Dental Implants

How about a second chance? It’s possible with dental implants!

Tooth loss has occurred for too many of us for different reasons: tooth decay (cavities), severe periodontal disease, fractured teeth, failed root canals, etc. or economics.

Dental implants can be used to help the person who has lost a single tooth or the patient that has lost all their teeth. They are much like your natural teeth in look, feel and function. A person can regain their confidence, function, appearance and smile.

Some common questions about implants are:

1. Is the surgery painful? Generally our patients are surprised at how little pain they have. Although there are exceptions, because some surgeries are more complicated, most of our patients find the procedures very tolerable.
2. How long do they last? Though we cannot guarantee a lifetime of use, they often outlast other treatment alternatives like crown and bridgework or partials. In 2009, they are the best and most versatile option for long-term tooth replacement. In the 8 years that we have been placing dental implants, we have seen few failures.
3. Are there problems with them? Like any procedure, occasional problems can arise. However, I can say after having placed many implants, in many different situations, problems are not commonly seen. If and when problems arise, they are often very manageable.
4. What is a dental implant? There are many different types of dental implants. The most common and useful are the “root form” type of implant. These are the type that we place. They are made of titanium and the “roots” have a shape similar to the roots of your own teeth.
5. Do I have enough bone to place an implant? This can only be determined by an examination to evaluate the amount of bone present on a case to case basis. In most situations there is sufficient bone. In the event of insufficient bone quantity/quality, bone can sometimes be re-grown, so that implants can still be placed.
6. Are they expensive? Though it is true that they may be more costly than typical dentistry, they are very sophisticated and represent the latest in dental science for tooth replacement. In comparison, the cost of a single implant is similar to the cost of a three-unit bridge which is a common alternative. In more complex cases the cost can increase, but so will your level of satisfaction and the improvement in your quality of life. Other alternatives are less expensive but they also have less patient bridge failure and replacement, and maintenance costs, most would agree that implants are worth the expense.
7. Am I too old for a dental implant? We have seen patients anywhere from 17 years of age to 85 years of age, all seeking something better than traditional dentistry has to offer. Many want the freedom away from their removable partial dentures. Others do not want their “good” teeth ground down to place bridges, still others are eager to wear their dentures with confidence and comfort having them held in place by dental implants. We see denture wearer wanting their lower denture to “stop moving around” when eating or talking. Dental implants can achieve this and create more comfort, function and confidence

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