More than 30 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. By the age of 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth as a result of an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay.
Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are precision devices that are used to replace the root of a missing tooth. These titanium metal screws are anchored in the jawbone where they can support a single tooth crown, a multiple-tooth bridge, or stabilize a removable partial or full denture. |
What Happens if I Don’t Pursue Treatment?
You will feel self-conscious when you smile or talk. Tooth loss will have a negative effect on your eating habits, which could lead to health problems like malnutrition.
You will also experience bone loss if you have missing teeth. The bone may erode and weaken since there is no tooth supporting it possibly leaving insufficient bone to place an implant later on.
Your teeth will naturally try to close the gap of your missing tooth which will cause spacing between your teeth and increase oral hygiene difficulty (See Figure 1). |
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Why Should I get Dental Implants?
In most cases, dental implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures. Single implants can serve to support your crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also support a dental bridge for replacement of multiple missing teeth. Patients with full dentures often struggle with instability and discomfort which limits their function. Implants placed to help stabilize a denture can decrease pain and allow you to chew without difficulty.
How Do I get Dental Implants?
The goal is to create a strong bond between the bone in your jaw and the dental implant. This is accomplished through a natural healing process called osseointegration. (See Figures 2-a, 2-b, 2-c, and 2-d).
Step 1:
Dr. Spector will examine your mouth thoroughly and review your dental and medical history. The examination will include some or all of the following items:
* Examination of the remaining teeth and gums
* Evaluation of your bite relationship
* Evaluation of the height and width of your jawbones
* Location of the nerves and sinus in the lower and upper jaws
* Dental x-rays of any teeth
* Panoramic x-ray
If the doctor believes that you are a good candidate for dental implants, a treatment plan will be prepared for you and sedation options discussed. An appointment to begin treatment can then be made.
Step 2:
Dr. Spector may have to prepare the area where your tooth is missing prior to placing the implant. This could include removal of excess gum tissue or bone, reshaping or rebuilding the bone. |
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Step 3:
Dr. Spector will place the implant in the jawbone and allow it to bond to the bone. This process usually takes one to three months and will be carefully monitored during that period of time. A temporary tooth can be placed in your mouth while your implant heals.
Step 4:
Once the bond between the dental implant and the bone is strong enough, the permanent crown for the missing tooth can be made and attached to the implant (See Figures 2-c & 2-d). For patients with dentures, this step would instead attach the denture to the dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Successful?
Dental implants have been utilized for over 30 years. Studies have consistently shown success rates above 95%.
How do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Because dental implants bond to your bone, crowns attached to your dental implants look and act similar to natural teeth. When brushing and flossing your dental implants you must use the proper techniques that you use on your natural teeth.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a special daily mouth rinse for you. If you do not keep your mouth in good shape, your implants can fail.
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