Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Losing a tooth will happen to most people by the time they are a senior. The impact of such an experience goes much deeper than its effect on your smile. A missing tooth may be the result of tooth decay, gum disease, dental fractures or an accident. If you’ve experienced tooth loss, dental implants can offer effective, long-term restoration of your smile.
Our smiles can often be the first impression we make and a beautiful, bright smile can do wonders for our self-confidence and overall appearance. With dental implants, the gap in your smile can be a thing of the past. With a 98% success rate, dental implants are the ideal option for replacing lost teeth or upgrading to a more permanent replacement for dentures.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most natural-looking long-term solution for tooth loss. Implants can restore the appearance of a single missing tooth, or multiple teeth on either the upper or lower teeth. Those who require multiple tooth replacements or a row of teeth implants may also want to consider the All-on-four implantation treatment. Implants are tailor-made artificial teeth that are rooted in the natural bone. The artificial tooth is called a crown and these are made to match the natural appearance of your teeth and shaped to fit your mouth.
Dental implants consist of three main components:
Implant: The implant functions as the root of the new tooth and is directly placed in the bone in the jaw.
Abutment: The abutment is a durable, but adjustable connector that supports the new tooth.
Crown: The crown, also known as a prosthetic tooth, is the visible replacement. Typically, crowns are formed from zirconium or porcelain. The crown is easily matched to your natural tooth color and shaped for a seamless fit.
With dental implants, the feel, appearance, and function of the implant will be natural and long-lasting.
Dental implantation requires a high degree of expertise and training to perform, involving several steps and measures. Dr. Ahmed are highly trained specialists who will walk you through each step of the process in detail so you feel totally confident in your procedure.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
The vast majority of patients who seek a dental implant will qualify for dental implantation with a few exceptions such as: poor gum health, bone degradation, smoking, or previous medical treatments that can complicate implantation.
Anyone who has lost a permanent tooth and is otherwise healthy will benefit from receiving a dental implant.
Many patients at first feel afraid to move forward with a dental implant, either out of embarrassment or fear of a more involved dental procedure. It is important to remember that dental implant surgeries are now the most advanced they have ever been. We can guarantee a smoother procedure and recovery for our patients. Dr. Ahmed is highly experienced with dental implants and knows how to give her patients not only their best results, but also their most comfortable experience possible. She treats every patient with respect and takes great care to tailor her treatments to every patient’s unique needs.
See if you are an implant candidate. We invite you to schedule a consultation at Old Town Smiles.
Dental Implant Choices
Each case that comes into Old Town Smiles is treated on an individual, customized basis. During your consultation, you and the doctor will go over your options for the implantation process, implant type, and crown type.
We offer a complete selection of dental implantation options, which are selected based on the needs of each unique patient.
Different choices provide variations in outcome, ranging from more temporary fixes to permanent options that may last more than a decade with proper oral hygiene.
Type of Implant
There are two main types of implants, endosteal and subperiosteal.
ENDOSTEAL
Endosteal Implants are implanted directly into the jawbone and generally require a two-stage implantation procedure. An endosteal implant offers long-term stability, function, and appearance identical to that of a natural tooth. Endosteal implants are available for replacement of damaged or lost teeth or as an alternative to temporary dentures.
SUBPERIOSTEAL
In cases where the bone structure of the jaw is less than ideal, subperiosteal implants may be recommended. Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone and embedded within the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are a customized framework prosthetic that can last for years for patients with insufficient jaw bone.
Implantation Process
The implantation process refers to the surgical method used to place the dental implant securely in the gums. Implantation processes may be performed in either a single-stage or two-stage process.
SINGLE-STAGE IMPLANTATION
Single-stage implantation means the dental implant will be placed using a simpler, single-step operation. A titanium implant is surgically embedded into the gum and allowed to heal for about three to six months. Following this period, the abutment that connects the crown to the implant is placed without the need for additional surgery.
The single-stage implantation offers quicker results through a simpler process, but may not be ideal if there is poor bone quality or if aesthetics are an immediate concern.
TWO-STAGE IMPLANTATION
Two-stage implantations are performed in two surgical procedures to place an implant. Like the single-stage implantation, the first step involves inserted the supporting implant into the jawbone. With two-stage implantation, the supporting implants have a placeholder insert as the gums are stitched closed and allowed to heal. After the implant has effectively healed and fused well with the bone, a second surgical procedure is performed to place the abutment.
Connectors
Connectors join the abutment to the implant placed in the jawbone. The types of connectors available are the internal hexagon, external hexagon, and an internal octagon. Connectors are selected according to the physical features of the face, type of abutment, and style of the crown.
Custom Crowns
The replacement tooth that will be visible is called the crown. Crowns are available in different styles and are matched according to the preferences of the patient and the natural fit of the tooth. Crowns may range in width, shape, coating options, and color to fit seamlessly with neighboring natural teeth. Dr. Ahmed will choose the perfect match for your teeth.
All-On-4 Implantation vs Traditional Implants
For those who are interested in replacing dentures or have multiple missing teeth, the “All-On-4” procedure is a great option. All-On-4 implantation is a procedure where several implants are placed on the upper or lower jawbone, and the denture is attached to the implants. All-On-4 dental implants offer a number of benefits including:
- Improved recovery process
- Less chance of implant complication
- Cost-effective compared to multiple single implants
- Long-term, natural fitting
- Quick results, never going without teeth
- Fully functional, easy to maintain good oral hygiene
Preparing for Dental Implantation
To ensure the best possible results for dental implantation, patients will be advised to follow specific guidelines regarding eating and drinking before surgery. If you are taking a prescription medication, be sure to discuss this with the doctor to ensure there are no complications or possible risks associated with surgery.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
Dental implant surgery begins with local or general anesthesia. Local anesthetic means only the treated area will be numbed, whereas; general anesthesia induces sleep. Either option is available and will be decided during your consultation.
If there are remnants of the damaged or impacted tooth, it will be removed and the bone is prepared for implant placement. Specialized tools create space for the implant that will eventually support the abutment. Then, the gums are sutured and left to heal for a period of a few months.
On the return visit, the abutment is placed in the implant space and a temporary or permanent crown is installed.
Dental Implant Results and Recovery
After the final implantation process is complete, patients must practice excellent oral hygiene. The initial healing phase typically lasts about two weeks and any discomfort can be managed through medication. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to ensure the implant has healed properly and there are no complications. Dental implants can last a very long time with routine professional cleanings and great home care.
Consultation
Dr. Ahmed realizes every smile is as precious as it is unique. Dental implantation can help you restore your smile for the long-term. Dr. Ahmed practices a philosophy of individualized care and provide a comforting, personalized experience to every patient.
Together, you will walk through each step of the process to ensure that you are feeling totally confident and comfortable with your individualized treatment.
Cost
The type of implant, implant procedure and style of the crown will impact the final cost of your treatment plan. After assessing your individual case, Dr. Ahmed will be able to provide you with an accurate cost at the end of your consultation.