Stomatochirurgie a implantologie

Dental Implants

 

The Latest Implants with one of the best surgeons in the country.

 

Do you hide your smile because of spaces? Do you lack faith in the stability of your dentures? Do you have difficulty in chewing? If the answer is “yes” then you probably need dental implants. Implants are so natural looking and feeling that you may even forget that you ever lost a tooth.

 

Missing and damaged teeth are a common problem. Some people suffer discomfort and muscle strains as the remaining teeth move. When teeth are lost your jaw bone actually sinks away and from scientific research we now know that wearing dentures accelerates this process. This in turn affects the muscle tone of the face reducing bone support for the lips and cheeks and as we age the lips and lower part of face collapse a little producing an aging effect and affecting ones facial appearance.

 

You may not only be missing teeth, but other things too. A natural smile, confidence, not being able to eat the food you really want to. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

 

A dental implant is a small man-made titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth in your mouth. The implant is placed in the bone of your upper or lower jaw. Your bone then heals tightly around this implant and the implant then serves as an anchor for your replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implants are alternatives to complex restorative treatment, such as conventional bridges, and dentures. Implants are safe, non-toxic, and biocompatible. First tried over 30 years ago, implants evolved to provide a treatment option with 95% success rate over 10 years. Now considered the No. 1 option to replace a missing tooth, implant based treatment is the future of replacing gaps. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth and dental implants preserve the integrity of your facial structure and appearance and reduce the inconveniences associated with tooth loss and if you have dentures.

 

At Dr. Mahoney International Dental Clinic we use the latest quality implants from Sweden and Dr. Foltan is highly experienced.

 

If you wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants are an effective long-term solution. Implants provide greater structural support and last longer than either bridges or dentures. They serve as the strongest and safest available artificial root to which new teeth are bonded. The procedure to insert dental implants normally involves a process of three steps: implant insertion, osseointegration (the healing of the jawbone) and the attachment of the new tooth or teeth.

 

Please call us and talk to someone to find out more information on 732 326 265.

 

Dental Implants questions and answers:

 

What is it?

 

Dental implants are surgically placed into the bone in your jaws. They replace missing or extracted teeth. Once osseo-integration has occurred, the definitive crown, bridge or denture can be constructed. In the interim period you will be provided with a provisional restoration of the highest caliber. Traditionally, placement of implants has been a multistage procedure. However, with new scientific research, in some cases, a single stage immediate implant with definitive crown is now possible.

 

Why are they used?

 

Use of implants and osseo-integration has been documented for nearly 30 years. This treatment option is backed by a multitude of scientific literature and clinical experience.

 

Implants can:

 

 

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable denture.
• Provide support and retention for a denture.
• The exciting prospect for many patients is to finally discard their dentures or avoid them totally.

 

 

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

 

Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. If one, a few or all teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth. Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history. At this time all your questions can be answered.

 

How long will the treatment take?

 

Treatment time will vary depending on your particular situation. Nowadays it is often possible to get well-functioning and aesthetic looking teeth within a few days. In some cases it may be necessary to wait longer before finishing the restoration in order to obtain an optimal result.

 

Procedure

 

Initial consultation, assessment and planning will occur with one of our dentists. The options appropriate to your case will be thoroughly discussed with you. Preoperative pictures and tooth shade will be taken and the smile design process is initiated. Impressions will be taken to allow our ceramist to provide a diagnostic model, this will physically allow you to visualise and approve the intended outcome. You may require specialised imaging in the form of computerised tomography. This will allow your Dentist to have a 3D reconstruction of your jaws, allowing perfect planning for the best outcome.

 

If there is insufficient quality and quantity of bone to place your implant into, osseo-integration will be compromised. As this is a key to success, you may require a bone augmentation procedure to allow your implant to have optimal status (see below). Your dentist will discuss all of these eventualities and possibilities in the initial stages.

 

The placement of a single implant is a relatively minor procedure and routinely carried out under local anesthetic or sedation, many patients report that it is easier than having a tooth extracted. In the interim period you will be provided with a provisional restoration of the highest calibre and aesthetics.

 

Many implant procedures require a second stage; this ensures true osseo-integration has occurred. Carried out under local anesthetic the buried implant is uncovered, and impressions taken. These are sent to our ceramist who will hand craft your aesthetic crown or bridge. In the interim period you will be provided with a provisional restoration of the highest calibre.

 

At your next visit the provisional restoration is carefully removed, and your custom made crown or bridge is tried in. A thorough quality control programme is initiated to ensure that you are about to receive an experience of premier quality at Dr. Mahoneys International Dental Clinic. You will be shown the final restoration at this try in stage. Once you confirm that you are pleased with the appearance and fit, your Dentist will cement the restoration to the implant.

 

Is there any pain or discomfort involved?

 

Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they anticipated. Branemark System, Replace and Steri-Oss implants are placed in a very gentle fashion and care is taken to the various tissues involved. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist may recommend that you speak with another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.

 

Will I ever be without my teeth?

 

Nearly all our patients leave Dr. Mahoney’s Dental Clinic wearing some type of temporary prosthesis (crown or bridge).

 

How much will it cost?

 

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. It is important for you to know that you do not necessarily need an implant for each missing root. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you and what your investment would be for the procedure. An estimate is issued by e-mail, fax or telephone.

 

Recall and Review

 

You will be invited to return a few weeks after provision of the definitive restoration to review your oral health status, condition of the implant and restoration as well as to get feedback of the cosmetic result. An implant does not suffer from dental decay but it is still very important to employ a strict oral hygiene regime encompassing professional hygiene intervention. You will be shown the most appropriate method to ensure optimal oral health. As with any dental intervention, regular recall and review is essential to ensure the status of your implant.

 

Bone Graft and Sinus Lift

 

In certain cases when a dental implant is prescribed, it is necessary to build up bone in the implant site to ensure success. This is generically known as Bone Grafting. The techniques used by Dr. Mahoney International Dental Clinic are well documented and will be discussed with you from the initial consultation if required. Bone grafting allows your Dentist to increase the height and width of bone, and even fill voids. The preferred bone to use is taken from other areas of your mouth.

 

Your Dentist may inform you that a bone graft is not required, instead opting for a sinus lift in the upper jaw. The maxillary sinus is a hollow cavity designed to make your head lighter. As we age our sinuses enlarge. If an implant was placed without appropriate planning it would not have optimal bone support. A sinus lift procedure is designed to raise the floor of the sinus, thus allowing your dentist to place your implant into solid bone, not disturbing the sinus.

 

Surgical Stents (positioning)

 

Dr. Mahoney International Dental Clinic's dentists aim to provide the most aesthetic and functional restoration possible whilst at all times aiming to provide maximum longevity. Cases that are advanced in nature will need further planning and investigation. A CT scan may be required, this will allow your dentist to visualise your jaws in 3 dimensions. The CT scan provides ultimate control over planning and placement of implants. The scan will accurately allow the specific size, type, and angulation of implant to be selected before your procedure even takes place. A surgical stent may be manufactured from this 3D computerised model, which acts as a specific guide for placement of your implant thus removing the possibility of human error.

 

Health Concerns?

 

As with any cosmetic surgery, complications are rare, but can include infection, slight damage to nerves, and mild discomfort. Although very unlikely, infection of the gums or jawbone is a possibility and is treated through medication and/or antibiotics. Surgery to the upper or lower jawbone can result in mild nerve damage. Nerve damage typically subsides in several weeks, but can persist for longer periods of time. As the jawbone heals, patients may experience some discomfort, which can be tempered through medication. Discomfort subsides within 7 to 10 days.

 

Implant Maintenance

 

Although patients should always practice proper dental hygiene, this is especially true once a dental implant has been put into place. When teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, bacteria can attack sensitive areas, causing the gums to swell and the jawbone to gradually recede. Enough recession of the jawbone can weaken dental implants and eventually necessitate their removal. Patients should visit their dentist's office at least twice a year in order to insure the health of your teeth and your implant. Following an implant operation, smoking should be avoided, as it impairs the gum and jawbone's ability to heal. Given the proper care, dental implants should last 25 years or longer. You will be responsible for daily plaque removal, which can be accomplished through brushing and flossing around your restoration. Your dentist and hygienist will show you how to properly care for your implants. You should visit the dental hygienist every six months for hygiene and your dentist once a year for maintenance appointments.

 

How long do implants last?

 

Nobel Biocare, who produce the Branemark implants we use have experience from over 40 years of replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Dental bridges supported by implants have been shown to last over 15 years in 90 of cases. We have every indication that they will last for much longer. Most patients can expect them to last a lifetime. The first patient received his dental implants more than 40 years ago and they are still functioning today.

 

What are the main benefits of dental implants?

 

Improved Appearance: If you loose a tooth or when teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of your jawbones occurs, making your face look older. Dental implants can slow or stop this process. Dental implants look and feel like your own natural teeth.

 

Improved Comfort: Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of your jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of your jaw bone alters the fit of your denture, resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of your gum tissue may add to your discomfort. Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.

 

Improved Speech: With ill fitting dentures, the teeth will slip and slide around your mouth. Your facial muscles become tense as you attempt to hold your teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Replacement teeth anchored by implants allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.

 

Eating Better: The average denture patient with an excellent fitting denture eats at 15-20% efficiency when compared to a person with natural teeth. As your jawbone shrinks, your chewing efficiency is reduced even more, making it difficult for you to eat certain foods. Dental implants can restore your chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain, enjoy what everyone else is eating and not think twice about it. A full upper denture would cover the whole palate of your mouth and this reduces your ability to taste foods. With dental implants, you can have the palate removed from your upper denture so you can taste and enjoy your food.

 

Convenience: Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures. You will eliminate the use of gooey denture adhesives that must be re-applied throughout the day. You will no longer need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, for fear that your teeth will pop out or fall down. And if you cough, you can dispose of your net to catch your flying teeth!

 

Protect Your Remaining Natural Teeth: Dental implants are often more appropriate than a bridge for the replacement of one or more adjacent teeth. With conventional bridgework, your teeth surrounding the gap must be ground down. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify these teeth, resulting in a conservative, yet esthetic restoration.

 

Improved Self Esteem: Considering all other benefits, dental implants can improve your self-esteem. You may feel better about yourself. You can regain nearly all the capabilities that most people have with natural teeth, giving you renewed confidence, and allowing you to enjoy life, do what everyone else is doing and not think twice about it.

 

“The best investment I ever made. I had terrible teeth and it changed my life”.

 

Please contact us if you have any questions at all. Our friendly multilingual doctors and staff are here for you.