If you have lost a tooth, it is likely that one of your options is to replace it with a dental implant. Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth. Before you decide a course of action, you should consider asking your dentist some simple questions:
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone.
Though there’s some evidence that ancient people may have tried to create dental implants from pieces of shell, nothing beats modern titanium. In the 1960’s, it was discovered that bone will grow so close to a titanium implant that bone and implant essentially become one.
As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration.
What Is the Dental Implant Process Like?
The process should begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical and dental history, and a full clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area. The clinical exam should also include specific X-rays.
After assessing the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan can be devised. From that point, implants are surgically placed in the jawbone under local anaesthesia. The length of the healing time is based on the quality and quantity of bone, as well as the type of implant placed. After adequate healing is allowed to occur. Then the implant can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
How Many Dental Implants Should Be Placed?
A good rule-ofthumb is to place one implant for each tooth replaced. Other decisive factors for the number of implants needed for success is the quality and quantity of the patient’s bone. Equally as important are the existing anatomy of the bone and the financial resources of the patient.
Placing enough implants to restore teeth is vitally important to the long-term success of the restoration. Simply stated, the most costly mistake is to have an implant fail because not enough implants are placed to support the teeth. If the number of implants is limited due to financial constraints of the patient. Then the implant treatment should be avoided or the type of restoration must be altered.
Who Should You See about Getting Dental Implants?
When getting dental implants, you should select a dentist or dental team with in-depth knowledge and prior experience with all aspects of the treatment. It is important to know that implant treatment consists of two components: a surgical phase and a restorative phase.
Traditionally, a dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist, performs the surgical component. A general dentist, or prosthodontist and laboratory technician performs the restorative component. However, as implant dentistry has become more sophisticated, sometimes a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry conducts the entire procedure.
Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?
Yes, several types are available. The American Dental Association considers both the endosteal and the subperiosteal implants to be acceptable. An important factor for selection is to determine whether your jawbone can adequately support the implant. Most dental implants placed today are endosteal root form fixtures (similar to a manmade tooth root).
More knowledgeable patients have more input to offer their dentists about their implant treatment and have better chances of a successful treatment outcome.
Miami dentist, Dr. Papiernik, truly enjoys seeing the effect that a healthy smile has on his patient’s lives. He believes that a healthy smile begins with knowledge. That is why one of his goals is to help elevate each patient’s dental awareness and to provide them with the best tools to maintain their dental health at its optimum. Please call (305) 670 5100 to schedule an appointment. Miami dentist, Dr. Papiernik, specializes in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dental veneers, dental teeth whitening, teeth bonding, and general dentistry.
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Miami Smile Dental
South Miami dentist Dr. Serge Papiernik
9350 S. Dixie Hwy., Suite #920
Miami, FL 33156
(305) 670 5100