1)
Who is a candidate?
Dental Implants are appropiate for almost anyone who is missing
teeth or at risk of losing teeth because of cavities, gum disease, accidents, etc.
- Individuals with loose or poor fitting dentures due to flat ridges.
- Individuals with multiple missing teeth who need support for
permanent teeth.
In such patients, normal eating and speaking habits are affected and
in many cases individuals are completely unable to wear dentures. This loss of function is
the primary reason dental implants are recommended. Along with improving an individual's
ability to chew and enjoy food, dental implants can make the patient feel more secure as
speech and appearance are often improved as well.
During the first appointment, specialized diagnostic studies are
performed to determine the ideal treatment for each person.
After careful evaluation of your health history, Dr. Alvarez
will alert you to any conditions that may affect your treatment. Remember, age
is not a factor
2) How safe and
effective are they?
Research and documented scientific studies have proven the
effectiveness and long lasting success (over 30 years) of dental implants. If this
treatment is provided by an experienced implantologist, your implants could last a
lifetime.
You can rely on your new teeth to look, feel and function like
natural teeth for years to come. There is no need to cut down healthy teeth and dental
implants keep the bones from shrinking after losing your theeth.
Dental implants have a survival rate of aproximately 99%. The
training and experience of your Implantologist also contributes to overall survival
rates.
3) Are Implants
rejected by the body?
No, Implants are made of the most biocompatible material known
which have undergone extensive testing over a period of several years. Since these
materials are biocompatible metals, such as titanum, there is no likelihood of
causing an antigen-antibody response which could cause rejection similar to that which
sometimes occurs with heart and kidney transplants.
Dental implants are made of titanium which is the most accepted
metal in the human body.
In the unlikely event an implant fails it can usually be replaced by
a new implant.
4) Treatment phases
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First Surgical Phase (Implant Placement)
Under Local anesthetic Dr. Alvarez places dental implants into the jaw
bone with a very precise surgical procedure. The implant remains covered by gum tissue
while fusing with the jaw bone. |
Second Surgical Phase (Implant Uncovery)
After approximately six months of healing. Under local anesthetic, the
implant root is exposed and a healing post is placed over the top, so that the gum tissue
heals around the post. |
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Prosthetic Phase (Teeth)
Once the gums have healed, an implant crown is fabricated and screwed
down to the implant. |
5) More about
Dental Implants
A) How long is the treatment ?
From a few months to a couple of years, depending on the simplicity
or complexity of your dental-oral situation.
B) Will I have teeth all the time ?
Some patients are required to keep removable bridges out for a few
days. Some however, can have their teeth all the time.
C) Is it painfull ?
No, most patients report minor swelling, and no pain at all. It is
important to follow the post-operative instructions for proper healing.
D) Will I be off work ?
Most patients only require one or two days of rest. You can continue
with your life normally.
E) Is there a follow-up appointment ?
Yes, to ensure you are healing fine without complications.
F) Why did dental implants became so popular ?
As our lifespan increases, the need for some type of permanent
dental replacement system becomes very important to our overall health. Dentures and
removable bridges have obvious problems: They are loose and unstable. Implants can provide
people with dental replacements that are both functional and esthetic.
G) What if I have lost bone ?
With new bone grafting/regeneration techniques, almost anyone can be
a good candidate for treatment.
H) What is an artificial bone substitute ?
Bone Grafting.- Sometimes, when resorption has excessively reduced
the jawbone, it can be rebuilt throught modern bone grafting techniques. Bone grafts can
build up or fill in jawbone defects allowing the placement of dental implants. These
techniques represent one of the greatest advances in modern dentistry.
Modern bone grafting techniques can be nothing short of a miracle for those needing bone
replacement. Should Dr. Alvarez recommend this treatment you will be given further
information on the type, location and amount of graft needed.
I) Are implant supported teeth as strong as my natural teeth
?
Yes. Research shows that in many cases implants are actually
stronger then natural teeth. Compared to removable teeth, studies show implant supported
teeth have 100 percent or better chewing efficency. Dental implants can make it possible
for your to enjoy your favorite foods, improve your nutrition and your appearance!
6) Cost of
treatment
A) The cost of dental implants
The cost of implant treatment depends upon the number and type of
implants placed and the type of replacement teeth needed. For example, replacement of a
single tooth using implants costs about as much as a dental bridge. The bridges
necessitates "cutting down" adjacent teeth for crowns. Implant treatment does
not. More complex treatment, such as bone grafting, will add to the cost.
The improvement in your self confidence, comfort, eating habits and appeareance will make
dental implant treatment one of the best investments you've ever made!
The number of implants used for a given restoration is most important in terms of the
success of the restoration, not the overall fee.
It is certainly much more cost effective when the same dentist both places and restores a
patient's dentition.
A survey of 350 patients after completion of their implant treatment revealed that not
only was it worth the investment, but that they would happily do it again.
B) Is there a guarantee ?
Since there are health conditions and habits out of our control, the
treatment can't be guaranteed. However, the implant manufacturer covers the implant for 10
years.
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