What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. 

Who needs implants?

Anyone who is missing teeth can benefit from increased chewing efficiency, and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate for dental implants. 

You are a good candidate for implants if:

• you have enough jaw bone, and dense enough bone, to secure the implants
• you do not have a disease or condition that interferes with proper healing after implant surgery (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, or radiation/chemotherapy for treating cancer)

STEPS IN OBTAINING DENTAL IMPLANTS

1. Examination/consultation:  A thorough oral examination and medical consultation is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.  This is done with one of our oral surgeons and the restorative dentist who will be making the artificial tooth/teeth which will be supported by the implant.  Your exam may include several types of x-rays to provide essential information about the jaw bone and its anatomy, models of your jaws, and possibly certain blood tests. 
2. Preparing for implant surgery:  Wear loose comfortable clothing; arrange to have someone accompany you if you have general anesthesia, if you are having general anesthesia DO NOT eat or drink for 6 hours prior to surgery; and adhere to your medication schedule.
3. Implant surgery:  The placement of dental implants requires tow different surgical procedures.  In "Stage 1" surgery the implants are placed in the bone.  In "Stage 2" surgery, which takes place after the implant has fused into the jawbone and is solidly anchored in bone,  the fixture is uncovered and special posts called "abutments" are attached to the implants.  These abutments project above the gumline into the mouth, and the final artificial teeth will be fitted onto them.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SURGERY

Stage 1 Surgery

The first surgical procedure for implants involves placing the implants in the bone.  This surgery will take place in our office.  You may choose to have this done under local anesthesia (novocaine) or general anesthesia (put to sleep).  After you are anaesthetized, the surgeon will lift back the gum tissue to expose the bone and place one precisely measured hole in the bone where each implant will be inserted.  The implant fixture are inserted in the holes, then the gum tissue is replaced over the fixtures and sutures (stitches) are place.  The procedure make take several hours if multiple implants are placed.  After surgery you will be placed in "recovery" before going home.  You should be able to return to normal activities within a day or two. Healing will take place over a 6 month period. 

Stage 2 Surgery

The second surgical procedure takes place after healing  usually 4 to 6 months after "Stage 1" surgery.  This procedure is performed at our office, usually under local anesthesia (novocaine).  The gum tissue is opened to expose the implant fixtures.  Then healing posts are attached to the fixtures.  Stage 2 is usually a relatively short procedure and you can expect to return to normal activities within one or two days if not sooner.  After healing from "Stage 2" surgery you visit your restorative dentist and begin fabrication of your new artificial teeth.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Dental implant surgery has a high rate of success but as with any surgical procedure, certain side effects or complications are possible.  These can include but are not limited to:

1. Swelling.
2. Bruising.
3. Moderate pain for the first 24 to 48 hours.
4. Trismus, or stiffness of the jaw muscles, which should disappear as swelling decreases.
5. Infection is very rare following implant surgery but occasionally an infection can occur.  If fever, persistent swelling/pain or pus develops following surgery, contact our office immediately.
6. Failure.  There is always a potential that an implant may fail.  This can be caused by a number of factors, among them are rejection by the body or inadequate maintenance by the patient following surgery.
7. Injuries can potentially occur to adjacent teeth and roots, fillings or bridgework.
8. Loss or alteration of nerve sensation, resulting in numbness or a tingling sensation in the lower lip, tongue, cheek, chin, gums, or teeth is rare but can occur if implants are placed in the lower jaw and a nearby nerve is irritated.  Usually this is temporary, although in very rare cases, if can be permanent.  We take every precaution to avoid these nerves.
9. Sinus complications
10. Bleeding can be expected following any type of surgery, but it should be easily controlled.
11. TMJ (Jaw Joint) pain is rare following implant surgery, but this can occur.  If it does, further treatment may be necessary.
12. Bone loss is rare, but may occur around the implant if proper hygiene is not maintained.
13. Jaw Fracture.  In very rare cases the manipulations required for placement of the implants in the lower jaw can fracture the jawbone.  X-rays will reveal the location of the fracture and it can then be treated.

IMPLANT MAINTENANCE

Practice meticulous home oral hygiene, following the instructions of your dentist.  Abutment posts, artificial teeth and gum tissue must be kept clean.  Home care aids such as special brushes and floss holders will help you accomplish this.  If you do not keep your implants and artificial teeth clean, your implants may fail.

While there is no guarantee of 100% success with dental implants, with careful planning by your surgeon, proper maintenance, you can expect many years of use from your implants.  In fact, current literature reports that 90% or more of implants have been retained successfully for up to 15-20 years!  Contact our offices for more information.