Overview

When a tooth is lost due to trauma or illness, an individual may face issues like rapid bone deterioration, impaired speech, or alterations in chewing habits leading to discomfort. The replacement of a missing tooth with a dental implant can greatly enhance the patient's health and quality of life.

Dental implant systems are composed of a dental implant body and a dental implant abutment, and may also incorporate an abutment fixation screw. The dental implant body is surgically placed in the jawbone, replacing the root of the tooth. The dental implant abutment, typically attached to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw, extends through the gums into the mouth to support the attached synthetic teeth.

Guidelines for Patients

Prior to opting for dental implants, discuss with your dental professional about the possible advantages and disadvantages, and if you are suitable for the procedure.

Points to ponder:

• Your general health plays a significant role in deciding if you're suitable for dental implants, the duration of your healing process, and the longevity of the implant.

• Inquire with your dental professional about the make and model of the dental implant system they're using and retain this data for future reference.

• Smoking could potentially hinder the healing process and reduce the implant's long-term effectiveness.

• The recovery period for the implant body could extend to several months or more, during which a temporary abutment usually replaces the tooth.

Post the dental implant procedure:

• Adhere strictly to the oral care guidelines provided by your dentist. Regularly cleaning the implant and adjacent teeth is crucial for the implant's long-term success.

• Regularly schedule appointments with your dentist.

• If you experience looseness or pain in your implant, inform your dentist immediately.

Advantages of Dental Implant Procedures:

• Reinstates the capacity to chew

• Recovers aesthetic appearance

• Aids in preventing jawbone shrinkage due to bone loss

• Maintains the health of the adjacent bone and gums

• Assists in keeping neighboring teeth stable

• Enhances quality of life

Assessing the Safety of Dental Implants

Dental implant procedures typically utilize materials that adhere to international consensus standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or ASTM International. These standards outline the characteristics of a safe material. The majority of dental implant procedures use titanium or zirconium oxide. Occasionally, other materials like gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, titanium alloys, or ceramic materials are employed. The safety aspects of these materials are well-documented.

Dental implant systems are assessed based on globally agreed standards. Part of this assessment includes biocompatibility testing, which demonstrates that the device does not induce issues such as irritation or allergic reactions when in contact with the body. This helps confirm that the materials used in the dental implant system are harmless and do not lead to negative effects when inserted into individuals.

Before manufacturers can sell dental implant systems in the United States, they are required to prove to the FDA that their systems are equally safe and effective as the dental implant systems that are currently available in the market.

Cost of Dental Implant:

Because no two dental implant procedures are the same, the costs will vary depending on the type of implant you get and the treatment that accompanies it, like the dental implant installation or 3D imaging used in a dental exam.

If you want to get a free estimate. Make an appointment and we will gladly help you through the process.