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Procedures | Dental
Implants
Crowns and conventional
bridges or dentures may
not be your only options
when replacing missing
teeth. For some people,
dental implants offer a
smile that looks and
feels very natural.
Surgically placed below
the gums over a series
of appointments,
implants fuse to the
jawbone and serve as a
base for individual
replacement teeth,
bridges or a denture.
Implants offer stability
because they fuse to
your bone. Integration
of the implants into
your jaw also helps your
replacement teeth feel
more natural and some
people also find the
secure fit more
comfortable than
conventional
substitutes.
Candidates for dental
implants need to have
healthy gums and
adequate bone to support
the implant. A thorough
evaluation by your
dentist will help
determine whether you
are a good candidate for
dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there another
way I can have a tooth replaced other than a
bridge?
Yes. Dental implants can provide artificial
teeth that look natural and feel secure. Dental
implants can also be used to attach full or
partial dentures. Implants, however, are not an
option for everyone. Because implants require
surgery, patients must be in good health, have
healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the
implant and be committed to meticulous oral
hygiene and regular dental visits. If you are
considering implants, a thorough evaluation by
your dentist will help determine if you would be
a good candidate.
What is involved
in placing implants?
First, surgery is
performed to place the anchor. Surgery can take
up to several hours, and up to six months may be
required for the bone to grow around the anchor
and firmly hold it in place. Some implants
require a second surgery in which a post is
attached to connect the anchor to the
replacement teeth. With other implants, the
anchor and post are already attached and are
placed at the same time.
After the gums have had
several weeks to heal, the next step is begun.
The artificial teeth are made and fitted to the
post portion of the anchor. Because several
fittings may be required, this step can take one
to two months to complete.
Implant surgery can be
done either in a dental office or in a hospital,
depending upon a number of factors. A local or
general anesthetic may be used. Usually pain
medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are
prescribed. Your dentist will give you
instructions on diet and oral hygiene.
Information provided by the ADA, American
Dental Association,
www.ada.org
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