Implant Restoration

Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, even less with root canals, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.

Dental implant is an artificial root that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a single tooth replacement (crown), fixed partial or complete denture or maxillofacial prosthesis. It is an ideal option for people with good oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to injuries, periodontal diseases, failure of endodontics, etc. It is associated with improved denture retention, stability and functional efficiency and, thus, improving the quality of life of the patient.

The success or failure of implants depends on the overall health of the patient and also drugs which interfere with bone metabolism, have an adverse effect on the osseointegration. The position of implants is determined by the angle of adjoining teeth. The prerequisites for long-term success of osseointegrated dental implants are healthy bone and gingiva. Since both can atrophy after tooth extraction, pre prosthetic procedures such as sinus lifts or gingival grafts are sometimes required to recreate bone and gingiva. The final prosthetic can be either fixed or removable. In each case, an abutment is attached to the implant fixture. Where the prosthetic is fixed, the crown, bridge, or denture is fixed to the abutment either with lag screws or with dental cement. Where the prosthesis is removable, a corresponding adapter is placed in the prosthetic so that the two pieces can be secured together.

Almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth are candidates for dental implants. At our dental office we can guide you make the right decision

Dental implants can last a lifetime and can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worrying about your teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and can never get dental decay!

Like any minor oral surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain. If there is no available bone to place the implant, then bone and gum grafting procedures may be required, which can increase the cost of your treatment.

A single dental implant may cost from $2500 to around $4500. In general, the cost of replacing a single tooth with a dental implant is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge. Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations vary. The cost will vary by patient needs, bone quantity, and region.

For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90-95 percent.

Over the past few years, due to the advantages of immediate implant placement and its high rates of success in many cases, the procedure is widely used more routinely.

The immediate implant placement, first of all, reduces the number of surgical procedures. This fact is being popular among patients and increases their acceptance and fewer surgical interventions. According to the clinical way, implants in fresh extraction sites can be placed in the same location as the extracted tooth, minimizing the need for angled abutments and facilitating the positioning of the final restoration.

Currently, dental implants are widely accepted as a prosthetic treatment of completely or partially edentulous patients, and studies have shown significant improvement in patient’s attitudes toward their dental health after treatment with implant prostheses.

There are two main types of implants:

Endosteal: These dental implants are placed in the jawbone. Typically made of titanium and shaped like small screws, they are the most commonly used type of implant.

Subperiosteal: These dental implants are placed under the gum but on, or above, the jawbone. This type of implant may be used in patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and cannot, or do not want to, undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.

If your jawbone is not able to support dental implants, several techniques can be used to rebuild bone, restore your natural jawline and provide a sturdy foundation for implant-supported teeth. These include:

Bone augmentation. This involves restoring or regenerating bone in your jaw when it is not able to support implants otherwise. Research shows that using bone additives and growth factors to fortify the bone generally achieves the best results.

Sinus lift. Also called sinus augmentation or sinus elevation, this involves adding bone below the sinus in cases where natural bone has deteriorated due to missing upper back teeth.

Ridge expansion. If your jaw isn’t wide enough to support dental implants, bone graft material can be added to a small ridge, or space, created along the top of your jaw.

Although usually made of titanium metal, there is still a chance your implant can break or bend. Thanks to advances in the materials and designs of implants, this doesn’t happen as often today as it did years ago. If your implant is exposed to excessive external forces, like grinding teeth or a blow to the face, it can fracture or crack.

In most cases, if your dental implant fails, it’s possible to save it provided you get to your dentist quickly.

Your dentist can build up the gum tissue and bone that surrounds your implant. Generally, the implant must be removed to allow the area to recover and heal. Then, your dentist can attempt a new implant when they feel the area is suitable again. You may require a bone graft, which works as a foundation and improves your implant success rate.

If your implant fails again, it could be an indication of an allergy or that your bone density is not sufficient for the implant, but, again, this would be extremely unusual.

A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. If you’ve lost bone in that area due to reasons such as periodontal disease or tooth loss, you may be left without enough bone to place implants.

Sinus lift surgery can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. Several techniques can be used to raise the sinus and allow for new bone to form. In one common technique, an incision is made to expose the bone. Then a small circle is cut into the bone. This bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity, much like a trap door, and the space underneath is filled with bone graft material. Your periodontist can explain your options for graft materials, which can regenerate lost bone and tissue.

Finally, the incision is closed and healing is allowed to take place. Depending on your individual needs, the bone usually will be allowed to develop for about four to 12 months before implants can be placed. After the implants are placed, an additional healing period is required. In some cases, the implant can be placed at the same time the sinus is augmented.

Undergoing sinus lift surgery has been shown to greatly increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come. Many patients experience minimal discomfort during this procedure.