Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Implant Description

We specialize in the placement of dental implants, which are titanium metal cylinders that replace tooth roots and are placed into the jaw bones where bone grows into them and locks them in place. Dental implants are used effectively to replace missing teeth and are regarded as one of the most important advances in dentistry in the last 50 years.

Whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for almost everyone. With the exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages, even if they have any of these concerns:

• Existing medical conditions – Generally, if you can receive routine dental treatment, you can have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain conditions, patients with most chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment.
• Gum disease of problem teeth – Implants placed in patients who have lost teeth to periodontal disease have a very high success rate over time.
• Currently wearing partials or dentures – Implants can replace bridges or dentures, or they can be used to stabilize and secure a denture, making it much more comfortable and functional.
• Smoking – Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it does not eliminate the possibility of implant placement.
• Bone loss – Bone loss is common for people who have lost teeth or had periodontal disease. Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons are trained and experienced in grafting, adding bone to safely secure dental implants.

Implant tooth replacement in children is usually deferred until jaw growth is complete. There are, however, some instances when a dental implant may be appropriate, such as when it is part of a child’s orthodontic treatment plan. Your family dentist or orthodontist will guide you in this instance.

Are Dental Implants Permanent?

Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic inconvenience – they affect a person’s day-to-day life and leave people looking for a permanent solution. Are dental implants permanent? While every patient is unique, it is clear that dental implants offer the most permanent solution for missing teeth. Many of the dental implants first placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to function at peak performance. When properly cared for, dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth.

Success Rates of Dental Implants

Many of the implants first placed are still functioning as intended and have an overall success rate of up to 95 percent. Given the alternatives – removable dentures or potentially damaging fixed bridges – dental implants provide patients with a more permanent solution. New technology, material and treatments make dental implants an excellent choice for almost anyone who needs to replace missing teeth.

Potential Causes of Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants have a remarkable success rate. While uncommon, some dental implants do unfortunately fail. What causes a dental implant to fail?

• Short-term dental implant failure is typically due to a problem with the bone healing around the titanium implant. Osseointegration is the proper fusing of the implant to the patient’s bone; sometimes this fails to happen and the implant needs to be removed. This failure can be caused by a number of factors including low bone density, uncontrolled diabetes and smoking. Symptoms can include implant mobility, pain and bleeding.
• Long-term dental implant failure occurs after the implant has integrated with the bone and the jaw has healed, and the most common cause is called peri-implantitis. It’s a chronic infection of the gum (and eventually the bone) with symptoms that include discomfort, infection and bleeding. Long-term failures also can be caused by prosthetic complications (a broken screw or loose abutment).

Treatments for short-term failure often involve repairing the surgical site with a bone graft, waiting for the bone to heal and then replacing the dental implant. Treatments for peri-implantitis will vary depending on the cause and severity. Our doctors recommend more frequent cleanings, changes in your home hygiene routine, surgery or a combination of treatments. Prosthetic complications vary based on the type of complication and restoration and, in certain cases, may be repaired.

Abutment

Healing abutments are an intermediate piece that is placed on the buried implant to your oral cavity. They are a temporary component to simply create a pathway through the gums. You will receive a separate abutment after your healing is completed.

Whether your dentist chooses to use this abutment that we provided, he/she will consider these factors – such as implant location, desired esthetic outcome, and functional requirements – that is appropriate for your specific prosthetic needs. 

Prosthetic Crown or Bridge

A prosthetic crown or bridge-which is done at your dentist office- is the visible part of a dental implant restoration that resembles the natural tooth or teeth. Attached to the abutments, these fixtures will be customized to match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size for a seamless, natural smile. A crown is one individual replacement tooth, while a bridge or a hybrid consists of several replacement teeth as a single unit.

Successful dental implants combine a team approach that requires engagement from all parties, including our doctors, restorative dentist, and you, the patient. Our doctors will work closely with your restorative dentist to ensure proper communication and coordination throughout the dental implant treatment process. 

Advantages of Implant-retained Dentures

Conventional dentures can slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or speaking, and frequent adjustments and adhesives can be inconvenient and frustrating. Also, dentures not anchored in the jawbone often lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing. Dentures anchored by dental implants address these challenges and improve the overall denture-wearing experience.              

What are the Benefits of Implant-retained Dentures?

The main advantages of dental implants for retaining dentures include:

• Stability and security: Dental implants fuse with the jawbone over time through a process called osseointegration, forming a strong anchor for your denture. This stability can remove the risk of the denture slipping and allows you to eat, talk, and laugh confidently.
• Increased comfort: Dental implants can eliminate the discomfort caused by loose dentures rubbing against gums and causing pain. Implants distribute pressure more evenly and reduce irritation and discomfort.
• Improved chewing function: Traditional dentures can limit your ability to properly chew certain foods. Dental implants can provide a stable foundation for your dentures, restore your chewing function, and allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods. This can improve your nutrition and overall health.
• Natural look and feel: Dental implants maintain the bone structure of the jaw and prevent the sagging of the face that may occur if teeth are missing. With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy a confident smile that looks and feels natural.
• Comfort and ease of use: Dental implants can eliminate the need for sticky glues or pastes to hold dentures in place. The denture can easily be attached to the implant for a secure and natural fit.

What is the Process for Implant-Retained Dentures?

The placement of implant-retained dentures requires the following steps:

• Consultation and treatment planning: Our doctors will assess your oral health, discuss your expectations and goals, and create a customized treatment plan. Our doctors can determine the number of dental implants required to effectively support the dentures.
• Implant placement: Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone through a simple surgical procedure. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the bone through osseointegration, providing stability and durability.
• Temporary Denture: Your dentist will make a temporary denture for you to wear while your implants are healing. 
• Abutment installation: Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a healing abutment (metal connector) is attached to the implant to allow gums to heal. Permanent abutments are placed by your dentist to connect the denture to the implant.
• Recovery: Our doctors will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the healing process, maintain implant stability, and work with your dentist to make adjustments as needed to your temporary denture.
• Installation of the Permanent denture: Your dentist may modify an existing denture so it can be used with the implants or create a new set that attaches to the abutments. The denture is precisely designed to fit the implants securely and provide optimal support and comfort.

If you are looking for an alternative to traditional dentures that is more stable, comfortable, and functional, an experienced doctors at Heine, Heine, & Bowles Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, will assess your individual dental condition, discuss treatment options, and create a customized plan for your specific needs.

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.