- How successful is it?
- How long do they last?
- What Materials Are Used?
- Who is a Good Candidate?
- What Is involved?
- How long Is The Recovery Period?
- Is It Possible To Use My Existing Denture?
- Can I Wear My Dentures After Surgery?
How successful is it?
Dental implants have been the subject of over 35 years of intensive research worldwide, proving them to be a safe, effective dental procedure.
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, implants are highly successful. Dental Implants have a success rate of approximately 95%. At the moment, the first patient who had dental implants placed in 1965 still has his original implants in function today.
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How long do they last?
Documented clinical research demonstrates that implant supported replacement teeth have been successful for over 30 years. These were some of the first implant cases ever completed and they have been closely monitored from the beginning. It is highly likely that these cases will be successful throughout the lifetime of the patients.
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 maintenance visits to the dentist.
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What Materials Are Used?
Virtually all dental implants in use today are made from titanium or its alloy. The titanium is safe, biocompatible, and is used in medical surgeries.
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Who is a Good Candidate?
Nearly everyone who is missing one or more teeth and in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment such as leukemia and other diseases that affect healing or present a surgical risk. However, there are very few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether. Patients healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction are generally healthy enough to have implants placed.
Quality and quantity of available bone for implant placement is more often a factor in qualifying for dental implants than medical conditions.
Age is NOT a deterrent. Patients from 15 to 90 years of age have had implants. In some cases the amount of available bone is not sufficient to accept the implant. In these patients, new bone can be often added to allow for proper implant placement.
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What Is Involved?
At the first visit with the dentist, he will examine the areas of concern. He will then determine if there is sufficient bone available to place the implant(s). Regular dental x-rays are necessary and if there has been considerable bone loss, CT scans may be ordered. The dentist may also require impressions for models to assist him in determining the best location for your implants. Treatment planning will be done with options that are available to you and your specific situation. All the pros and cons will be defined.
Then, when all is decided and when everyone is in agreement, as to treatment plan, timing and cost, an appointment will be made for placement of the implant(s).
Most implants are placed in the dental chair. The areas are numbed with local anaesthetic. The procedure usually takes about one to two hours depending on the case. Most people describe the procedure as being similar to having a simple tooth removed.
Once there has been bonding of the bone to the implant and the final structure placed, you become involved in the responsibility of the product. Regular check ups, proper brushing and flossing are your responsibility. You must be aware of what has been done and what the expectations are. Many people who have lost their teeth due to neglect must understand that the same neglect that led to their tooth loss, will lead to loss of the implants. You, the patient must understand and accept your responsibility.
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How long Is The Recovery Period?
Reaction to the placement of implants varies from patient to patient, and is directly related to the number of implants placed. Typically, patients report that the placement of the implant is the same as having a tooth removed. Normally you can resume normal activities the following day.
Where extensive surgery is performed, you may require 4 or 5 days to resume your normal activities.
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Is It Possible To Use My Existing Denture?
In many cases it is possible. The existing denture can be modified to fit over the implants. However, each case is different. Your dentist may suggest making a new denture or having your present denture relined. The decision will be made in order to provide you with the best possible results.
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Can I Wear My Dentures After Surgery?
Yes. The denture will require some minor adjustments. Usually a soft-liner is placed so as not to disturb the healing process. This liner may have to be replaced every one to two months until the final denture is fitted. On occasion, your dentist may ask you to not wear your denture for the first few days immediately after placement of the implants.
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