confidence and comfort for any patient who is looking to have missing or damaged teeth restored and completed for a brighter and more youthful appearance.

There are typically 2 stages of the implant process that are divided into sub-catagories. Though the easiest way to describe the entire process can be anywhere from 3 to 9 months of total healing time depending on the final procedure and also based on the type of surgery chosen. There is Dental Implant Surgery and Implant Restoration. In some cases the surgery can be done in just one day with the patient leaving the same day with completed teeth, but for a more involved procedure, it can take more time to complete the process itself. Healing is also an important factor to consider due to age and condition of the patient. The anchor attached to the bone itself needs time to heal and bond properly to the bone, yet the actual surgery may be very short, the time needed for healing differs from patient to patient.

1. Is Dental Implant surgery painful?
   Not painful at all. In most cases there is the local anesthetic used by every dentist called: Novocaine. If there is anything more involved with the implantation or even tooth extraction, then your dental specialist will review the options for which anesthetic is best applied in the surgery.
   
   
2. When can I return to work after the surgery?
   As with most patients, many can return to work the next day but if there is extensive replacement done there will be a recovery time of perhaps a couple of days maximum. There is little to no bruising so the surgery doesn't impair speaking function much after surgery is complete.
   
   
3. How often should I have my dental implants checked?
   This can be up to the patient entirely though the best success will depend on the amount of how well the implants are cared for and the daily maintenance of keeping your oral hygiene healthy and regulated. They should be inspected and cleaned professionally at least every 3-4 months by your regular dentist.
   
   
4. What are the benefits of dental implants?
   There are several positive benifits to having dental implants! Your smile is one of the top features that always is important. Improved speech and appearance as well as eating better from a complete set of teeth. Even the importance of using them for every activity that makes self-esteem stronger and makes you feel better.
   
   
5. Is there an age limit for dental implants?
   There is no rule you have to be too young or too old to have dental implants. Ideally those who are younger than 18 and are still growing should refrain from having implants due to the growth of teeth but not in every case. As long as there is enough bone available to attach the implants there is no rule for age limit.
   
   
6. What would prevent me from being a good candidate for dental implants?
   Some patients who would have problems with considering implants would be people who suffer with uncontrolled diabetes, patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, patients with low sinuses, bone marrow or rare bone disorders, parathyroid disorders and blood disorders, and any physical factor that would lead to poor bone quality and even nerve bundles in the jaw area.
   
   
7. How long do implants last, will they chip or break?
   There is no telling how long the implants can last, but the average dental implant patient can enjoy years without any problems occurring. Because the material used for the crown is very similar to a real tooth, it can chip or break if hard objects are chewed or hit against the material that can result in a likely break or chip. Treat these implants like your own teeth and they will not fail easily!
   
   
8. Do I need special cleaning of the implants or can I do it myself?
   There is no special kind of cleaning involved but the normal maintainence of your teeth should be a daily activity. Your dental hygienest will show you how to clean and floss your dental implants for the best results. The teeth do not discolor like real teeth usually do since the material is resistant to staining.
   
   
9. If I have had prior dental implants can new ones replace the old ones?
   If there has been previous work with implants and the patient has good hygiene and no problems prior, then this is possible. If the titanium screw is in good shape and the surrounding bone is healthy, the crown itself can be replaced for a newer version that will match any teeth that are not matching exactly.
   
   
10. Is there any pain after the implants have been placed after surgery?
    Besides the normal discomfort after the surgery, the advised medications will keep any uncomfortable pain to a minimum. Once the healing has a completed cycle, there is no pain whatsoever when they are anchored into the patients jaw.
    
    
11. How do dental implants compare to dentures?
    Because dentures are not a secured directly into the jaw bone of the patient, the difference is huge. Many benefits of having a secure footing for the teeth themselves will feel more natural while speaking, eating, etc. Most people who have switched from dentures to implants remark about how well the teeth feel and the improvement of self-esteem over dentures.
    
    
12. Can other teeth be replaced that are not missing?
    Yes they can. Even with teeth that are discolored, crooked, chipped, or just plain unsightly due to childhood sickness and many other reasons can all be extracted and replaced with a dental implant. The exact color and shape can be created, which will give a healthy and fresh appearance in place of teeth that are considered unappealing.
    
    
13. Do the implants feel like real teeth?
    Yes they do. In fact, once the healing process is complete, there is nothing that feels more like a normal tooth within your mouth since it feels so natural. There is a difference with sensations for hot and cold food products and even sweet-tooth syndrome where teeth are overly sensitive to sugars. Yet, most patients don't even notice there is any presence of an implant at all.
    
    
14. If I wear full dentures already, am I a candidate for dental implants?
    Any person who has enough bone in their jaw, is a perfect candidate for dental implants. Even with a person who has worn dentures for years can still be a good candidate if they have enough bone to anchor the teeth into place. A simple cat-scan or radiographical image will show easily how much bone is available to anchor into.
    
    
15. Are the risks or side effects of Dental Implants?
    As every surgery contains risks, the ones associated with dental implants are very unlikely- but can happen if the following problems include: Allergic reaction to titanium (which is used in the achor screws) and can cause problems. Addressing the issue of allergies with your dental surgeon will keep this from happening. Rejection of the implant due to damaged nerves or weak bone or even from the titanium itself can also happen. Though this is very rare, a simple allergy test beforehand will solve the mystery if you are allergic to titanium.
    
    

The first part of the surgey for Dental Implantation allows special screw achors to be placed directly into the bone where the tooth or teeth are to be anchored. The next step is the actual Implant Restoration is where the end of the screw, called the Abutment, is inserted into the anchor piece. This is a part of the screw that allows the dentist to attach a temporary covering and/or a permanent crown over the abutment. This will vary from each patient to another and can be discussed before the surgery has taken place. The final covering used over the abutment is built from a dental material used to match realistic teeth color and shading. This material is usually placed below the gumline where the final teeth will have a natural image of a healthy tooth or teeth.

There are of course reasonable aspects that make a good candidate for Dental Implants to work more effectively and without possible health problems that can arise from poor health or dental hygiene. The ideal candidate should be in good general and oral health equally. Another important aspect is the amount of bone in the jaw and mouth that is required for attaching the anchors for implantation. Healthy gums with no problems from periodontal disease are very important. Thus, consultation with the experts for your consultation will review the exact nature to the issues that can affect the outcome of the implant surgery. Every case for replacement is studied well-before any implant is ever embedded.