Dental Implants
All
about Implants
Dentistry has changed
dramatically over the last 10 years.
Dental implants are fast becoming
the treatment of choice for missing
a single tooth or multiple teeth.
Dr. Lee can surgically place
implants into the jawbone to act as
tooth root substitutes. If you have
adequate bone levels and density,
are generally not prone to infection
and can maintain stringent oral
hygiene – then you’re the perfect
candidate for dental implants.
The Many Benefits of Dental
Implants
- Preserving Tooth
Structures:
Deciding to get your dental
implants at our Upland or Santa
Ana dental office has many
benefits. For starters, you
don't have to grind on the
neighboring teeth to support a
bridge restoration. The
adjacent natural teeth are left
untouched, a significant
long-term benefit to your
overall oral health. Why grind
on healthy teeth to replace a
missing tooth?
- Major Reduction of
Bone Collapse: When a
tooth is extracted, the
surrounding cortical and
alveolar bone quickly
degenerates and resorbs. You
may notice an indentation along
sides of an area missing a
tooth. Over the course of many
years, the bone thickness
decreases dramatically. At this
point, placing an implant may no
longer be an option with our
without complex bone grafting
procedures. Placing an implant
EARLY greatly reduces bone
resorption.
- Prosthetic
Stabilization: Many
patients tolerate full or
partial dentures well. However,
can you imagine not having to
worry about loose dentures? Or
wondering when it could suddenly
"pop out?" Or having to deal
with messy and sticky denture
adhesive creams? With an implant
supported denture, loose
dentures and sticky pastes will
be a thng of the past. On most
full dentures, the palate area
can be cut out completely!
Implants,
What to Expect
A thorough dental evaluation is
made using digital panoramic x-rays
and an impression will be taken to
fabricate a study cast.
During the surgery appointment,
the implant body is placed within
the bone (in the area missing a
tooth). Stitches are placed to close
the surgical site. This procedure
may take up to several hours and six
months may be required for the bone
to grow around the implant.
Immediately following the surgery,
you will be prescribed painkillers
and antibiotics, as necessary, along
with receiving instructions on diet
and oral hygiene.
After the period of implant
stabilization, it is time contour
the surrounding gums. This is done
wih a healing abutment, which looks
like a tiny metal stub.
In a weeks, the healing abutment
is replaced with the final abutment,
where the final crown will be
seated.
What is the Success Rate
and How Long Do They Last?
On average, the success rate for
implants is around 96 percent for
those placed in the front of the
lower jaw and 90 percent for those
placed in the sides and rear of the
upper jaw. However, these rates are
continuously improving as the
profession continues to benefit from
new techniques and technology.
Implants will last for many years
to come! However, just like natural
teeth, you can expect gradual bone
loss as we age. In addition, chronic
problems such as clenching, bruxism
or systemic diseases such as
diabetes, will reduce the success
rate for implants. People who smoke
or drink alcohol have lower success
rates as well.
There are few things in life that
last a lifetime and dental implants
are no different. Should a problem
arise, it normally does during the
first six months to a year following
surgery, during the period of bone
healing. After this period, problems
appear to be less frequent, with
only occasional bite adjustments
required.
Overall, a commitment to good
oral hygiene and regular visits to
the dentist is essential in the long
term success of any implant.
