General and cosmetic dentistry Dr. Massaro Seminole


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Dental Implants

Are you missing a permanent tooth? Do you have gaps in your smile? Do you wear dentures and experience some of the following problems:

  • Slipping and clicking while talking?
  • Irritation and pain when you chew?
  • Fear of eating in public?
  • Feeling or looking older than your age?

You may be a candidate for dental implants, an alternative to missing teeth. A dental implant uses your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge, rather than anchoring it to a healthy, neighboring tooth. The results are natural-looking teeth that look, feel, and function as your own!

Healthy teeth are a gift we often take for granted. Losing one or more teeth impacts our smile, our confidence, and our enjoyment of our favorite foods. Dental implants are technology's way of taking us a step closer to replacement teeth that feel secure and look like our own.

What Is Involved in Getting Implants?

The implant process takes several steps, but you will be able to continue your regular professional and social routines. Initially, Dr. Massaro will evaluate your mouth, teeth, and jaw to determine whether implants are a good option for you.

For most patients, there are two surgical procedures involved. First, in the actual implant placement, the implants are surgically inserted into or atop the jawbone. Over the next three to six months, the implants are left alone, so that the anchor can bond to the bone, creating a strong foundation for the teeth to come.

Second, the new tooth or teeth are created and attached to the anchored implant. You now have teeth that might as well be nature's own: they look natural, are comfortable, and withstand the rigors of grinding and chewing. No one will know that your tooth has an artificial, man-made tooth root.

Implants Are Not for Everyone

It's true. Your current dental health will influence whether you're a good candidate. Some medical conditions may interfere with normal healing, such as diabetes or heart problems. Finally, the supporting bone in your jaw must be healthy; if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, the success rate for your implants will drop. Less success also is noted in smokers.

A complete examination and X-rays by your dentist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. You must also commit to a strict schedule of flossing, brushing, rinsing, and check-ups to keep them healthy.

Proven Technology for a New Quality of Life

Technology gets the credit for this exciting alternative to missing teeth, dentures, and bridges. Researchers noticed in the 1950s that titanium and some other materials formed a strong bond to the bone. That gave rise to the use of dental implants. Today, there are patients who have had implants for more than 25 years. Hundreds of thousands of dental implants have now been inserted, boasting more than a 90% success rate! Metal joint implants used in other parts of the body were actually developed from the success of dental implants.

It has been around for decades and people know it works. Schedule an evaluation with your dentist to determine if dental implants are right for you. Discover how they can improve your quality of life and put a genuine smile on your face.

What to Expect From Dental Implant Treatment

Dental implant treatment requires a "team approach," with the surgeon that is going to place the implant and Dr. Massaro, who is going to place the crown on the implant working together. The key to a successful dental implant restoration is the development of a comprehensive treatment plan that considers the overall oral condition. Both the surgeon and Dr. Massaro must make sure that there is no uncontrolled infection in the mouth that could jeopardize the implant success. In addition, the entire dentition needs to be evaluated to design how the teeth are going to come together after treatment.

Planning dental implant treatment begins with the collection of diagnostic data. After reviewing your medical and dental history, the implant surgeon is going to need certain X-rays to plan the location and size of the implants. To start with, dental X-rays are helpful to see if you are a candidate for implants. If you are, you may be referred for a DentaScan - a CT scan of the jaw. This X-ray gives the surgeon a three-dimensional view of the jawbone and information about the width and location of the bone. By reviewing the DentaScan, the surgeon will be able to plan the size and location of the implants and whether bone grafting or other procedures will also be required. For better treatment planning, other measurements and molds of the teeth may also be needed.

Dental implant treatment is done in four stages:

  1. Dental implants can be placed at the implant surgeon's office. The procedure is similar to other dental procedures in which the gum is numbed with local anesthesia. After numbing, the gum is pushed back to expose the bone. The bone is then prepared with a series of instruments to make it ready to fit the implant. After the implant is placed, the gum is placed back with sutures (stitches). Although all this sounds painful, with proper anesthesia, dental implant treatment is mostly painless. After the numbness wears off, you can expect some mild discomfort that can be controlled with commonly available over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The surgeon will remove the stitches a week later and may see you for a few evaluations after that.
    After the surgical placement of the dental implants, the bone needs to heal and bond to the implants. During the time that implants are healing, they are under the gum and you may not be able to see them. Traditionally, six months of healing is allowed for the upper jaw (where the bone is softer) and four months on the lower jaw. Recent developments have allowed a shorter healing time, which is dependent on very specific criteria that need to be evaluated by the implant surgeon and restorative dentist.
  2. Once the implants have healed and bonded to the bone, a second surgery may be required to expose them. Again, the gum needs to be numbed with local anesthesia and pushed back. The implant can then be exposed and a connecting piece (abutment) placed on top. A few stitches that can be removed a week later may be required after this procedure.
  3. The third phase of implant treatment involves the construction of the crowns, bridges, or dentures that will be fitted to the implant through the abutment. The restorative dentist will require several appointments to take impressions, fabricate temporary restorations, and fit the final replacement teeth.
  4. Poor oral hygiene can jeopardize implant success. Although implants don't get cavities, they are susceptible to peri-implantitis, an infection of the supporting bone that can lead to bone loss and eventual implant failure. Meticulous oral hygiene, periodic exams, and professional cleanings around implants are just as important as around teeth.

The success of implant treatment is dependent on the expertise of the dental team and the patient's ability to control plaque. With proper implant design and follow-up maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of dental implant treatment for a lifetime. They can look and feel like natural teeth, adding comfort and improving the smile of people of all ages.

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