A dental implant is a
small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the
root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed
in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time
and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental
implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many
missing teeth.
Are dental implants successful?
With more than three
decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated,
crowns and bridges supported by Nobel Biocare implants are highly
successful. Our statistics confirm a success rate of nearly
95 percent for individual implants* – even higher for the bridges
they support.
* Results based on implants
and bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.
Anyone who is missing
one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate
for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available
bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental
implants are a viable solution for you.
Is old age a
problem?
Occasionally, older patients
express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying
the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of
a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have
a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive
dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate
implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a
candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of
your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of dental implants
over dentures or a bridge?
·
Improved appearance:
When you lose entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the
jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can
stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge doesn't.
·
Maintained natural teeth:
With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing
tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants
often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
·
Permanent solution:
There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable
and comfortable. No adjustment is need after installation. Normally,
it will serve its owner for life.
EXPECTED
RESULTS
How will dental implants affect
my life?
Implant-supported replacement
teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means
that you can eat and drink whatever you are used to. You can
continue smoking as well, if you must. But most importantly,
dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete
way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of
their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent
teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Will
my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants
are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their
appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your
expectations.
Will I be able to chew with the
same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief
adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of
natural teeth.
How much time is required for an implant placement?
Traditionally, the procedure
has been performed in two steps. The dentist began by installing
the implant, which was left for from three to six months to
heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period,
the patient was given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent
crown could be put in place.
Today, there is an alternative
to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed
in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has
simplified the procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists.
The procedure is chosen
depends on several factors, such as the patient's dental health,
the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These
factors will also determine the total number of visits to the
dentist throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment
painful?
Just as with any surgery,
there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation
are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure.
Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following
the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe
medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your
dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth
replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have
some small bruises and swelling in the gum and soft tissues.
But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary
painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
How will I care
for my implants?
Your new teeth must be
cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth.
Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist.
See your dentist every sixth months, or more frequently if so
advised.
