Implant Experience
When considering a dental implant it is important
to find dentist with experience. Both Drs. Bierly and Peterson
have been placing dental implants for more than 20 years. They
are among the top 100 users of 3i
dental implants in the country.
The following is a brief description of how dental
implants work.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
natural tooth
root |
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A natural tooth is anchored into
the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the
jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.
dental implant |
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Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth (or one
needed to be extracted), the healthy teeth on either side of the
missing tooth would be cut down and the whole thing replaced with
a three-crown “bridge”.
Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead
of cutting down two perfectly good teeth, a dental post (dental
implant) is inserted into the jawbone to replace your missing
tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed in your jaw
(like a natural tooth root). Your general dentist then places
a crown onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and
functions like your natural teeth.
Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural
replacement for missing teeth.
Replacing Several Missing Teeth
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been
replaced with a removable partial or full denture.
Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night.
During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub painfully.
Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain
foods.
Dentures can cause bone
loss, due to lack of stimulation. |
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Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial
and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and
pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures.
It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight
soaking and cleaning. With dental implants, these restorations
are anchored firmly into the jawbone becoming much more like natural
teeth.
Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are
fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots
and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking.
You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because
their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental
implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
After their healing period, the success rate of dental
implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with
good oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
Placing a dental implant is usually like getting
a cavity filled. It is often done under local anesthesia and patients
generally experience little discomfort after the procedure.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. Dental
implants have been in patient’s mouths for over 30 years.
With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants
should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of
a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation
by your general dentist who will determine if you are a good candidate
for this procedure. If he feels dental implants might
be possible, he will send you to a periodontist for a placement
evaluation.
For More Information
The following sites will provide you
with more information on dental implants:
All illustrations ©2004 Implant
Innovations, Inc.
Used by permission, all rights reserved.
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