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Patient Information for Dental
Implants
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Implants have been found to be a very successful anchor in
the jawbone for patients to use to stabilize dentures, or replace missing
teeth with implant supported crowns or bridges. Implants have several
advantages over traditional dental approaches for missing teeth. Unlike
crowns or bridges on natural teeth that suffer from decay
, an implant supported crown or bridge can never decay. In addition,
an implant is independent of the other teeth and does not require loss of
tooth structure required by preparation of natural teeth.
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For patients who have no teeth,
implants might provide the greatest benefit. Implants provide stability for
lower dentures that typically function poorly, are difficult to wear and
provide low self confidence. Another advantage of implants is preservation
of jawbone. When a tooth is lost the bone that once supported the tooth
slowly resorbs away. The problem is made worse by
wearing dentures, which causes further bone loss by functionally
stimulating bone.
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The process of placing implants into the jaw involves a
simple surgical procedure. These procedures are generally carried out in
the office under a local anesthetic (Novocaine).
There are special circumstances where IV sedation might be required and
this will be discussed with you if appropriate. The procedure involves
creating a form fit hole in the jawbone into which the implant is firmly
placed. It takes 2-4 months for this implant to be integrated (bone healing
to the implant). The implant must remain undisturbed over this time period.
If bone grafting is required, the implants may have to be placed
secondarily after incorporation (healing) of the graft. Bone grafting may
require as long as 6 months time for incorporation.
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View examples of various
implants.
Frequently
Asked Questions about Implants
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You
can wear an existing or temporary prosthesis while bone healing is
occurring. Once the implant is integrated, some secondary surgical
procedures may be required to position the gum tissue around the implant.
At this point, the general dentist will fabricate the crown or bridge or
denture to attach to the implant. Unfortunately, dental implants cannot be
placed in all patients. Most importantly, patients must have a clean mouth
that is free of gum disease or rampant tooth decay. Patients must have a
sound medical history that allows for good wound healing and are not prone
to infection, bleeding or serious systemic disease. We feel that this
information is important for our implant patients to understand. Should you
have any questions, please feel free to discuss them with your dentist or
surgeon so that you are comfortable and well informed in making your
decision to progress with dental implants.
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