• Implants: Frequently asked questions
• Implant care: How to take care of your implant restorations  

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

This page is intended to answer some of the questions you may have regarding dental implants.

1. What are dental implants? Dental implants are basically sophisticated screws made of a medically pure metal, titanium. These screws are placed in the jaw bone and rest under the gum for 3 - 6 months. During this time they actually fuse to the bone and become extremely stable. After the appropriate time, we uncover the implants and use them as tooth roots to replace one or more missing teeth by fabricating a dental prosthesis.
2. How long have implants been used in dentistry? Dental implants have been available since the late 1940's. There are significant differences, however, between the various types of implants that have been used to replace missing teeth. These differences are important since they are directly related to the implants success rates. The most commonly used implants in the world, called "osseointegrated implants", were originally developed in Sweden. This type has been in use in the U.S. since 1983, and is the one our office uses most often. 
3. Is there a difference between the different implant manufacturers? All implants in use in the United States are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Implant manufacturers must meet very stringent requirements in order to produce implants used in this country. We will choose the system that is best for you and the one that allows us to accomplish our mutual restorative goal.
4. What are implants made of? Implants are made of medical grade titanium. This is the same metal that has been successfully used in hip implants for many years. It is inert and is not known to cause any type of rejection phenomenon.
5. How complicated is the surgery? Implant surgery is done in two stages. The first stage involves the placement of the implants into the available jaw bone. This is most commonly done with just local anesthesia. It is complicated only in the sense that the surgery requires great precision.
   The room is set up similar to an operating room, the equipment thoroughly sterilized, and the most modern techniques utilized.
   Stage two involves the uncovering of the implants after they have integrated ( fused ) to the bone. This can be accomplished with minor gum surgery or with a dental laser and is a relatively minor procedure.
   In both instances, minimal postoperative discomfort is noticed, and patient's are pleasently surprised to find the procedure so comfortable. You will be given the appropriate antibiotics and analgesics just as a precaution. Very definitive postoperative instruction will be given to you at the time of surgery. If you follow the guidelines, everything should proceed uneventfully.
6. Can implants be rejected? No! They are made of an inert metal which has no history of rejection by the body. They are not a living organ such as the lung or liver and therefore there is no rejection phenomenon. If failure should occur, and this is only a remote possibility, it is mechanical in nature and not due to rejection by the body. By the way, depending on the source you read, implants are anywhere from 85-95 percent successful depending upon certain factors such as implant location, amount and quality of bone etc. These factors will be evaluated before we place your implants. If you have any questions regarding this or any other aspect of the implant process, don't hesitate to ask.
7. If I lose several teeth, do they each have to be replaced with a separate implant? No. Although implants simulate the roots of teeth, biomechanically one implant can be used to replace one or more teeth. This will depend upon the mechanical requirements of your chosen prosthesis. At your consultation we will discuss the various treatment alternatives and the type and number of implants that are needed in order to fulfill our treatment objectives.
8. What about infection and complications? During the surgery every attempt is made to maintain a totally sterile field. This tends to minimize any potential for postoperative infection. We will prescribe the appropriate antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Once the implants have been engaged in your prosthesis, it is imperative for you to maintain a high degree of oral hygiene. Success very often depends on your cooperation and homecare efforts.
9. What types of restorations can be placed on implants? The answer to this question depends upon your treatment objectives. This can vary from simple removable prostheses, using the implants for retention , to totally implant supported porcelain fused to metal crowns and bridges. Implant bridges can be either removable or fixed (not removable) depending upon the number of implants. We are able to replace single or multiple missing teeth which returns the dentition to a biologically healthy and esthetically pleasing state.
10. Will I be able to chew and function normally? Yes. Once your implants have integrated, you will be able to function normally without any unusual sensations. Your chewing ability will really depend upon the type of prosthesis you have chosen.
11. How long is the entire implant process? Dental implants take approximately 3-4 months in the lower jaw and 5-6 months in the upper to integrate. Once integrated, it takes several visits to complete the restoration depending upon the complexity.
12. What is the cost? The cost of implant dentistry is based upon a combination of the surgical phase and the prosthetic phase. Your total treatment fee will depend upon the number of implants and the complexity of your final restoration.

We hope that this brief explanation will answer some of your questions regarding implant dentistry. We will be happy to discuss any of these questions with you at your consultation. Please write down your questions so that we can be sure to answer them to your satisfaction.  

If you have just had your implant prosthesis inserted or are considering an implant prosthesis, you may be wondering what procedures are necessary for the proper maintenance of your new prosthesis. 

The home care needed for dental implants is as equally important as that required for your natural teeth. The appliances that we fabricate on top of dental implants are wonders of engineering but unfortunately, can not be designed to be maintenance free. There are many areas around the implants and the prosthesis that need special attention to make sure that dental plaque does not accumulate. As with your own teeth, plaque, a sticky substance that adheres to teeth and is a breeding area for bacteria, must be removed at least every 12 hours to avoid potential periodontal ( peri-implant ) disease. What are the tools needed to combat peri-implant disease and how should they be implemented.

The care of your Implant Prosthesis consists of three steps:

1. Educating and training you about proper oral hygiene techniques.
   
2. Removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) on a regularly scheduled basis by our hygienist.
   
3. Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene between your recall visits.
   

Home plaque control is a critical component of your implant care. The following devices have proved extremely helpful in plaque removal and as tools in the proper maintenance of dental implant/prostheses.

• Soft Toothbrush, End Tuft Brush, Proxy Brush™
  
• Dental Floss( i.e. Post Care Dental Implant Floss, SuperFloss™ )
  
• Rotadent™ motorized toothbrush
  
• Oral Irrigation Devices ( i.e. Water Pik™)
  
• Mouthwashes containing essential oils ( i.e. Listerine™ )

For more information on home care and cleaning devices, click on "Prevention" in the Patient Education section.

Individual Instruction sheets are available for each of the above mentioned cleaning aids. Your dentist and hygienist are also available to assist you in any way they can. Remember, it's not the tool that counts, but the elbow grease behind it.

The proper maintenance of your dental implant prosthesis must be a good blend of proper hygiene technique, appropriate instrumentation, and adequate frequency. Your hygienist will suggest a suitable recall schedule for you based upon the complexity of your dental restoration. She or he will also demonstrate each and every technique so that you can become familiar with the tools that are required for implant care. Then it's up to you...

With a little effort, your dental implant prosthesis can provide many years of comfort, satisfaction, and service.  It can be one of the finest investments you can make for your overall health and nutrition.