Quite simply, dental implants are artificial
replacements of natural tooth roots. They attach firmly into the
gum and jawbone, becoming solid. Your general dentist then places
a crown onto this artificial tooth root which looks, feels and functions
like a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to anchor partial
and full dentures.
When are Dental Implants Appropriate?
Dental Implants are one method of tooth replacement.
Other methods are bridges, partial dentures and full dentures. Your
general dentist is the judge of which method is most appropriate.
What are Some of Advantages of Dental Implants?
1.
More attractive appearance. 2. Speech improvement. 3. Greater comfort. 4. Greater ability
to chew food naturally. 5.
Greater cleansability and longevity than traditional bridgework.
Why are Fixed Restorations Better?
Implants look and feel like natural teeth. As
dental implants are fixed in the jaw there are none of the problems
that can be associated with removable appliances such as dentures
and partials, including:
1.
The slipping, irritation and pain that can accompany dentures. 2. The tedious
removal for overnight soaking and cleaning. 3. Family members
seeing you without teeth. 4. The reattachment
with adhesives.
What is the Success Rate of Implants?
The success rate of Osseointegrated Dental Implants
is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene
habits, the percentage is closer to 100%.
How Long do Implants Last?
Dental implants integrate into the jawbone. Implants
have been in patient's mouths for 30 years. With excellent oral
hygiene and regular cleanings, your implant should last a lifetime.
How are Implants Placed?
First a detailed, clinical and radiographic examination
will be done to ensure you are a good candidate for implants. If
so, planning will be done in conjunction with your general dentist
to ensure your implant is placed safely and in the right location.
Then your dental implant will be placed by us during a routine office
visit. The procedure can be done under local anesthetic.
Is Dental Implant Placement Uncomfortable?
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone which
is quite easy to anesthesize using a local anesthetic. The procedure
is usually done under local anesthetic and patients often comment
that they hardly felt a thing. As with almost any dental procedure,
there may be slight discomfort for several hours after the procedure.
We normally prescribe a mild pain reliever in case this occurs.
Are Dental Implants Costly?
Dental implants are a investment
and can cost slightly more than a bridge for the same area. However
over time, the anchoring teeth for a bridge many times develop decay,
need root canals, or fracture, necessitating their replacement with
a larger bridge. For this and other reasons, implants often turn out to be much less expensive in the long run.
How Predictable is the Procedure?
The success rate of Dental Implants is between
94% and 98%. If patients practice good oral care and maintenance
of their implants and receive periodic periodontal care if needed,
dental implants can be their friends for life.
Am I a Candidate for Implants?
Implants begin with an evaluation by your general
dentist who will decide if you are good candidate for the procedure.
If he feels implants might be possible, he will send you to us for
a placement evaluation.
Questions about Implants?
As a periodontist who has placed hundreds of implants, I am happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject. If you have a
question, please do not hesitate to contact me
by phone at (617) 969-9676 or click here to e-mail me.
Newtonville 
