Implants

"Well, you know Doc, it's just a back tooth. No one will see it so I'll just get rid of it. It's not going to make a difference."

The plain truth is that it will make a difference. The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. "Well, if that's true, tell me more. I sure don't want to lose the front ones that I smile with."

Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. Just like two gears of a car that are not properly aligned, pretty soon you've got a whole lot of problems.

"Well, I don't like that. What can I do?" If it sounds like I've heard this conversation a few times, you're right. If I'm going to keep a patient happy, I need to provide options at this point.

One of the options would be an implant. This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically placed. It is then followed by the careful construction of a crown to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss.

If you have any questions about missing teeth and possible implant treatment, please call our office.

Replacing Your Missing Tooth

When a tooth is lost, it is important that it be replaced as quickly as possible.  If this is not done, teeth next to the space begin to drift and teeth above or below the space move.

The result is a "collapsing" of the bite and an unstable bite relationship.  There is also a much greater chance of developing periodontal disease around these teeth.

Tooth replacement may take a number of forms.  However, if the missing tooth is to be replaced by something which is not removed daily, then the two most predictable types of treatment are a fixed bridge or a single tooth implant.

While a fixed bridge may be completed in a shorter time, it has the disadvantage of requiring that the teeth adjacent to the space be filed down, removing all the outer surface (enamel) from the teeth.  A three unit bridge is then fabricated in a laboratory and cemented into place.

Over time, a bridge may have to be replaced due to a cavity forming underneath it.

Placement of an implant eliminates this problem.

A pure titanium cylinder or screw is gently placed into the bone.  It is not restored for 3 to 8 months, allowing the surrounding bone to attach to and stabilize the implant.

Once the implant has healed, a single crown is placed on it by your restorative dentist.  This approach eliminates the need to file down the adjacent teeth.

Studies have demonstrated that implant supported crowns are at least as stable and predictable as conventional fixed bridges.

 

Commonly Asked Questions

Q     How long does a single implant procedure take?

A    The visit to place a single implant is about an hour long.  Depending upon the type of implant placed, a 15-20 minute visit may be necessary in 3-6 months to uncover the top of the implant and place a healing cap.

Q     Will the implant procedure hurt?

A     Only "novocaine" is necessary to place a single implant.  During the visit you will feel nothing once the area has been numbed.  When the "novocaine" wears off, there will be some mild discomfort.  Medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort you might experience.  This procedure will not cause you to miss work, etc.

Q     What is the cost of a single implant?

A     The cost of a single implant will vary with the situation.  However, your dentist will ensure this is discussed with you thoroughly before proceeding with any treatment.

Q     How well do implants work?

A     Implants are highly predictable, with many studies reporting success rates well above 90%.  While neither implants nor any other procedure is 100% predictable in your body, when performed correctly, implant placement is highly successful.  It is important to realize that if an implant fails, it is not a rejection or infection phenomenon.  If the bone does not "attach" to the implant, it is loose and cannot be used.  In this case, the implant is removed and another one is placed, which almost always succeeds.