What Are Dental Implants?
People ask Dr. Hamilton about dental implants all the time no matter if he is at the office, at the grocery store, or on vacation, so we decided to round up the most frequently asked questions and provide answers to them in this month’s blog post.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants make it possible for dentists to create solid roots for prosthetic teeth to replace the ones that have been lost. The implants are artificial tooth roots and look similar to a screw. The most common material used for a dental implant is titanium or titanium alloy. We use titanium because it resists corrosion and it is biocompatible which means that it will not be rejected by the body. Titanium is strong enough to support the rigors of biting and chewing for several decades without failure so patients can enjoy all of the foods they love.
The dental implant is surgically placed into the bone, which then heals in place in a process called osseointegration. Once the integration is complete, the dental implant becomes the sturdy base for supporting one or multiple artificial teeth. These are commonly referred to as crowns or bridges. The implant itself is slightly hollow in the center, with screw threads for a connector known as an “abutment”. The abutment is fastened on top of the dental implant to hold and support your crowns, bridges, or other implant prosthetics available. All of these options are custom-made to match your natural teeth and fit your mouth with precision.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, modern dental implants are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth – and even better, they allow these new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally. The doctors at West Wind Dental agree with this, and most dental literature supports this sentiment as well.
Can I just get a dental bridge to replace one missing tooth?
A dental bridge, dentures, or partial dentures can replace missing teeth without requiring implants. The missing tooth or multiple teeth can also be left without a replacement. This, however, can lead to long-term complications such as an unstable bite or unwanted movement of the surrounding teeth. Typically, placing a dental implant to fix missing teeth due to genetics, an accident, or an oral health problem can be completed with minimal extra cost as long as the treatment is planned correctly and the implant can last much longer than a dental bridge.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, a dental implant can last for more than 25 years. However, bone is very dynamic in turnover, and in the event of drastic changes in systemic and/or oral health, the longevity of dental implants may be negatively affected.
How long does it take to get a tooth replaced with a dental implant?
Different circumstances unique to each patient will determine the time frame in which dental implants can be restored to functional teeth. A good time frame to consider is 3 to 6 months from the time the implant is placed. It is becoming more common in clinical practice to place the implant at the same time the tooth is removed. The best process for you will be described in detail at your consultation appointment.
Do implants really help make dentures better, and if so, how?
At West Wind Dental, we tell patients that dental implants will not fix a poorly made denture. They will, however, make a properly fitting denture work much, much better. Properly made dentures have the prosthetic teeth in the correct position with a balanced and equal intensity bite distribution. Implants in this modality will make the denture stay in place more effectively and usually eliminate the need for adhesives.
What are the risks of having dental implants placed?
There are a few risks associated with dental implants just like any other surgery has. Improperly positioned dental implants can make it difficult–if not impossible–to place a useful dental restoration in the mouth. There have also been some cases where the dental implant fails to integrate with the bone and must be removed. Certain medical conditions can put you at a higher risk for implant failure. Some people believe implant-supported restorations do not have the exact same feeling like a natural tooth and if too much pressure is put on them when chewing, it could possibly lead to damage to the implant restoration or opposing tooth.
How much do dental implants cost?
A typical dental implant replacing a single tooth averages between $3,000 and $4,500. This does not include the cost of tooth extraction and possible bone grafting or any sinus lift procedures that may be needed to ensure adequate bone volume and health. We provide estimates during our consultations prior to surgery taking place.
Does it hurt to have dental implants put in?
We offer several different sedation methods for the dental implant procedure so you should not feel anything while the procedure takes place. After completion, you should be careful not to disturb the surgical site immediately after the dental implant placement. This means no chewing on the side of the implant and follow our careful cleaning instructions for several weeks. The dental implant takes several months to totally fuse to the jaw, so fewer disturbances to the area means a higher success rate. If you have a temporary denture to replace your missing dentition, it is important that the denture does not rub against the surgical site. Most patients report little to no discomfort 2 to 3 days after the procedure is completed.
If I want dental implants, what are my next steps?
West Wind Dental would love to assist in making your teeth work better for you. The first step is to call our office directly to schedule an appointment for Dr. Hamilton to discuss with you what your best options are for dental implants based on the condition of your current bone and teeth structure.
You may call our office Monday through Friday and speak with a member of our administrative team at (269) 381-7770.
Contact us today to talk about how we can transform your smile.
Dr. Andrew Hamilton, DDS, FAGD
Dr. Hamilton is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society (KVDDS), the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics (IAFA), and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICIO). He also routinely attends courses through the Pikos Institute in Northwest Florida and has achieved fellowship status in the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) as well as the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). Dr. Hamilton is a proud alumnus of the Kois Center program in Seattle and is currently serving on the faculty of the Global Dental Implant Academy (GDIA).
With the little spare time left over, you’ll find Dr. Hamilton enjoying his time steelhead and salmon fishing and playing the occasional round of golf.