1.What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a replacement for the roots of teeth. When you look at a tooth, there is the visible part, which you see when you look in your mouth. Let’s call that the "crown." And then there is the root part of the tooth, which you can't see, that is embedded in the jawbone. It's the jawbone that holds the tooth roots in place and the tooth roots help preserve the jawbone. This can be compared to shrubs on the side of a hill. It's these shrubs with their roots that hold the hillside together when it rains so the hillside isn't lost. So, it's the roots that help preserve the hill! Or in the case of your mouth, it's the tooth root that helps preserve the bone! When you lose your teeth, not only do you lose your teeth you lose the bone also! This is called resorption and it happens over time. So the best time to get dental implants are when you still have plenty of bone.
2. Why replace missing teeth?
There are many reasons why someone would want to replace missing teeth. The most obvious reasons are to eat better and to look better. Then, there are reasons that are not so obvious such as increased self–esteem, increased confidence when smiling, talking and eating, and a better quality of life! Also, dental implants preserve the integrity of facial structures. By preventing the loss of the jawbone (resorption) that normally occurs with tooth loss, facial structure can remain intact. This is most important when the face collapses due to loss of all teeth. Placing dental implants before this occurs can preserve facial bone.
Patients are in better health because now they can eat better. Patients with dentures have problems eating certain foods and as a result, their nutrition and digestion can be compromised.
3. Replacing One Tooth
If you are missing one tooth because of decay, gum disease or trauma, a dental implant is the preferred treatment in most instances. A dental implant is a replacement for the root of your tooth. Connected to the dental implant will be a post that’s called an abutment (this can be compared to a tooth that has been prepared for a crown). A crown that looks, feels, and function like a tooth will be cemented on top of this abutment to replace your missing tooth.
Single tooth replacement with a traditional bridge requires grinding down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth so that the bridge can be cemented onto them. This tooth structure can never be replaced and the long term health of these teeth is compromised.
A dental implant is a vastly superior way to replace a single tooth without the disadvantages of a fixed bridge.
4. Replacing Several Teeth
The treatment of choice for replacing several missing teeth, especially those missing in a row, are dental implants. With implant supported replacement teeth, the appearance of the smile is more natural and the teeth function more like natural teeth. The result is increased comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking and eating.
When teeth are lost, the bone that was supporting those teeth also will be lost. This process is called resorption. By replacing missing teeth with dental implants, bone loss can be avoided. This is particularly important when the face collapses due to loss of teeth. Dental implants will help prevent bone loss and help preserve the integrity of the facial structures.
There are two old traditional approaches to replacing several missing teeth. One is with a tooth-supported bridge. This requires grinding down the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth. Unfortunately this tooth structure can never be replaced and the long-term health of these teeth is compromised. The other old approach is a removable partial denture. For most people, the partial denture is uncomfortable to wear and it places stress on the remaining teeth.
Replacing several missing with implant supported crowns/ bridges does not involve the adjacent natural teeth, so they are not compromised, or damaged.
5. Replacing All Your Teeth
In the past, the only solution for patients missing all of their teeth was a conventional denture. People who wear dentures often worry that their dentures will fall out when they laugh, sneeze and sometimes even when they eat. A traditional upper denture covers the roof of the mouth and prevents someone from really tasting their food. With the loss of all your teeth, your appearance changes with the collapsing of the facial structures. Eventually the face looks shorter, and the nose and chin become more pronounced.
Dental implants are the preferred treatment for replacing all your teeth. Collapsing of the lower one-third of the face can be visually corrected and the remaining bone preserved. Self esteem and self-confidence can be renewed.
Now there are wonderful new techniques available in dentistry to solve these age-old problems. The All-on-4 procedure (see All-On-4 section) and mini implants are two excellent solutions.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Fong will assist you in deciding which course is best for your specific case and circumstances.
6. Do You Qualify?
With the wonderful new techniques in implant dentistry today, almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, several teeth or all of their teeth is a candidate for dental implants.
The first step is a consultation and examination. This includes a thorough review of your medical history to determine if there could be any complications to treatment. Please note that dental implants can be successfully performed in patients with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and those taking many medications.
7. Why Choose Dr. Fong
As with any surgery, you want to be certain that you are in the hands of an experienced surgeon with expertise in your specific procedure. Dental implant surgery is no different. Dr. Fong is not only an expert in the placement of dental implants and bone grafting, he performs the restorative aspect of this procedure as well. Your entire implant procedure can be completed in one office by one doctor. This dramatically increases efficiency and convenience for our patients. Even more importantly, it ensures you of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment planning, rather than the one procedure fits all approach that may be taken by those skilled in only one specialty. In other words, we treat the entire mouth.
8. F.A.Q – (An Interview with Dr. Fong):
1. Is it fair to say that dental implants can change someone’s life? How have you seen this with your own patient experiences?
Dental implants can absolutely change someone's life! I've seen it! After dental implant treatment many of my patients seem to smile more. They are more confident and their self-esteem goes through the roof! This seems to be more significant for the patients who have had dentures and now have implants to retain and support their denture. And the denture patient now can get rid of their partial or full denture.
Some of the benefits that I have seen with dental implants is that the patient's quality of life is improved. The appearance of the smile is more natural and the teeth function more like natural teeth. There is increased comfort and confidence when smiling, talking, and eating. And, there is the ability to eat all types of food again! All this is done without the use of adhesives!
Dental implants preserve the integrity of facial structures. By preventing the bone resorption that normally occurs with tooth loss, facial structure can remain intact. This is most important when the face collapses due to loss of all teeth. Placing dental implants before this occurs can preserve facial bone.
Patients are in better health because now they can eat better. Patients with dentures have problems eating certain foods and as a result, their nutrition and digestion can be compromised.
2. Dr. Fong, there’s some confusion out there with how long a dental implant treatment can take. I’ve heard the treatment can take a year or longer…but I’ve also heard of teeth in a single day…So to clear up this confusion, how long does a dental implant treatment typically take? And why are there these mixed timelines?
Dental implants function like natural tooth roots, and must be firmly embedded in the jawbone. In order for this to happen, the bone must bond to the implants. This process takes anywhere from two to nine months and depends on the quality of the bone in which the implants are placed. This timeline can be increased if an area needs to be reconstructed in order to place the dental implant. In certain instances, dental implants can be placed and teeth put on these implants in a single day! For example, the All-on-4 procedure in which 4 implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw and teeth are placed over the implants, all in one appointment. And without bone grafts!
3. Implants done in one day? Tell us more about the All-on-4 procedure.
The All-on-4 procedure is a treatment for people with full upper and/or lower dentures or for people who lost or are going to lose all their teeth and are in need of full upper and/or lower restorations. With advanced and minimally invasive technology and protocols developed in Europe, we're able to place 4 implants in an arch and place teeth over these implants all in one visit. And, this is done without the need for bone grafts! People can leave the same day with fixed teeth!
4. Many potential patients have been on the internet researching dental implants, or have seen the pictures of what dental implants look like. They are essentially small screws when you look at them?... and for some of people, the thought of dental implants being implanted into their jaw bone seems painful. Is that true? Or is the pain a common misconception? What options are available for the dental phobics out there that want to benefit from implants but are just too scared of pain?
Well, the truth is that most of my dental implant patients say that the discomfort is much less than they expected. The actual amount of discomfort differs for each individual, but many patients report that it is less than having a tooth extracted. For the dental phobics out there, we offer oral sedation, IV sedation or general sedation by an anesthesiologist. Patients who have had sedation absolutely love it! They seem to feel so much better after treatment. Patients that have gone through procedures with sedation, say that they would use sedation again.
5. Do dental implants ever fail? Does the body ever reject dental implants?Are they in any way stronger that natural teeth? How long do dental implants last?
Dental implant treatment is one of the most successful procedures in the field of dentistry with success rates over 95%. Although successful treatment is very predictable, there are rare occasions when the bone does not completely bond to the implant. When this happens, new implants can be placed and the success rates of these implants can be even higher. Things such as smoking can interfere with the bone healing and should be avoided.
Dental implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy. This is the same material used in knee and hip replacements. As a result, they are biocompatible with the human body.
Dental implants can last a very long time. In fact, research tells us that implant supported replacement teeth have been successful for over 30 years! Insurance statistics indicate that bridges, partials and dentures last 5 years and as a result, dental insurance generally pay for replacements every 5 years. Dental implants are designed to be permanent. However, many factors contribute to the long-term success of dental implant treatment, such as home care and regular maintenance visits to your dentist.
6. When people think about dental implants, immediately they think of high cost – are dental implants just for the rich and famous?
Absolutely not! I try to customize dental implant treatment to the patient's budget and what the patient wants. I also inform the patient of possible payment options available to them, as well as other treatment options.
7. What is the deal between dental implants and insurance? Are dental implants covered by insurance?
In short, dental insurance coverage of dental implant treatment depends on your individual policy. Though, more and more dental insurances are beginning to add dental implants as a covered benefit.
8. What is involved with the dental implant procedure from beginning to end?
The first step is a consultation and examination to see if you are a candidate for dental implant treatment. This usually involves x-rays, and taking impressions for models. If you have lost a significant amount of bone, specialized x-rays may be recommended.
A thorough review of your medical history will be performed to determine if there are any medical conditions that may prevent you from having dental implant treatment. During the examination, we will evaluate your mouth and the area(s) that are missing teeth and the amount of bone available to place dental implants.
We will then further evaluate the number of implants necessary, as well as the quality and quantity of bone needed and whether there is a need for procedures to add bone or gum tissue. We will also determine the kind of replacement teeth that will meet your needs.
The dental implants are then gently placed into the bone. Depending on the situation, the implant may or may not be placed completely under the gum tissue. The implants are typically left undisturbed for a period of two to nine months so healing can occur and the bone can grow around the implants and form a bond to them. During this healing phase, you can have some type of temporary replacement teeth, so you will not be without teeth during treatment.
After the appropriate amount of bone healing, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant(s). The abutment is what the permanent teeth will eventually be attached to.
Then a series of appointments will be needed to fabricate your teeth with the appropriate color and fit. A dental laboratory will make your teeth that will be attached to the dental implants.
9. What is the recovery process like after getting implants?
The recovery process for dental implants depends on the procedure. We also have to realize that everyone's pain tolerance differs. With that said, if the procedure is for small diameter implants for denture retention for example, the recovery is similar to having a filling done...maybe a little sore afterwards, but usually for not more than a day. If it's a single implant, there is usually little or no swelling along with minimal or no pain. Again, everyone differs with regard to pain tolerance. Most patients are comfortable with just taking over the counter medications such as tylenol or ibuprofen. Patients can return to their normal routine in a day or two. |
