Implant Dentistry

What is An Implant?

An implant is an artificial "root" that is implanted in your jaw, and then a tooth is placed on it. Biologically, it is like placing an entirely new artificial tooth in your mouth.

Dental Implants

Whether missing one tooth or all their teeth, more and more people are replacing the loss with dental implants. Having a more natural feel than traditional bridges or dentures, most implant procedures involve placing metal anchors into the bone of the jaw, allowing the anchor and bone to fuse, placing an extension or abutment in the anchor, and fixing a prosthetic tooth, or crown, on the extension. After undergoing this multi-step process, many patients find they have a better feeling, better looking, and more stable solution to their tooth loss than more traditional dental reconstructive approaches.

INDICATIONS FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

·        Missing teeth due to any reason.

·        Painful & loose dentures.

·        Prevention of shrinkage of jawbone after tooth loss.

When teeth are removed, Mother Nature assumes there is no need for the bone that supported the teeth. After all, that is the primary job of your jawbone. Over time the bone slowly, yet progressively diminishes. In fact the upper and lower jawbones get smaller or shrink. This process, called resorption, occurs at a more rapid rate if all teeth in the jaw are missing. But, it also occurs when just some of the teeth are missing. If left untreated, the loss of jaw bone can progress so far that a denture will no longer stay in place no matter how much sticky adhesive is used.

What are the most common benefits of this surgery?

Replacing a lost tooth is vital to maintaining the overall health and function of the surrounding teeth. Once a tooth is lost then a person’s overall bite begins to change by tooth migration and the loss of supporting structures. Implants are an effective means of counteracting these problems. Implants are also very strong and provide a feel as close to a natural tooth as can be currently achieved.

Implants, when replacing dentures, provide even more benefits. Dentures are notorious for slipping at the worst possible moments. Poorly fitting dentures can even affect a person’s diet by restricting them to eat certain foods that are easier to chew but have a higher concentration of calories and fat thus leading to weight gain and other overall bodily problems. Implants eliminate the possibility of slipping or pinching, and allow food of almost all types to be eaten. In short, implants are the closest way to surgically restore a natural tooth to its original condition.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Implants bond biologically to the living bone tissue.

 ·  Once united with the bone, they support your teeth firmly and safely.

 ·  Eating, talking and chewing need no longer be painful experiences.

 ·  Like artificial joints, they have a proven scientific basis.  

• Implants restore proper chewing function and so you can enjoy foods previously too "difficult" to eat.

• You feel confident that your replacement teeth won’t move or loosen.

• You regain the closest thing to the look, feel and function of your natural teeth.

• You are able to throw away those gooey adhesives and glue.

• You can forget about unsightly partial denture clasps which place damaging pressure on remaining natural teeth.

• Implants can eliminate irritated and painful gums.

• Your speech will improve by eliminating or reducing the "fullness" of full or partial dentures.

• Missing teeth are replaced with the look and feel of natural teeth without having to "cut down" healthy teeth.

• Dental implants help stop the progressive bone loss and shrinkage of your jawbone by "mimicking" the roots of natural teeth.

• Dental implants are clinically proven with a success rate in excess of 90%.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.  Dr. Lunn will make these determinations after a thorough exam.

How is the procedure performed?

Implants are first placed surgically into the upper or lower jawbone.  Implants that are placed in the bone are called root form implants.  These implants are made of titanium or a titanium alloy. Titanium, which is an inert metal, has been proven to be effective at fusing with living bone in a process known as "osseointegration".

In general, placements in the lower jaw need to heal about four months, while placements in the upper jaw need to heal about six months. Most patients state that implants involve less pain and discomfort than a tooth extraction.  In some instances where the jawbone is too narrow or short for immediate placement of implants the area may be enhanced with bone grafting to allow for their placement.

Dental Implants : FAQs

What exactly are dental implants and what can they do for me?

Implants are substitutes for teeth and they are today's best alternative to your natural teeth. They offer you a permanent or secure solution for replacing one or more teeth. They are made of biocompatible materials that can function as anchors or support for traditional forms of dentistry, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. There are numerous reasons to choose dental implants:

o        Esthetically, they support teeth that look like real teeth. Functionally, dental implants feel and act like real teeth.

o        With implants, you can eat and chew again without pain or irritation. Foods that were forbidden are now back in the diet.

o        There is no longer a need to use denture "glue" when your denture is anchored to implants.

o        Implants can actually improve the taste of food. With less plastic covering the roof of your mouth, you can enjoy natural flavors and sensations again.

o        Lastly, implants can help maintain your bone structure and support your facial tissues. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes "shrinkage" or facial cosmetic changes.

Are implants successful?

Implants, as we know them today, have been in existence for at least twenty-five years. For the last ten years, however, success rates at many treatment centers are consistently over 95% with proper personal and professional care. Few forms of medical, orthopedic or dental treatment have such high success rates.

Am I a candidate for implants?

 Implant patients are of all ages and implants may be the right choice for anyone missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay. They are especially practical for patients who can no longer wear removable dentures. Dr. Lunn can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history.

Do I have enough bone?

It is important for a patient to have enough bone to support the implant. If you do not have enough bone, there are many safe and effective ways to correct bone deficiency. Dr. Lunn will assess this and advise you if additional bone material is needed.

What is the procedure like?

There are actually two phases to implant dentistry:

Phase 1:

Using very accurate surgical techniques, an incision is made in the gum tissues and implants are placed into dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in the jawbone. The gum tissues are then closed and the healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from 3-6 months to ensure a strong base.

Phase 2:

Creating and fixing the new tooth or teeth to the implant structure constitutes the second and final phase. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or your dentures.

Are they expensive?

Initially, you might feel dental implants are expensive. However, they represent a more permanent and natural solution than dentures and partials. Thus, there is a greater initial investment but the results last for many years making the investment well worth the cost to help improve your quality of life. Independent surveys of implant patients show that they felt the investment was worth every penny and would do it again!

How much do they cost?

Each case is different. Cost is a function of your particular needs. After a complete examination, Dr. Lunn will more specifically determine your dental needs and the best treatment alternative(s) for you.

Does it hurt?

Usually, discomfort is not a problem. In fact, many have said that having a tooth pulled was more painful! For the placement of an implant(s), Dr. Lunn will use one of many anesthetic regimens so there won't be any discomfort. When you leave the office, you will be given appropriate medications. Dr. Lunn and his office team are available at anytime to make sure that you are comfortable.

What benefits can I really expect?

o        Eat whatever you like! Implants improve your health with the ability to chew a wider variety and healthier foods.

o        Being able to smile with confidence. Implant supported restorations help increase your self-esteem. People will approach you more readily.

o        Implants increase the retention and stability of your teeth making speaking and talk more comfortable.

o        Improve your facial appearance by supporting the jaws to stop the continued bone loss.  This enables you to smile with more confidence.

How long will it take?

Treatment for the simple cases could take anywhere from 4-8 months, based on where the implants are placed and the type of restoration you desire. Dr. Lunn will be able to give you an approximate timetable.  It is important not compromise by being in a hurry because your implants and the new teeth that they support should last for years.

Will I be without teeth?

You will never be without teeth. Dr. Lunn will make sure that in the interim period; you look and feel very natural.

Am I too old?

Implant patients can be in their late teens or be mature adults in their seventies and eighties. Good health and adequate bone are the most critical factors in evaluating implant candidates.

What will it feel like when it is done?

Once the entire procedure is complete and the final restorations placed, they will actually feel or function like your natural teeth!

How do I take care of my implants?

Normal routine home care and professional cleaning visits are required. It is important to know that every 3-4 months you will need to have a routine profession hygiene appointment by our dental hygienist along with re-care treatment and evaluation by Dr. Lunn. An individualized program will be designed for you to optimally care for your new teeth.

When can I get started?

As soon as Dr. Lunn has all the necessary records, models, x-rays and comprehensive treatment plan in place to accurately plan your case for success!

Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement

Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes they don't! Replacing missing teeth is important to your general health and to the health of your other teeth. Not only do you lose chewing ability when a tooth is lost, but not replacing teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped or crowded and create subsequent biting problems. There can be other problems associated with poor facial appearance and loss of self-esteem caused by one or more missing teeth.

Dental implants should always be considered as an option to replace a failing or missing tooth. Replacement of lost teeth with dental implants has been used for treating missing teeth for more than 50 years and is recognized as an effective treatment choice. Treatment is considered more predictable than bridgework, resin bonded bridges and endodontic treatment.