Hello, my name is Dr. Lea Planzos and I'm a periodontist. Today I'm going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are devices that are similar to screws and they're placed in a patient's bone to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth.
Why would dental implants be recommended?
Dental implants are recommended because they're a great solution to either replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth. You can create a bridge on top of implants. You can place a single crown on one implant to replace one missing tooth. In cases where patients are missing a whole arch of teeth, you can place four, five, six, or more implants and either secure a fixed restoration like a fixed bridge on top of those implants or use those implants to support a removable prosthesis such as a denture, making it more stable and comfortable for the patient to chew with.
What is the process of getting a dental implant?
To get a dental implant, you must have a missing tooth. If you already have a missing tooth, the surgeon will evaluate the quantity and quality of bone. If it's sufficient, they perform a procedure where they place the implant into the jawbone. The implant must heal for approximately four months, after which the patient will get a crown. If a patient has a tooth that needs to be extracted, sometimes an implant can be placed at the same time, with a healing period of approximately 3 to 4 months until they can get a crown. In other cases, if a tooth is extracted and the bone is not sufficient for an immediate implant, the bone must heal for 3 to 4 months, sometimes longer, before the patient can receive the dental implant.
When is bone grafting required?
Bone grafting is required whenever there's not sufficient quality or quantity of bone for a dental implant. An implant must integrate into the bone, meaning the patient's bone has to fill in around it. This process is called osseointegration. If a patient does not have sufficient bone on one or more sides of the implant, it won't be stable and can be open to issues such as bacterial infection. It's crucial to have good bone at the time of implant placement.
How long do implants last?
Implants can last a very long time, especially if there's good bone, good tissue health around them, and if they're maintained properly. Many patients think that once they get an implant or several implants, they never have to return to the dentist. That's false. While implants cannot get decay or cavities like teeth, they can develop issues due to bacterial infection if not properly cleaned or maintained.
Thank you very much.