IMPLANT FACT SHEET

Many patients who previously suffered from missing teeth, denture soreness,

decreased chewing ability or loss of facial structures are now taking

advantage of dental implants to solve these problems.


WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS? They are replacement tooth roots made

out of titanium that are placed into the jawbone. The process of receiving

implants is generally comfortable and the implants literally become attached

to the jawbone with a great deal of retention.


THE INITIAL PHASE of dental implants is to have the implants placed into

the jawbone. At this point your case may take one of two paths. In many

cases today, the implants may be restored with a crown, bridge or

overdenture on the day of the implant placement. In other cases, the

implants require several months of healing before they are restored. During

this time, most patients who have worn dentures previously can continue to

do so. It generally take anywhere from four to six months for the implants to

become completely secure. At that time, the final prosthesis, such as highly

retained dentures, crowns or bridges, will be placed.


ADJACENT TEETH ARE NOT COMPROMISED to replace missing teeth.

Tooth replacement with traditional tooth-supported bridges requires grinding

down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth/teeth, so that the bridge can be

cemented on them. This tooth structure can never be replaced and the long-

term health of these teeth is compromised.


INCREASED STABILITY AND A SENSE OF SECURITY that teeth wil not

fall out when eating, laughing or sneezing. People who wear dentures often

worry that their dentures will fall out. Since the bone is bonds to the

implants, replacement teeth have a stable foundation and are securely

attached to the implants, so there is no fear that teeth will fall out.


IMPROVED ABILITY TO TASTE FOOD. Wearing an upper denture can

prevent someone from really tasting food, as the roof of the mouth is

covered. With implant-supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to

cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy the taste of food.


ELIMINATION OF DENTURE ADHESIVES. Since implant-supported-teeth

are securely attached to the implants, there is no need for messy denture

adhesives, which are often needed to keep dentures from falling out.


IMPROVED APPEARANCE. Since implants preserve bone, preventing

deterioration of the facial structures, appearance is improved.


INCREASED CONVENIENCE OF HYGIENE. It is much easier to care for an

implant-supported crown, which can be cleaned like a natural tooth, as

opposed to a tooth-supported bridge, which requires the use of a floss-

threader for proper cleaning.


HOW LONG DO IMPLANT LAST? Documented clinical research demonstrates

that implant-supported replacement teeth have been successful for over 35

years. Theses were some of the first root-form implant cases ever completed

and they have beeen closely monitored from the beginning. Dental implants

are designed to be permanent; however many factors contribute to the long

term success of implant treatment, such as home care and regular mainten-

ance visit to the dentist.


DO IMPLANTS EVER FAIL? Dental implant treatment is one of the most

successful procedures in the dental field, with documented success rates over

95%. Although successful treatment is very predictable, there are rare

occasions where the bone does not completely bond to the implants. When

this occurs, new implants are placed. Smoking or putting too much pressure

on newly placed implants, as with excessive grinding of the teeth, can cause

problems with the bone bonding to the implants, and should be avoided.


WHAT IS THE COST OF IMPLANT PLACEMENT? The actual cost of implant

treatment is based on a number factors, such as the number of missing

teeth being replaced, the type of implant-supported teeth (treatment option)

recommended and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting and

sinus lift, are necessary to achieve the proper esthetic and functional result.

There is often a misconception that there is a set cost for each implant. The

only way to accurately estimate the cost is to have an examination and

consultation with a dentist.