 Tooth Root Substitutes
Sometimes, people lose permanent teeth due to accident, injury,
disease or extraction. In such cases, we find dental implants
to be a secure, functional replacement option. They're superior
to many other replacement choices because they actually restore
comfort and beauty, while also remaining functional for the
long run. What's more, they do not rely on neighboring teeth
for support, and therefore do not represent a threat to the
integrity of your overall dental structural health. Sometimes,
our doctors will recommend implants as anchors for bridgework
or fixed dentures as well.
Advantageous Anchors
Since they are permanently, surgically anchored to the jawbone,
dental implants offer impressive advantages over other tooth replacement
options. Their stability and permanence allows them to
restore, not limit, your ability to speak and eat normally.
Also, their firm positioning supplies support to facial
musculature, improving rather than detracting from your
normal appearance. And this solid foundation means that
once they're implanted, you'll never have to deal with
the inconveniences and discomfort of ill-fitting prostheses
again. In fact, you'll probably forget they're even there.
Permanent Posts
The implant itself consists of a small titanium post, inserted
into the jawbone below the gum surface at the location
of the missing tooth. As the bone bonds to the post, it
forms a secure foundation onto which artificial teeth are
attached and shaped to match your existing teeth. Depending
on how many teeth you're missing, we'll determine the best
kind of restoration for your case. If you're missing one
or two teeth, your restoration will most likely be a simple
crown. For two or more missing teeth, you'll probably require
permanent fixed bridgework. And, if we're replacing a complete
set of upper or lower teeth, we'll evaluate the advantages
of removable vs. fixed prosthesis, which in turn determines
how many implants per jaw are required.
Coordinated Care
The implant process generally requires three separate steps, "anchoring", "attachment",
and "restoration". Once we've determined that implants
are the best option for you, we work with you individually
to evaluate the specific type of dental implants appropriate to
resolve your particular concerns, carefully assembling all
steps of your treatment plan.
Bonding Base To Bone
To place your implant(s), we'll take you through three phases
of treatment. First, Dr. Gatewood or Dr. Stephens will
surgically anchor the tooth root substitute "post" into
your jaw-bone below the gum tissue. This post must form
a solid, enduring base with sufficient stability to withstand
the tremendous mechanical pressure involved in normal chewing,
so we'll typically allow three months for the post to incorporate
into the bone. Fortunately, most patients do not notice
the post during this time. During the wait, we'll usually
provide a temporary bridge or dentures to facilitate eating
and to help maintain facial muscle support. In the meantime,
the lab carefully custom designs and manufactures your
artificial tooth or teeth to be placed over the implant
top(s).
Placing Prosthesis on Post
Once we're certain that your implant post has bonded with
your jawbone, your doctor will prepare the implant(s) to
receive your restoration tooth or teeth. This step requires
fixing the top of the implant(s) onto the anchor post(s).
For this step, the surgeon will first uncover each implant
anchor, and connect it to a small post that protrudes above
the gum-line.
Ready for Restoration
Once the lab has completed their custom fabrication of your
artificial teeth or restoration, Dr. Gatewood or Dr. Stephens
will complete the final step of implant placement process,
carefully using the prepared restoration to cover your
protruding implant posts. This results in a secure, attractive,
replacement tooth or set of teeth, designed to function
as effectively as your remaining natural teeth. Depending
on the number of teeth involved, this final part of the
implant process usually requires only a short time to complete.
Statistics of Success
Those unfamiliar with implant technology may question the
success rate of such procedures. Surprisingly enough, the
technology is well over 25 years old, and has proven successful
in tooth replacement, depending primarily on the recipient's
health, as well as the location and function of the teeth
being replaced. Teeth placed in the lower front jaw may
be up to 95% successful, while side or rear placements
may be only 90% successful. It's also best if recipients
are in good general health, with proper bone structure
and healthy gums. Often, people unable to wear dentures
are among those who benefit most from dental implants. On the
other hand, chronic health problems such as clenching,
bruxism, or systemic diseases may decrease the success
rate of the procedure immensely. Finally, those who smoke
or drink alcohol may also be poor implant candidates.
Cost and Commitment
Due to the surgery involved, implant procedures are typically
more expensive than traditional bridgework. However, dental
and medical insurance may cover portions of such restoration.
It's best to discuss this with our doctors and our staff
during your evaluation for implant placement, so that we
can assist you in working with your insurance company.
Finally, as an implant candidate, you should seriously consider
your own commitment to future oral health. As you might imagine,
poor oral hygiene itself is a common cause of implant failure.
This means that you'll want to be sure and brush and floss
around your implants at least twice a day, according to the
specific instructions we give you. Further, you may need
up to four annual professional cleanings to maintain healthy
gums.
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