Dental Implants

What are implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth with a screw post that is inserted into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth or to give support to a bridge. Implants do not attach to other teeth as bridges do, and therefore are not as destructive to other teeth. They function and look like any other tooth and can help with speech and confidence.

Who can get an implant?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, injury or other reasons can be considered for an implant. They must be in good general and dental health. Age is not much of a factor, as long as they are healthy. Your dentist should discuss this with you to ultimately determine if an implant is right for you.

How long do they last?
Implants should last a lifetime. With proper care and hygiene, there should not be any problems. A bridge alternative has a lower success rate and occasionally has to be re-cemented. From dentist's reports, implants are a lifetime investment and prove to be more functional than a bridge.

What types of implants are there?
There are single tooth implants, multiple teeth implants, and full mouth implants. When more than one tooth is being repaired, a bridge is used to connect two end implants. On a full mouth, all of the natural teeth will be replaced and some of the roots. These can be full bridge or full dentures, supported by implants.

What is the procedure?
For all three types of implants mentioned above, the procedure is practically the same, varying only with the number of posts and bridges used. First, the implant is placed in the bone. This is a screw-like metal piece that is left for two to six months to bond with the bone. During this time a temporary can be worn over the implant. In the second stage a small metal extension piece is added to the end of the screw as a foundation for the tooth replacement. Once the gum has healed, the final replacement tooth called a crown is put in place. After time, you are able to use the implant as a full functioning tooth, and it will not be noticeable that it is not your real tooth.
The pictures show a single tooth implant. The first image shows the second step, and the other shows the finished product.

What are the benefits?
Benefits from an implant include being able to chew and speak properly, and enjoy all types of food. With another type of partial, you may be restricted to the food you can eat, in fear of damaging the partial. With an implant, it will look, feel, and function like a normal tooth. You also benefit from protection of other teeth and the jaw bone, because it is not adhering to other teeth.

What treatment follows the implant?
After an implant, it becomes just like any of your other teeth. It too requires daily maintenance of brushing and flossing to remove the plaque that builds up. Properly maintaining your implant will add to its long-term success. You will also need to visit your periodontist and dentist regularly to make sure everything is working like it should.

How much do they cost?
Because every mouth is different, each case can vary in price. The number of implants and artificial teeth will dictate the overall cost. Procedures can be done before getting and implant that can help reduce the cost by going with implant alternatives. As mentioned in the types of implants section, a full mouth implant does not require a post for each tooth being replaced. This will help reduce the cost significantly.

After weighing all of your options and discussing with both your dentist and periodontist, you can make a decision that is right for you. Implants are more expensive than other procedures, but can last a lifetime serving as a fully functional tooth.

Information provided by American Academy of Periodontology and Dental Implants.