What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

By Dr John Shoemaker

Are missing teeth causing you to miss out on life? Missing teeth and loose dentures make too many people sit on the sidelines and let life pass them by. However, modern treatment plans can replace everything from a single missing tooth to a completely missing arch. Ask your dentist about the different dental implant options that are available to you. Don’t let another day go by without taking this important first step to restoring your confidence and your smile!

Stop the bone loss that can lead to premature aging. Losing one or more of your teeth starts a chain of events that can have dire physical and cosmetic consequences. The most obvious result is a gap in your smile. Less obvious is the loss of chewing function and the inability to eat a complete diet that can result from tooth loss. While these are certainly serious issues, a potentially bigger problem lies hidden beneath the surface, bone loss. Your jawbone needs the chewing action of the teeth to stimulate it and keep it strong, otherwise it will begin to atrophy in the same manner that the unused muscles beneath a cast supporting a broken bone gets smaller. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged. The good news is that tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.

Who is a candidate? Dental Implants can be placed in most adults who are in good to moderate health. They are not typically placed in adolescents until they have reached their full-expected physical maturity. Certain uncontrolled medical conditions may decrease the effectiveness of implant treatment, so be sure to discuss your full medical history with your dentist before beginning treatment. Every patient is different and patient results may vary. Only a trained dentist can determine the best treatment plan for you. Please ask you dentist to explain the benefits and risks to see if tooth replacement with implants is right for you.

Dental implants let you eat the foods you love. Dental Implants are the only proven way to prevent bone loss after the loss of natural teeth. Research shows that implant-support prostheses increase patient comfort. Seventy percent of the US population is missing at least one tooth.

Traditional treatment options for tooth replacement are crowns, bridges, and full or partial dentures. They address the short-term cosmetic problem of missing teeth, but do nothing to stop bone loss. Crown and bridge also requires that two or more healthy teeth be ground down to serve as abutments (posts) for a bridge, leaving them at a much greater risk for cavities and endodontic failure. If the original abutment teeth fail, more healthy teeth must be sacrificed to serve as posts, while you continue to loose bone beneath the bridge. With implants, however, the healthy teeth are left alone. Dental implants, like natural teeth, also transmit chewing forces to the jawbone, which reduces bone loss. This is why many leading dental organizations now recognize dental implants as the standard of care for tooth replacement.

Q: Is the implant placement painful?

A: No, it is usually done under local anesthesia. Most procedures can be done in your dentist’s office.

Q: How much pain will I feel after implant placement?

A: The discomfort you may feel should be minor. Your dentist may prescribe medication to alleviate any pain you may have.

Q: How long does it take to place dental implants?

A: Usually 30-60 minutes, depending on the location and the number of implants.

Q: What can I eat after having an implant placed?

A: Your dentist will outline a diet for the next few days including some soft foods.

Q: How long does placement, healing and construction of the replacement teeth take?

A: The entire process usually takes from 2 to 9 months, depending on your treatment plan.

Q: How do I care for my implant?

A: Home care for you implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are required for long-term health and success.

Q: How long does an implant last?

A: If your body accepts the implant, it should last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

Q: If my body rejects an implant, what happens?

A: The implant is removed and the site is allowed to heal. Another implant can usually be placed after healing.

For more information, contact Dr. John Shoemaker at 903-893-7751.