Dental Implants
Dental implants are quickly becoming the most popular form of tooth replacement. A dental implant replaces missing teeth by inserting a metal, screw-like post into the bone where they serve as roots of missing teeth. The major benefit of an implant or multiple implants is the solid support they offer. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework or they can assist with holding dentures in place (say goodbye to denture adhesive).
Depending on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone will determine how dental implant surgery is performed. Every case is different and Dr. Barker will be sure to take the time to form a custom treatment plan tailored to your situation which will best suit you and your dental needs.
Because dental implants involve one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process. Dr. Barker will begin with a comprehensive dental exam which will likely include a 3D dental image known as a CBCT scan. The CBCT scan provides an intensely accurate, high resolution visual image of your teeth and jaw and allows for more accurate implant placement. It also minimizes the risk of problems like nerve damage which makes the entire implant process safer and more likely to succeed. During the comprehensive dental exam, Dr. Barker will also review your medical history in depth. It is important to disclose any medical conditions you have and to discuss current medication you are taking. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, it may be recommended to take antibiotics before dental implant surgery to help prevent infection.
Dental implant surgery is an outpatient surgery and as mentioned above, involves multiple procedures, with healing time between each procedure. If a tooth is not already missing, removal of the damaged tooth is the first step. Often times, a bone graft is performed to raise the chances of success for when the dental implant is placed. Sometimes, the dental implant can be placed on the same day the damaged tooth is extracted while in other cases, it will be best to allow the site to heal before placing the dental implant at a second appointment. Once the implant post is placed into the bone, a healing period exists to allow the bone to bond to the implant and heal tightly around the implant post, holding it firmly in place. This process, which can take several months, helps provide a solid base for your new artificial tooth – just as roots do for your natural teeth. During this time, you will still have a space where the tooth is missing. It is optional to have a temporary prosthetic placed for cosmetic purposes during this time.
Most dental implants are successful; however, sometimes the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. Smoking, for example, may contribute to implant failure and complications. If the bone fails to fuse sufficiently, the implant is removed, the bone is cleaned up, and the implant can be placed again in about three months.
Once the healing period is complete and the implant is stable, it will be time to proceed with the final step of the implant process. Depending on your treatment plan that could mean making the crown (or artificial tooth) to place over the implant or placing locator attachments if you are having implants placed to attach to dentures. This final step will depend on your individual treatment plan.
The entire implant process can take up to 6 months or more, from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. Depending on your situation and the specific procedures being done, certain steps can sometimes be combined to help move the process along. In the end, your dental implant(s) will be indistinguishable from regular teeth and also function just like regular teeth.
In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:
Have one or more missing teeth
Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
Have healthy oral tissues
Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing
Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
Are willing to commit several months to the process
Don't smoke tobacco
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or want to schedule a consultation, please call our Pasadena, MD office at 410-647-6453 and we will be more than happy to set up an appointment!