Implants

Despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans suffer tooth loss - mostly due to tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. But, today, dental implants are available.

To replace missing teeth, dentists have several options. One of the most permanent solutions currently available is dental implants, which use the unique properties of titanium to actually implant a replacement tooth into the patient's mouth. First, small titanium screw, the implant, is implanted in the jawbone; over the next 2-3 months, the bone actually fuses with the titanium to form an extremely strong bond. A crown is then cemented to its new titanium root. This creates a durable, natural looking replacement for the missing tooth. Though this process takes longer than designing traditional, removable dentures and bridges, it is often more durable due to the titanium root with a consistent history of 90% plus success long term.

Where and how can implants be used? You can replace 1 or more teeth most anywhere in the mouth.  Your limits are generally the quality of bone and any major health issues. Secure Your Dentures.  You can use 2-4 implants to secure a lower denture and return function, comfort and self confidence.

How many denture wearers have you seen take them out to eat?  What is the point of having dentures if you cannot function with them?  A person wearing an upper denture can place 4-6 implants and have a new denture fabricated with the palate open again like they did before they lost their upper teeth.  You can actually taste food again and significantly reduce the taste of plastic when you eat.  No more being in public and having your dentures come out when you sneeze or cough.  How much would you like that?

A person that has a set of dentures in good shape can often have implants placed, wear the dentures over them while they heal and the titanium fuses to the bone and then have those dentures retrofitted to the implants to snap in and out. You go from minimally functioning dentures to ones you can actually eat with.

Secure a removable partial.  Let’s say you have a couple of teeth left on the right and loose the last abutment tooth on the left.  You partial now floats on the left and is putting tremendous stress on the remaining abutment teeth on the right which will lead to their future failure.  You could place 1-2 implants on the left and in many cases retrofit you existing partial to attach to them and you have stability and function again.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.  Long Term success has been documented at over 90% long term.

Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.

Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.

Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult and cause further rapid deterioration of the bone which makes the problem even worse. . Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.

Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and function, helping you to feel better about yourself.

Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.  The do not get tooth decay or need root canals.  They can get periodontal (gum) disease. How do you take care of them? Brush and floss them just like regular teeth and see your dentist and dental hygienist ever 6 months.  We can help take care of what you miss or cannot see.  Just because something does not hurt does not mean there is not a problem.  We can help with you take care of your investment and oral health.

Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 90%. With proper care (see below), implants can last a lifetime.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or hearth disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

Many insurance plans do cover implants these days with more coming on board every year.  Our office can help you determine whether your plan covers implants.  You can also contact your Human Resources person where you work. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with Myra, our Insurance and Finance person, and your insurance provider.

What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?

The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by Dr. Schick and an oral surgeon to make sue that you are good candidate and to develop the treatment plan for Dr. Schick to restore the implants to their planned function once they are healed. This team approach provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you.

Next, the implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone where the missing tooth was.  In the right circumstances an un-restorable tooth can be removed and the implant placed at the same time.  This must be evaluated though to determine whether you are a candidate for this type of placement.  This generally cannot be done with molars because the size of the tooth and multiple roots take up a much larger area that the implant will, and never in the presence of severe infection.  As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted titanium post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from 2-3 months on average.

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post - called an abutment - is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make your new tooth or teeth, Dr. Schick makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). Your new tooth or teeth are based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then cemented to the abutment.

Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture.

Your dentist also will match the color of your new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.

How Painful Are Dental Implants?

Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve much less pain than a tooth extraction.  General anesthesia is available for those who desire it though.  Visit with the Oral Surgeon Dr. Schick refers you to about this.  We want you to be comfortable during this procedure.

After the dental implant is placed, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin. There are exceptions though and the proper medication can be prescribed as needed.  Each case will be evaluated, and post operative care is based on the merits of the case and the information you provide us about your concerns.  Generally, though it is a very low trauma procedure and the majority of patients are surprised how well they come through it..

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.