Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants
Millions of individuals have at least one dental implant. The technology making them easier to shape and install have created a boon for the field. With this in mind, the pre-op work should not be overlooked. Getting your implants is a routine procedure, but making a plan is the best way to ensure their success.
Nearly anyone who has missing teeth can get implants. If you have diabetes that is not controlled, smoke, have gum disease, or cancer the ability of your implants to fuse to your bone can be affected. It is best to bring these issues up at your initial consultation so your dentist can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Just like some other dental visits, the implants process starts off with 3D scans of your mouth using a CT scanner. The imaging makes sure that your implant is exactly the right size and in the perfect position in relationship to your jaw bone.
When you have teeth removed, your alveolar bone (the bone surrounding your teeth) starts to shrink. Within the first year, a quarter of the original tissue can be lost. Within the next few years, it continues to decrease. Once the alveolar bone disappears, your jawbone will begin to shrink.
If your tooth is being removed just before the implant is placed, your dentist may graft in some bone to prevent the bone from shrinking. In some cases, bone can be regrown to this same effect. When implants are installed they are fused to the existing bone. This stops the bone from being lost after tooth removal.
Putting in implants is not a one-person job. No matter how skilled a dentist is, a full dental team is needed for the procedure. The team includes a periodontist or an oral surgeon with implant training, a lab tech, and a restorative dentist.
There are two types of implants you can get, depending on your needs. The first is a single tooth replacement, the second is a fixed multiple tooth replacement. With the first option, you will have a custom made crown attached to the implant. The crown will be either screwed or cemented in to keep it permanently in place. When multiple teeth are replaced, a temporary cap is placed until the area is healed. Then a permanent version will be affixed. It is also standard procedure to place a few implants into your jaw if a lower denture needs to be held in place.
The best thing about implants is that even though they vary in structure, your implants will look, feel, and act like your natural teeth. Implants aren’t susceptible to periodontitis, but there is a condition called implantitis that can affect you after getting implants. To avoid this, go to a qualified, well reviewed dentist and make all your follow up appointments a priority. If one of your implants breaks or cracks, they can be removed by your dentist and new ones will be attached in their place. This step is easy and can be carried out without extra surgery.
Before treating gum, tooth, or other oral problems consult with Dr. JJ Edderai. A dental check-up every three to four months will allow Dr. Edderai to keep a watchful eye on your oral health and prevent cavities before they start. For answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, visit my FAQ page at http://www.northmiamibeachdentist.com/faqs/.
Copyright Dr. Jean-Jacques Edderai -2016