Dental Implant FAQ Swansboro, NC
Anyone who has suffered through significant tooth loss has probably considered a lot of artificial tooth solutions. One of the best and most widely used are dental implants. While patients may be uncertain about the idea of dental implants vs dentures, there are many benefits to implants. Dental implants cannot slip out of place the way dentures can, and dental implants appear like natural teeth. Most people are aware of dental implants but not sure about what all is needed to have them placed. For those patients curious to know more about dental implants, please contact our Swansboro Family Dentistry office so we can schedule you for a consultation appointment and give you answers to all of your questions.
What Makes Up a Dental Implant?
While most people think implants are simply a single piece placed in the oral cavity, they are actually three. The three pieces are known as the implant, abutment, and the crown. The implant is the first piece inserted and is the only component directly embedded into the jawbone of the patient. This provides the supportive structure for the remaining two components. The second section, known as the abutment, is inserted into the implant and gives a base for the third and final component. This component is known as the crown and can be customized in shape and color to match the remaining teeth in the oral cavity. The dental crown is also the only portion of the dental implant that is visible above the gumline.
Can Dental Implants Be Placed in One Appointment?
The placement of dental implants typically takes more than one appointment, and they span a number of months. The initial appointment includes a full examination and assessment to formulate a treatment plan to determine the course of the placement procedure. For some patients, there may need to be additional appointments to prepare the oral cavity such as root canals, gum or bone grafts, or tooth extractions.
What Happens in the Dental Implant Procedure?
The dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that involves surgically placing an artificial tooth root into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge:
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Initial Consultation and Evaluation
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Tooth Extraction (If Needed)
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Bone Grafting (If Necessary)
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Implant Placement
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Healing and Osseointegration
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Abutment Placement
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Crown or Prosthetic Tooth Placement
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Aftercare and Follow-Up |
Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?
The endosteal implant is the one most widely relied upon for dental implant placements. They are embedded into the upper and lower jaw and allowed to heal for a number of weeks. When the healing process is complete, the abutment is then attached to the implant. This is allowed to heal as well, taking a few weeks to fully heal. Then the crown is placed once the site is ready. This type of implant can be used for a single tooth or for a series of teeth.
When there is minimal jawbone to support the implants a subperiosteal implant is typically used. This employs the use of a metal framework which is placed on top of the existing bone structure. Over time the framework fuses with the bone and the other two components of the implant can be affixed to it.
Do Dental Implants Work If I Have More Than One Missing Tooth?
Although dental implants were traditionally used to replace one tooth, the new techniques mean that a row of several missing teeth or even all of your teeth can now be replaced with dental implants without adhering to the one implant replaces one tooth rule.
Thus, several missing teeth in a row can be replaced with an implant-supported bridge. If you have three missing teeth, two dental implants can replace the teeth on each side of the gap, with a bridge covering the middle gap.
If you have lost all (or nearly all) of the teeth in either jaw, they can all be replaced with a fixed, permanent arch of teeth supported on four dental implants (the All-on-4®). A removable arch is called an overdenture or implant-supported denture and that can be fixed with as little as two dental implants on the bottom jaw, but is likely to be four or more for the upper.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
In general, if you are in overall good health, you may be a candidate to receive dental implants. There are some health conditions and situations, however, which may prevent you from having implants to replace your missing teeth.
I Have Bone Loss in the Jawbone - Am I Suitable?
Bone loss in the jawbone is a problem for the placing of dental implants. However, that does not mean you are entirely excluded from having the treatment, depending on several factors.
The extent of your bone loss will need to be measured with scans and x-rays. The cause of your bone loss may have a bearing on whether you are suitable for implants. If your bone loss is caused by advanced periodontal disease (gum disease), you may have bone loss across the jawbone, which may make it difficult (but not impossible) to place dental implants.
Bone loss can be remedied with a bone graft, although it will take between three to 12 months following the graft before enough healthy bone is generated to support an implant. Some implant solutions, such as the All-on-4 may be successful even with bone loss, depending on where the implants need to be placed.
I Have Diabetes - Can I Still Have Implants?
Diabetes can be an issue for the successful placement of dental implants for two reasons. First, patients with diabetes take longer to heal, which could be a problem. When the implants have been placed, the fusion of the implant and bone is crucial. Second, patients with diabetes are prone to infection and gum disease which is an issue throughout the life of the implant. However, some steps can be taken to ensure the success of your dental implants, including having good control of your diabetes, an excellent oral hygiene regime, and regular check-ups with the dentist.
I Smoke - Can I Have Dental Implants?
We're all aware of the damage smoking does to the body but it can have a devastating effect on the success of your dental implants. For this reason, many dentists will not place implants in patients who smoke, as the risk of implant failure is too great. If you are considering dental implants, what better time to kick the smoking habit for good?
For more dental implant FAQs speak to our experts at Swansboro Family Dentistry by calling 910-421-3022 to schedule an appointment.
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