What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are available in several different forms. The most common dental implants are called “root form implants”. Root form implants are similar to teeth in that they mimic the roots of teeth.

The implants are placed in the bone on the first clinical appointment. The dental implants are allowed to heal for a period of three to six months. After this healing time the implants are examined to ascertain their “osteo-integration”, or degree of fusion to the bone. The implant then can be prepared to accept the final prosthetic components. Implants are made of a highly biocompatible material called titanium, which cannot decay and does not need root canal therapy. An advantage of implants is that they stimulate bone growth and thus prevent future bone loss. Bone behaves similar to muscle. When the muscle is stimulated and active, it will grow. If the muscle stops being active, it shrinks. The same events occur with bone, however if bone disappears, it can only be replaced with a bone graft.

In cases where multiple implants need to be placed or in areas where the bone topology is difficult,, advanced technology such as Simplant Planner or Nobel Biocare Nobel-Guide can be used to very accurately place the implants. This software uses CT scans to very accurately visualize the bone in 3-dimensions for accurate implant placement. See our Advanced Technology section for more information!

How long Will An Implant Last?

Modern dental implants have been maintained in individual cases for more than forty years. An implant, although made of metal, still requires continued care after placement. This includes patient home care and professional maintenance. The life of the implant varies with factors of patient health, patient habits (smoking, oral hygiene), and structural overload.

What if I’ve lost too much bone already?

Luckily, there are many innovative procedures that allow you to grow new bone in your jaw. Bone grafts take bone from one area in your mouth and move it to another. A “sinus lift” can grow more bone to support the top back teeth. Ten years ago we thought this was impossible, but with these new procedures almost anyone can replace their missing teeth with implants.It is important to replace missing teeth as soon as they are lost. This will keep as much healthy bone as possible in the areas where there are no teeth. It’s important not to wait for problems to develop. Untreated, problems will develop. It’s only a matter of time.

When do I start losing bone?

As soon as a tooth is lost, either from gum disease or from a surgical procedure, the supporting bone starts to melt away. This bone is part of your jaw. About 40-60% of the bone is lost from the area where a tooth was extracted within the first two years. Even worse, the remaining bone also become less “dense” and subsequently less able to hold implants.

Why is replacing missing teeth so important?

Replacement of missing teeth is essential to maintaining the jawbone. That is why a tooth should be replaced very soon after it is lost. Dental implants are man-made replacements for natural teeth. The actual dental implant replaces the root of the missing tooth. It is then used as an anchor to secure the replacement tooth or teeth. Implants allow us to replace missing teeth without harming the healthy natural teeth adjacent to the space. This reduces the future risk of root canals and decay under crowns. Over time, due to lack of use, more of the jawbone disintegrates until it becomes quite difficult to place an implant restoration.
Psychological Significance of Tooth Loss

20% of edentulous (without teeth) patients don’t wear both removable prosthesis all the time.

7% of edentulous patients are not able to wear their dentures at all

88% of denture wearers have difficulty with speech

(NIH Oral health of US Adults National Findings Publ. No87 1987

For more information on the health benefits of dental implants, please see Dr. Gibbs’ blog site at http://smileglenellyn.typepad.com/blog/

What Are Mini-implants?

The MDI System consists of a miniature titanium implant that acts like the root of your tooth, and a retainer fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture. Advantages of the mini implants are:

• Placed in as little as one visit
• Low cost: usually about half of traditional implants
• No long healing period
• Secures dentures immediately

Mini-implants can take the anxiety out of waiting for permanent full sized implants to “take hold.” If the implants are being placed to stabilize a denture or to replace a long bridge or partial denture, mini-implants can stabilize replacement teeth to function comfortably and predictably in the interim

Implant Replacement or Tooth Supported Bridges?

One decision that many patients have to decide on is whether to replace lost teeth with an implant or bridge. A summary of the advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

BRIDGE ADVANTAGES

1. Can be completely in about two weeks.
2. Look natural and are strong.
3. Can be less expensive (short term!) than implants.
4. Can be used to additionally realign misplaced teet.

BRIDGE DISADVANTAGES

1. Bone loss is not stopped in the areas where the teeth are lost-leading to gaps and food getting caught beneath bridgework over time.
2. Difficult to floss beneath requiring special floss or cleaners.
3. If any of the supporting crowns are compromised or get decay around them, the entire bridge needs to be replaced.
4. Expected longevity only 5 to 15 years.
5. The teeth that will be needed to support the bridge, even if they are in good condition, will need to be drilled away to fit supporting crowns

IMPLANT ADVANTAGES

1. Preserves the bone in the areas where the teeth are lost.
2. Much easier to floss and clean around than bridges Longevity 15 to 40 years.
3. Are not susceptible to decay

IMPLANT DISADVANTAGES

1. Initial cost is usually more expensive than bridgework.
2. If the patient waited too long for the implant to be placed additional procedures may need to done to increase the amount of bone for implant support.

In short, most patients find that the implant replacement to more comfortable and easier to care and get less caught around them. The cost of implants is more costly short term, but over a 5 to 20 year period much less expensive and expected longevity is greater. Surrounding teeth are also healthier with implant replacement.

Replacing a Partial Denture with Implants

Many patient object to having “something removable” in their mouth. Commonly they complain about the feel of all the tooth clasps, food and order getting beneath the partial denture, and ehe look of the clasps when they smile. Here is how we can substitute dental impalnts for a partial denture!

Implant Retained Dentures (Overdentures)

Over many years the bone that used to support and retain dentures erode and the denture can become chronically loose and even fall out randomly. By placing 2 to four implants, we can now “lock-down” the denture. Bone loss is stopped in the area of the implants, but can still continue in the area behind the implants. Most patients say they can now “eat anything” again!

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant supported overdentures are the next step in comfort over the implant retained dentures. Additional implants are required for the extra support–usally 4 to 5 in the lower jaw and 5 to 6 in the upper jaw. There are several major advantages:

• The bone support is maintained in the back area of the mouth
• The denture is supported entirely by the implant allowing much greater tissue comfort and retention.
• Biting efficiency is now almost like “normal teeth.”
• Preserves your appearance and facial structure.
• Re-newed confidence and quality of life.

Implant Supported Bridges–The Ultimate Replaceement!

The Ultimate replacement for dentures that has many benefits including:

• A fixed permanent restoration for individuals who has lost all of their teeth.
• May be an “upgrade from implant retained or support overdentures.
• Lets you eat and function like having natural teeth.
• A solid and stable solution relative to dentures.
• Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss.
• Immediate function in mandible and maxilla.
• Gives a nice natural smile with better esthetics relative to dentures.
• Offers a long-lasting solution, often for life.
• Renewed confidence and improved quality of life as well.
• Are not removable–can not fall out!
• Chewing restored to the level of natural teeth.
• No plastic on the roof of the mouth allowing natural chewing and taste!

Implant Supported Bridges

The Ultimate replacement for dentures that has many benefits including:

• May be an “upgrade from implant retained or support overdentures.
• Lets you eat and function like having natural teeth.
• A solid and stable solution relative to dentures.
• Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss.
• Immediate function in mandible and maxilla.
• Gives a nice natural smile with better esthetics relative to dentures.
• Offers a long-lasting solution, often for life.
• Renewed confidence and improved quality of life as well.
• Are not removable–can not fall out!
• Chewing restored to the level of natural teeth.
• No plastic on the roof of the mouth allowing natural chewing and taste