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Dental Implants

  1. What exactly is a dental implant?
  2. Are dental implants a good way of replacing missing teeth?
  3. Can implant-supported crowns and bridges look good?
  4. Will I be able to chew well with teeth anchored by implants?
  5. Can implants support or anchor a fixed bridge if all the teeth have been lost?
  6. Can dental implants support removable partial dentures?
  7. Can implants be used to firm up loose full dentures?
  8. How will I know whether I can receive dental implant treatment?
  9. Can medical problems make implant placement impossible?
  10. What can be done if there is not enough bone left for implant placement?
  11. What does an implant restoration consist of?
  12. How are dental implants placed in the jawbone?
  13. How long must an implant be left under the gum before it is ready for use?
  14. Is the placement of implants uncomfortable or painful?
  15. Will I need to be off work after the dental implant placement?
  16. Will I be toothless until my implant and restoration are ready?

“Another option for the replacement of missing teeth is the use of dental implants. These are used not only in patients that have lost teeth due to caries and periodontal diseases, but also to restore form and function in patients treated for trauma, cranio-facial cancers, hereditary tooth defects, and other abnormalities.” U.S. Surgeon General’s Report

 
1. What exactly is a dental implant?

  • A dental implant is a root replacement.
  • It is a fine rod of metal that is inserted or “planted” into the jawbone.
  • The natural root which was removed when the tooth was extracted, is now replaced by a metal root.
  • Implants can allow tooth replacement when teeth have not developed because of hereditary or congenital factors.
  • Titanium is the metal of choice.
    • It is exceptionally well tolerated in the human body.
    • Rejection is seldom, if ever, a problem.
    • It is a very strong and durable metal.
  • An implant is made up of two parts: The root or body, and the abutment.
  • The root is embedded in the bone and the abutment is the part that is visible in the mouth.
  • The root portion is left under the gum while bone is growing around it. The abutment is attached at a later stage.
  • Crowns and bridges are attached to the abutments.
  • Dentures can be made more stable by being supported by abutments.
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Implant
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Natural tooth + Crown on implant

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2. Are dental implants a good way of replacing missing teeth?

  • Dental implants are very successful for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
  • Implants can be used to anchor or support individual crowns.
  • They can also support or anchor bridges, replacing one or more missing teeth.
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X-ray of implant + crown
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Result

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3. Can implant-supported crowns and bridges look good?

  • Crowns and bridges that rest on implants can be made to look aesthetic and to match the surrounding natural teeth.
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Implant body under gum
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Abutment or core
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Crown on implant

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4. Will I be able to chew well with teeth anchored by implants?

  • Teeth anchored by dental implants should allow perfectly normal chewing.

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5. Can implants support or anchor a fixed bridge if all the teeth have been lost?

  • Implants can support fixed bridges, even in cases where all the teeth have been lost.
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8 implants
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Bridge on implants

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6. Can dental implants support removable partial dentures?

  • The firmness and comfort of removable partial dentures can be markedly improved by using dental implants for added support.
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2 implants
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X-ray of implants
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Dentures over implants

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7. Can implants be used to firm up loose full dentures?

  • The placement of just 2 implants can make a full denture firmer and more stable.
  • Lower dentures are usually less firm and comfortable than upper dentures.
  • Implants in the lower jaw can improve the stability of lower dentures.
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2 implants + bar
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Denture over implants

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8. How will I know whether I can receive dental implant treatment?

  • The dentist will make a thorough examination of your mouth.
  • X-rays will be taken to show the quality and quantity of the bone, which is to receive the implant.

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9. Can medical problems make implant placement impossible?

  • Most people are able to have dental implant treatment.
  • A few conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis or bleeding disorders may present problems if they are not properly controlled.

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10. What can be done if there is not enough bone left for implant placement?

  • Dentists are now able to rebuild or regenerate enough bone to make implants possible.

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11. What does an implant restoration consist of?

  • The implant restoration consists of:
    • The implanted titanium root which is embedded in the jawbone.
    • The replacement crown which is cemented or screwed to the new implant. The crown will cover and be supported by the abutment of the implant.
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Crown on implant

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12. How are dental implants placed in the jawbone?

  • Under cover of local anaesthesia, a small incision is made in the gum.
  • A hole is prepared in the bone and the implant root is placed in it.
  • The gum is then stitched closed over the implant.

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13. How long must an implant be left under the gum before it is ready for use?

  • The root of the implant is left covered by the gum for 3-6 months for healing to take place.

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14. Is the placement of implants uncomfortable or painful?

  • Implant placement is carried out with local anesthesia and so it is generally painless.
  • There may be some discomfort after the placement.
  • This discomfort can be lessened with an analgesic.
  • There can be some swelling, which may be treated by applying ice packs.

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15. Will I need to be off work after the dental implant placement?

  • When only a few implants are placed, it may not be necessary.
  • Placement of a large number of implants may require some time off work.

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16. Will I be toothless until my implant and restoration are ready?

  • Not for long, if at all.
    • Temporary tooth replacements can be fitted.
    • They are functional: you will be able to eat comfortably and well.
    • They are aesthetic: they will look natural and attractive.
  • Obviously your permanent restoration will be better in every way.

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Copyright © 2012 of Simplyteeth – All rights reserved.
The material contained in Simplyteeth.com is offered as information only, see our full legal disclaimer.

This website has been invisibly watermarked to protect the copyright.

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