Implants are another option for people who are missing permanent teeth. Rather than resting on the gum line like dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors to support fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacement teeth that can be surgically placed in the jawbone. Implants are made from titanium metal, which fuses with the bone through a process called Osseo-integration.
A dental implant is designed to replace a single tooth and is composed of three parts:
- the titanium implant that is surgically placed into the jaw
- the abutment, which attaches to the exposed part of the implant
- the crown which is fitted onto the abutment to replace the missing tooth
Implant Benefits:
- helps preserve remaining natural bone structure and support face, shape and smile
- eliminates the need for removable partial and full dentures
- look and feel like natural teeth
Best Candidates
- Men and women with good oral hygiene, sufficient bone density, and who do not smoke
Consultation
The dentist will assess your x-rays/OPG to determine whether you have sufficient bone density to support an implant and if your sinus cavity is high enough. Review of your dental history to determine whether any underlying medical conditions will prohibit the successful integration of the implant to your bone. Lifestyle factors such as smoking will prevent most people from achieving successful Osseo-integration, and most implant companies and dentists will not honour the warranty on the implant if the person has been found to have smoked following their surgery.
If there is insufficient bone density, grafting surgery will be required. If the sinus cavity is too low, this will require a sinus lift procedure. These procedures will incur extra costs.
Procedure Methods
1. Staged Procedure - this method requires two surgeries with 3 to 6 months between each visit
Stage 1 - The implant is placed into the missing tooth site and is visible above the gum immediately after placement. In this procedure, your dentist can place the implants, and place a temporary crown or bridge all in one visit. The implant will not normally be ready to support a tooth for several weeks or months due to the lack of stability.
Stage 2 - some weeks or months later, the implant is uncovered and the abutment is added, supporting the replacement tooth.
2. Immediate Implants (Not all patients are suitable for this style of procedure)
All on four - This technique is most often used to treat the lower jaw and requires considerable planning before the actual day of surgery. Several implants are installed and a few hours later a complete arch of provisional or permanent teeth can be fixed in place.
Immediate single implant - For this technique a tooth is removed and an implant placed immediately into the extraction site. Providing the implant is stable, the dentist can load a provisional crown immediately.
Result
Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and probably for your lifetime and implant-supported teeth also require regular examination and hygiene appointments to maintain the health of the mouth, teeth and implants. |
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