What is a Dental Implant?
In order not to misunderstand what an implant is, firstly you should take a look at a natural tooth, which essentially has two main parts: 1. the crown - the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function, 2. The root is the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root accounts for two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place. A dental or end osseous implant (“endow” – inside; “osseous” – bone) replaces just the root part of the missing tooth. The implant is then topped by a realistic-looking dental crown.
Can you give a brief description of the Implant process?
Dental implant surgery is usually taken place under local anesthesia (numbing the area where the implant is to be placed). There are two main procedure required in implant method, with three to six months between them. Firstly, the small incision is made on the gum line where the implant will be placed. Then a hole is drilled in the bone, the implant is positioned into that hole, and finally the incision is stitched closed.
After a healing time of three or six months (depends upon the bone density) , a second procedure carries out. It involves exposing the implant by making a new incision. After that doctor screws a collar (a healing cap) onto the top of the implant, which helps the surrounding gum tissues recover. Few weeks later, the collar is detached and the abutment is screwed into the implants and used to support the crow. A one-stage procedure is now used sometimes for implants. In this procedure, your dentist can place the implants, abutments and a temporary crown or bridge all in one visit.
Am I a candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are considering implants, you will need to a dental check-up exam so that your dentist can see how much bone volume and density you have in missing tooth area, since a certain amount of bone is needed to support an implant. But even if your bone is not aquacade and unable to support implant, you may require bone grafting, which can help to improve the health of your tooth-supporting bone enough to make you a candidate for implants.
What are the Success Rates of Dental Implants?
Dental implants traditionally have a very high success rate. According to numerous documented researches and clinical studies demonstrate that the dental implants are over 95% successful for period of 40 – 50 years (depending upon various conditions) — the highest of any tooth-replacement option. In addition, it is far more successful long-term to place individual crown on your teeth rather than anchoring to another teeth, like bridges. Success rates for dental implant do not decrease over time. In contrast, other factors can decrease the lifespan of bridges after 10 years. Even in areas of low bone density, success is quite common. Once integrated and functional, implant restorations can last a lifetime.