Dental Implants
Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you have a removable denture or partial that you would love to get rid of and have something that is fixed in your mouth? If you answered yes to either of these than dental implants may be an excellent way to help you regain that natural look and feel to your chewing, speaking, and smile! Call us today for a complimentary consult and Dr. Dettmer and Dr. Bauer will speak to you about your concerns and provide you with your options.
Over the past 40 years the development of dental implants has had a positive influence on the lives of many dental patients. Dental implants are a great option for individuals with a single missing tooth or with multiple missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, bridges, or dentures.
“What is a dental implant?” video click below.
Q: What is a dental implant?
A: Dental implants are medical devices that replace the root portion of missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium “root” or post device that is surgically placed into solid bone and then has a restoration placed on top of that. We have also attached the video above that answers this question.
Q: What is the success rate of implants?
A: Dental implant success is related to quality and quantity of the bone available at the site and the patient’s oral hygiene. The consensus is that implants carry a success rate of around 95%.
Q: What is the cost of an implant?
A: It varies on many factors but the simplest most basic will run about $2000. If have dental insurance it will cover some portion of that.
Some of the advantages of implants over traditional treatments include:
1. Do not have to cut other teeth to replace space.
2. Looks and feels like your natural tooth
3. Can be used in future for bridge or removable appliance if other teeth are lost
4. Implants do not decay
Basic procedure
In its most basic form the placement of an implant requires a preparation into the bone using both hand instruments and a precision drills with highly regulated speed to prevent burning or pressure necrosis of the bone. After a variable amount of time to allow the bone to grow on to the surface of the implant, a crown can be placed on the implant. For a removable prosthesis, like a denture, the implant can often be used immediately. The abutment seen above is used to anchor the implant to whatever it is we will attach to the implant, in this case a crown. The amount of time required to place an implant will vary depending on the quality and quantity of the bone and the difficulty of the individual situation.
Surgical planning
Prior to commencement of surgery, careful and detailed planning is required to identify vital structures as well as the shape and dimensions of the bone to properly orient the implants for the most predictable outcome. Two-dimensional radiographs are always taken prior to the surgery. Sometimes, a CT scan will also be obtained. Specialized 3D CAD/CAM computer programs may be used guide the direction of the implant.
Healing time
The discomfort immediately after an implant is placed is very minimal. Over the counter ibuprofen is often enough for pain management in the vast majority of the cases. In general after the implant is placed we allow 2–6 months for healing before any restorations are placed.