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- What is the life span of a dental implant?
The long-term success of the dental implant depends on bone quality, health of the implant recipient, home care, and frequency of professional care. Dental implant, if maintained properly can last a lifetime and doesn’t require replacement. This is in contrast to a bridge, removable partial denture or a complete denture, which usually on average lasts for fifteen to twenty years.
- Are dental implants right for me?
Nearly everyone is a good candidate for implants. Possible contraindications include poorly controlled diabetes and smoking. Consult a dental professional to determine if you are a good candidate.
- Why go with a dental implant?
Replacing a missing tooth with an implant provides superior function, stability and esthetics. A dental implant is the standard of care for replacing missing tooth or teeth and is the best alternative in the wide range of treatment options.
- What materials are dental implants made out of?
Dental implants are usually made from pure titanium. Titanium has been found to be biocompatible, meaning that our bone will fuse with the implant. There are some dental implants made out of titanium alloys. These are also biocompatible, however they provide more tensile strength and fracture resistance. This alloy composition will allow the implant to withstand more biting pressure. The alloy is made up of titanium, 6 % Aluminum and 4% Vanadium alloy.
- Are there any allergies to titanium?
Allergies to titanium are very rare but tend to occur with other metal allergies. About 4 percent of all patients tested will have a positive reaction. Contact an allergist for testing if you have had a reaction to other metals. Studies have shown that titanium alloy contains traces of nickel as a result of the production process. This may lead to a reaction to nickel that is falsely attributed to titanium.
- How much discomfort should I expect to be in during and after the placement of the dental implant?
Discomfort usually is very minimal. The entire procedure is completed under local anesthesia. Post-operatively common anti-inflammatory agents are sufficient to control any discomfort.
- Is the dental implant prone to cavities or gum disease?
Dental implants cannot get cavities because they are made up of metal. However, they are prone to bone loss observed with gum disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings.
- How do I keep the implant clean?
A single implant supported crown would be maintained like any other tooth with flossing and brushing. Implant supported denture can be taken out and washed under running water with a denture brush and the implants cleaned as individual teeth.
- Are the implant supported crowns and dentures removable?
Implant crowns are attached permanently and can only be removed by a professional. Implant supported dentures can be removed for cleaning of the implants and the denture. This will ensure long-term health of the dental implant.
- Are there any complications associated with placement of dental implants? Complications do exist but are not very common. Dental implants can fail to integrate with the bone and come out. They can fracture or break. There can be problems with the connection between the implant and the final crown. Infection or an inflammatory condition in the soft tissue or bone is possible as a result of the implant placement. Nerve damage in the lower jaw and damage to the maxillary sinus or the nasal cavity. All of these complications are rare and usually account for less than 5% of all dental implant procedures. These complications can usually be easily corrected.
- How long after the dental implant or implants are placed before they can be used to support a crown, dental bridge or denture?
Protocol that was originally developed clearly states that we must wait at least three months in the lower jaw and four to six months in the upper jaw before we can begin to construct the new dental prosthesis that will be supported by the implants. In selected cases where esthetic appearance is a concern, a temporary crown can be placed on the day of implant placement surgery.
- What are immediate loading dental implants?
Immediate loading dental implants are conventional implants that are placed in the upper or lower jaw and restored all in the same day. The restoration can be a full denture or a single crown. The main benefit of immediate dental implant placement is that the patient gets a tooth or teeth, the same day as the surgery.
- Which teeth can be replaced by dental implants?
Dental implants can replace any missing teeth in the mouth. The type of implant used by the dentist will depend on the location of the missing tooth or teeth and the type and amount of bone available.
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Disclaimer
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The content of this site is provided for information only and not for medical advice. This site makes no claims as to the accuracy of its information and is not a substitute for direct consultation with your health care professional |
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