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Life's
simple pleasures can cause problems and pain for the millions
of adults who suffer from permanent tooth loss.
Men
and women of all ages are self-conscious about their dentures,
bridges or missing teeth. Some have difficulty speaking because
their dentures slip or click.
For
others, the irritation and pain caused by dentures are constant
reminders of the limitations they feel. Many are concerned
about their appearance and may feel that their tooth loss
has "aged them" before their time.
Some
regularly decline invitations to social events because they
are unwilling to face the uncertainties of eating, speaking
and laughing in public. Many can no longer enjoy their favorite
foods, nor the social interaction with family and friends
that accompanies special meals.
WHAT
ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental
Implants are metal anchors placed in the jawbone underneath
the gum tissue to support artificial teeth where natural
teeth are missing. Unlike other types of tooth replacements,
such as removable dentures or fixed bridges that are cemented
to remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed
("implanted") into the jawbone under the gum tissue.
These implants are made from a space-age metal called titanium,
which is readily accepted by the body, and artificial teeth
that look and function like natural teeth are then attached
to the implants. Accepted by the American Dental Association,
dental implants have been used for many years, and hundreds
of thousands have been placed. Due to a phenomenon known
as "osteointegration", meaning that bone actually
attaches itself to the implant, these anchors provide a
strong foundation that allows people with missing teeth
to chew efficiently and comfortably.
A
UNIQUE SOLUTION TO A TROUBLESOME PROBLEM
Now,
more and more people are putting an end to these problems
by choosing dental implants, a revolutionary way to replace
missing teeth. Dental implants offer an excellent alternative
to the limitations of conventional dentures, bridges and
missing teeth.
Dental
implants are changing the way people live. With them, people
are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak,
laugh and enjoy life.
WHY
ARE PEOPLE CHOOSING DENTAL IMPLANTS?
A
national survey of oral and maxillofacial surgeons found
that patient interest and demand has grown significantly.
The
survey found:
-
Dental
implant use has nearly tripled since 1986 and is expected
to continue to rise rapidly
-
People of all ages are turning to dental implants to
replace a single tooth, several teeth or a full set
of dentures
-
Leading reasons cited for choosing dental implants are:
-
to
restore normal eating and speaking abilities
-
to
enhance facial appearance and confidence
-
to
increase denture retention
According
to the survey, the reasons for the increased demand are:
-
Growing
public awareness of the significant functional and esthetic
advantages of dental implants over conventional dentures
and bridges
-
The availability of data on the long-term success of
dental implants
Experts
predict that the demand for the procedure will continue
to grow as people become more familiar with the benefits
of dental implants.
AN
ALTERNATIVE TO NATURAL TEETH
Dental
implants are a great option for patients missing natural
teeth, because they act as a secure anchor for artificial
replacement teeth and eliminate the instability associated
with surface adhesives and removable bridges.
Your
natural teeth absorb biting pressure of up to 540 lbs. per
square inch. Long-time denture-wearers can often absorb
no more than 50 lbs. per square inch. Dental implants, when
properly placed, can withstand 450 lbs. per square inch
of biting pressure.
Dental
implants are made of materials that are compatible with
human bone and tissue. The endosteal implants are surgically
placed directly into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached
to the implants, which protrude through the gums. These
posts provide
stable
anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Dental
Implants Fit Patient Needs. Based on patient needs, a single
tooth, a partial ridge or a full set of replacement teeth
are fitted to the implants and locked in place over the
protruding posts. In appearance and in function, implants
are the closest thing to natural teeth and a good alternative
to conventional dentures.
The
following examples are possible treatment options for certain
conditions:
(Click
on the link that most resembles your condition.)
Implants
eliminate the day-to-day frustrations and pain of ill-fitting
dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied
diet without the restrictions many denture wearers face.
With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover
the excitement of an active lifestyle shared with family
and friends and the chance to speak clearly and comfortably
with co-workers.
For
all these reasons, people with dental implants often say
they feel better . . . they look better . . . they live
better.
WHAT
TO EXPECT
An
oral and maxillofacial surgeon can determine if you are
a candidate for dental implants. You will be evaluated based
upon a number of things including dental health, life-style,
jawbone quality, and oral hygiene habits. In close consultation
with your own dentist, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon
can plan your dental implant treatment program.
Dental
implant surgery is often done in an oral and maxillofacial
surgeon's office. In some cases, the procedure is done in
a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. In any event, an
oral and maxillofacial surgeon can determine the most appropriate
setting based on your individual needs.
A
Two-Phase Procedure. For most patients, the placement of
dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First,
the implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. These
small devices make up the framework needed to securely hold
replacement teeth. For the first three to six months following
surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums,
gradually bonding with the jawbone. During this time, you
should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft
diet.
A
Single-Phase Procedure. Some patients are candidates for
immediate implant placement if conditions are favorable;
however, your condition is unique and must be evaluated
carefully to determine if you would benefit from single-phase
implant placement.
Additional
procedures may be necessary in combination with the placement
of dental implants (bone graft, sinus lift, platelet-rich
plasma, etc.).
Some
patients do report minor pain and swelling immediately after
the procedure but most experience no change in their daily
routines.
While
the implants are bonding with the jawbone, new replacement
teeth are fashioned by your dentist. The replacement teeth
must clip onto the implants, fit securely in the mouth and
withstand the day-to-day movement and pressure created by
chewing and speaking. So, it is important that they are
created by a dentist with proper training in restorative
techniques.
Once
the implants have bonded to the jawbone, the second phase
of the procedure begins. At this time, the oral and maxillofacial
surgeon uncovers the implants and attaches small posts,
which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. The
posts protrude through the gum line but are not visible
when artificial teeth are attached.
The
entire process, from evaluation to completion, generally
takes six to eight months. During this time, most patients
do not experience any disruption in their normal business
and social activities.
Because
dental implants are made of materials that are compatible
with human bone, there is little chance for an allergic
reaction in the body. However, implants can fail when proper
oral hygiene techniques are not used. Dental implants require
special individual care. Proper brushing, flossing, rinsing
and regular check-ups are critical to the long-term success
of your implants.
A
TEAM EFFORT
Though
dental implants are a relatively simple procedure, they
generally warrant the expertise of two dental professionals-
an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.
Working
as a team, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and restorative
dentist can determine if you are a candidate for implants
and design an appropriate treatment plan. A restorative
dentist, with training in dental implants, creates the replacement
teeth. The doctor prepares the necessary molds and works
with a dental laboratory to make sure that the denture or
bridge will meet the particular needs of each patient. Additionally,
dental implant patients should see a dentist for routine
follow-up care and maintenance.
An
oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who
surgically treats the mouth and jaw area. Following dental
school, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes several
additional years of training in a hospital residency program
and is trained to administer and monitor all types of anesthesia
needed for oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures.
START
A NEW WAY OF LIVING TODAY
If
you are among the millions of Americans who suffer from
permanent tooth loss, you can eliminate the problems and
pain caused by dentures, bridges or missing teeth. You can
begin to rediscover the joy of eating healthy, speaking
clearly and laughing comfortably.
Take
the first step. Get the facts about dental implants. See
your dentist or a member of the American Association of
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. With their training and
expertise, they can determine if dental implants are right
for you.
Portions of the above information provided as a courtesy by:
American
Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
9700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5701
847/678-6200 Fax: 847/678-6286
Website: www.aaoms.org
The
Straumann Company
Reservoir Place
1601 Trapelo Road
Waltham, MA 02451
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