Dental Implants
Dental implants can be the best solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to provide a foundation for your replacement teeth, which look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants integrate into your bone structure thereby preventing bone loss and atrophy, gum recession and loss of facial support. If you have lost, or will lose a tooth, dental implants will allow you to regain your ability to eat virtually anything, and provide for teeth that appear and function naturally.
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What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium or ceramic posts, which are inserted into the jaw where teeth are missing. These 'titanium' roots become an anchor for the new tooth to be attached. They are placed into the jaw by your surgeon and over a few months, the bone adapts to the titanium surface creating a strong foundation for the new teeth. These posts provide the support for the new porcelain replacement teeth. Implants also help preserve facial bony structure, preventing bone atrophy that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
Commonly, if Dr. Akin is able to place the implant the same day as the tooth extraction – this can further minimize the number of surgical procedures. Dr. Akin can determine whether the patient is a candidate for this procedure during the initial consultation.
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Akin is able to place single stage implants and provide a non-removable temporary the same day. This procedure does not require a second procedure to uncover the implants, but does require a minimum of three months of healing time before the final crown can be placed. Two short follow up appointments are required before being released to the restorative dentist for final crown placement.
Who actually performs the implant placement?
Implants are a team effort between Dr. Akin and the Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Akin performs the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis.
Why should I see an oral surgeon?
Dental implant surgery is best performed by a trained surgeon. Dr. Akin has had 6 years of specialized training and education after dental school in the complexities of the bone, mucosa, muscles and nerves involved, to ensure you get the best possible results. Success rates have been studied and this 2014 research article from the American Dental Association suggests greater implant success rates when dental implants are performed by a dental specialist.
What types of prostheses are available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Dr. Akin performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of safety and sterility.
Dental Implants for Dentures
Implants are an ideal way to help retain your denture. Typically 2, 4 or 6 implants are placed in strategic locations into the upper or lower jaw so that your dentures will ‘snap’ into place allowing for stability while speaking, eating and smiling. These implants can also be used for a fixed non-removable denture. Use this link to learn more about the process of non-removable dentures.
Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removable dentures or partial dentures can cause bone atrophy and be unstable over time. This instability and movement of your dentures can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can also lead to problems eating the food you want.
Are you a candidate for implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. A CBCT scan will be needed for accurate placement of implants and determining bone structure.
Some benefits of CBCT scans are:
- Scatter radiation is prevented because of the focused x-ray beam. No radiation is left in a patient's body.
- A single scan gives the doctor a variety of angles and views that can be altered for best use, including bone and soft tissue.
- CBCT scans allow precise treatment planning.
For more information about CBCT scans, please visit this link to the FDA.
If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office using ultra light IV conscious sedation.
Do dental implants last forever?
Like anything man-made (and even biologically made) implants and teeth can fail over time. Here is a PDF of a nice short dental article for perspective on dental implant longevity.
Do implants need special care?
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
