Originated in Sweden in the 1960’s, this type of system has now had over 30 years of successful use. Upper or lower implants can replace single teeth or an entire arch of teeth and have shown approximately 90% success over 30 years. Lower implants have been more successful than uppers and are currently the most widely used implants.
Dental Implants Solve Problems Associated With Removable Dentures.
While conventional dentistry enables some people to wear dentures comfortably, research has shown 85% of the estimated 32 million people with dentures experience some discomfort and difficulty due to their false teeth. Dental implants eliminate the discomfort and embarrassment often associated with dentures. Where some teeth are missing, dental implants may be used to eliminate the need for a removable partial denture by providing the support necessary for attachment of a fixed bridge. Patients with implants have reported their confidence has been restored and their quality of life improved. Dental implants help prevent the premature loss of remaining teeth and are a good investment in oral health.
What are implants?
Implants, made from biocompatible materials, can become directly attached to the jaw bone. In dental terms, this is called “osseointegration”. The implant then performs a function similar to a healthy natural tooth.
What procedures are used to insert implants?
The insertion of implants is a surgical procedure performed in a single office visit. The implant is designed to be submerged under the gum tissue, allowing time for the implant to attach directly to the bone. After a healing period of three to six months, a brief second procedure is needed to expose the top of the implant. An appropriate post is then attached to the implant to support a bridge or denture.
What restorations are possible with implants?
- REPLACE A SINGLE TOOTH. One implant with a crown can replace a single missing tooth, eliminating the need to prepare adjacent natural teeth.
- ELIMINATE A PARTIAL DENTURE. Implants can be used as a support for a fixed bridge by either connecting to natural teeth or to other implants.
- STABILIZE A DENTURE. A removable denture can be retained by several implants while still being supported by tissue.
- RETAIN AND SUPPORT A DENTURE. A removable denture can be retained and supported by four to six implants joined by a bar.
- SUPPORT A COMPLETE BRIDGE. Jaws missing all the teeth can be restored with fixed bridges anchored by five or six implants. This restoration is removable only by your dentist.
Am I a candidate for implants?
Generally, anyone who is healthy enough to have a routine extraction can be considered for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone which can usually be determined by a clinical and radiographic examination.
What inconvenience will I experience?
Most patients report only minor discomfort similar to that associated with simple tooth extraction. When the patient wears a partial or full denture prior to the surgery, the denture can often be modified with a soft lining. This surgery provides little disruption of normal business or social activities.
How long will my implants last?
Research has indicated that implants offer long-term predictability once osseointegration has taken place. Studies have shown that implants achieve osseointegration on a highly consistent basis. The success of implants depends on a number of variables including individual patient health, oral hygiene, anatomical variations and restoration design.
Before And After
Above are examples of the many cosmetic ways that Tully Dental can improve your smile. If you would like to discuss other options on how to correct or improve your teeth please call us at 717-338-9905.
