Dental Implants

A Sure Foundation for Restoration

Sometimes, permanent teeth are lost due to accident, injury, disease or extraction. In such cases, we often find dental implants to be a secure, functional replacement option because they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Sometimes, we use implants as anchors for bridgework as well. In any case, because they are permanently, surgically anchored to the jawbone as tooth root substitutes, implants offer advantages over other tooth replacement options. The implant itself consists of a metallic or bone-like ceramic posts, inserted into the jawbone below the gum surface at the location of the missing tooth. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation onto which artificial teeth are attached and shaped to match your existing teeth. The implant process generally requires a couple of separate steps, "anchoring" and then "attachment".

Bonding Base To Bone

To place an implant, we first must surgically anchor the tooth root substitute "post" into your jaw-bone below the gum tissue. This post must form a solid, enduring base with sufficient stability to withstand the tremendous mechanical pressure involved in normal chewing, so we'll typically allow 12 weeks to 6 months for the post to incorporate into the bone. Fortunately, most patients do not notice the post during this time. During the wait, we provide a temporary bridge or dentures to facilitate eating and to help maintain facial muscle support. In the meantime, our lab carefully custom designs and manufactures artificial teeth to be placed over the implant tops.

Placing Prosthesis on Post

Once we're certain that your implant post has bonded with your jawbone, Dr. Swedenburg will fix the top of the implant onto the anchor post via a second surgery. This entails first uncovering each implant anchor, connecting it to a small post that protrudes above the gum-line, and then completely covering it with the custom-made artificial tooth or prosthesis. This last step results in a secure, attractive, replacement tooth or set of teeth, designed to function as effectively as the remaining natural teeth. Depending on the number of teeth involved, this final part of the implant process usually requires no more than two months to complete.

Surveying Statistics of Success

Those unfamiliar with implant technology may question the success rate of such procedures. The technology is approximately 20 years old, and has proven successful in tooth replacement, depending primarily on the recipient's health, as well as the location and function of the teeth being replaced. Teeth placed in the lower front jaw may be up to 95% successful, while side or rear placements may be only 85% successful. It's also best if recipients are in good general health, with proper bone structure and healthy gums. Often, people unable to wear dentures are among those who benefit most from implants. On the other hand, chronic health problems such as clenching, bruxism, or systemic diseases may decrease the success rate of the procedure immensely. Finally, those who smoke or drink alcohol may also be poor implant candidates.

Concerning Cost and Commitment

Due to the surgery involved, implant procedures are typically more expensive than traditional bridgework. However, dental and medical insurance may cover portions of such restoration. It's best to discuss this with Dr. Swedenburg and our staff during your evaluation for implant placement, so that we can assist you in working with your insurance company.

Finally, as an implant candidate, you should seriously consider your own commitment to future oral health. As you might imagine, poor oral hygiene itself is a common cause of implant failure. This means that you'll want to be sure and brush and floss around your implants at least twice a day, according to the specific instructions we give you. Further, you may need up to four annual professional cleanings to maintain healthy gums.

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