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Implant
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What are dental
implants? Dental implants are basically sophisticated screws made of a
medically pure metal, Titanium. These screws are then placed in the
jaw bone and rest under the gum for 3 - 6 months. During this time
they actually fuse to the jawbone and become osseo(bone)integrated.
After the appropriate healing time, we uncover the implants and use
them to replace one or more missing teeth by fabricating some sort of
dental prosthesis.
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How long have
implants been used in dentistry? Dental implants have been available
for the past 50 or so years. There are significant differences,
however, between the various types of implants that have been used to
replace missing teeth. These differences are important since they are
directly related to the implants success rates. The implants currently
in use today, OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANTS, were originally developed in
Sweden by Dr. P.I. Branemark., a Swedish Orthopedist approximately
25-30 years ago. They have been used in the U.S. for the past 12
years.
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I understand they
originated in Sweden? Is there a difference between the different
implant manufacturers? All implants in use in the United States are
regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Originally, the only
system available was the Noblepharma™ Branemark implant. Today,
there are numerous implant companies in use on a daily basis. All of
these companies are FDA approved and must meet very stringent
requirements. Your dental team will choose the system that is best for
you and the one that allows them to accomplish your mutual restorative
goal.
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What are implants
made of? Implants are made of commercially and medically pure
Titanium. This is the same metal that has been successfully used in
hip implants for many years. It is inert and is not known to cause any
type of rejection phenomenon.
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How complicated
is the surgery? Implant surgery is done in two stages. The first stage
involves the placement of the implants into the available jaw bone.
This is most commonly done with just local anesthesia. It is
complicated only in the sense that the surgery requires great
precision. Every attempt is made to insure success. The room is set up
similar to an operating room, the equipment thoroughly sterilized and
the most modern techniques utilized. Stage two involves the uncovering
of the implants after they have integrated ( fused ). This can be
accomplished with minor gum surgery or with a dental laser and is a
relatively minor procedure. In both instances, minimal postoperative
discomfort is noticed. You will be given the appropriated antibiotics
and analgesics just as a precaution. Very definitive postoperative
instruction will be given to you at the time of surgery. If you follow
the guidelines, everything should proceed without a hitch.
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Can implants be
rejected? No! They are made of an inert metal which has no history of
rejection by the body. They are not a living organ such as the lung or
liver and therefore there is no rejection phenomenon. If failure
should occur, and this is only a remote possibility, it is mechanical
in nature and not due to rejection by the body. By the way, depending
on the source you read, implants are anywhere from 85-95 percent
successful depending upon certain factors such as implant location,
amount and quality of bone etc. These factors will be evaluated before
we place your implants. If you have any questions regarding this or
any other aspect of the implant process, ask your dentist.
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If I lose several
teeth, do they each have to be replaced with a separate implant? No.
Although implants simulate the roots of teeth, biomechanically one
implant can be used to replace one or more teeth. This will depend
upon the mechanical requirements of your chosen prosthesis. At your
consultation your dentist will discuss the various treatment
alternatives and the type and number of implants that are needed in
order to fulfill our treatment objectives.
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What about
infection and complications? During the surgery every attempt is made
to maintain a totally sterile field. This tends to minimize any
potential for postoperative infection. Once again, your dentist will
prescribe the appropriate antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Once
the implants have been engaged in your prosthesis, it is imperative
for you to maintain scrupulous oral hygiene. Success very often
depends on your cooperation and homecare <implcare.htm> efforts.
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What types of
restorations can be placed on implants? The answer to this question
depends upon your treatment objectives. This can vary from simple
removable prostheses, using the implants for retention , to totally
implant supported porcelain fused to metal crowns and bridges. Implant
bridges can be either removable or fixed (not removable) depending
upon the number of implants. We are now finally able to replace single
or multiple missing teeth returning the dentition to a biologically
healthy and esthetically pleasing state.
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Will I be able to
chew and function normally? Yes. Once your implants have integrated,
you will be able to function normally without any unusual sensations.
Your chewing ability will really depend upon the type of prosthesis
you have chosen.
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How long is the
entire implant process? Dental implants take approximately 3-4 months
in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper to integrate. Once
integrated, it takes several visits to several months to complete the
restoration depending upon the complexity.
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What is the cost?
The cost of implant dentistry is based upon a combination of the
surgical phase and the prosthetic phase. Your total treatment fee will
depend upon the number of implants and the complexity of your final
restoration.
We hope that this
brief explanation will answer some of your questions regarding implant
dentistry. Your dentist will be happy to discuss any of these questions
with you at your consultation. Please write down your questions so that we
can be sure to answer them to your satisfaction.
Dental Implants
HOME CARE
INSTRUCTIONS
If you have just had
your implant prosthesis inserted or are considering an implant prosthesis,
you may be wondering what procedures are necessary for the proper
maintenance of your new prosthesis. Well, here’s the whole story in a
nutshell! The home care needed for dental implants is probably more
important than that required for your natural teeth. The appliances that
we fabricate on top of dental implants are wonders of engineering but
unfortunately, can not be designed to be maintenance free. There are many
areas around the implants and the prosthesis that need special attention
to make sure that dental plaque does not accumulate. As with your own
teeth, plaque, a sticky substance that adheres to teeth and is a breeding
area for bacteria, must be removed at least every 12 hours to avoid
potential periodontal ( peri-implant ) disease. What are the tools needed
to combat peri-implant disease and how should they be implemented.
The care of your
Implant Prosthesis consists of three steps:
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Educating and
training you about proper oral hygiene techniques.
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Removal of plaque
and calculus (tartar) on a regularly scheduled basis by your
Hygienist.
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Maintaining
meticulous oral hygiene between your recall visits.
Home plaque control
is a critical component of your implant care. The following devices have
proved extremely helpful in plaque removal and as tools in the proper
maintenance of dental implant/prostheses.
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Soft Toothbrush,
End Tuft Brush, Proxy Brush™v
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Dental Floss(
i.e. Post Care Dental Implant Floss, SuperFloss™ )
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Rotadent™
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Oral Irrigation
Devices ( i.e. Water Pik™)
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Mouthwashes
containing essential oils ( i.e. Listerine™ )
Individual
Instruction sheets are available for each of the above mentioned cleaning
aids. Your dentist and hygienist are also available to assist you in any
way they can. Remember, it’s not the tool that counts, but the elbow
grease behind it.
The proper
maintenance of your dental implant prosthesis must be a good blend of
proper hygiene technique, appropriate instrumentation and adequate
frequency. Your hygienist will suggest a suitable recall schedule for you
based upon the complexity of your dental restoration. She or he will also
demonstrate each and every technique so that you can become familiar with
the tools that are required for implant care. Then it’s up to you. With
a little effort, your dental implant prosthesis can provide
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