1. Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. Occasionally, older patients express the 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. Dr. Margolies will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history. Consultations are complimentary.
2. What are the facial effects of tooth loss?
When teeth are lost, there are many facial consequences that occur. The teeth support the muscles in the face and contribute to our facial structure. When the teeth are lost, the muscles sag and droop, resulting in deep facial lines. The teeth help to maintain the appropriate distance between the upper and lower jaws. When the teeth are no longer present, the bone of the jaw shrinks, and the jaws collapse toward each other, resulting in a decreased facial height. As a consequence of this collapse, the chin protrudes too far forward. We also see a thinning of lips. Jowls form at the side of the face, where the muscles hang down due to lack of support. Patients who have worn dentures for a long time develop a “squashed” looking face. The loss of teeth speeds up the aging process dramatically.
When implants are placed, bone loss stops. The implants reinforce the bone, the same way steel beams strengthen a building. An implant restoration restores vertical facial height and returns support to the cheek muscles and lips, restoring muscle tone and vitality. Reversing an aging smile like this takes years off a patient’s appearance.
3. Is there pain or discomfort involved?
Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and that they were much more comfortable after the procedure than they anticipated. Implants are placed in a very gentle fashion and care is taken with the various tissues involved. Local anesthesia, and sometimes sedation, is used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. An MD anesthesiologist is available when appropriate.
4. How will I benefit from dental implants?
The benefits of implant treatment include improved appearance, the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy food, and the protection of your remaining teeth and jawbone. Dental implants offer many options for the treatment of missing teeth. In short, dental implants look, feel, and function like your real teeth.
5. How long will the treatment take?
Treatment time will vary depending upon your unique situation. Today it is often possible to get well-functioning aesthetic-looking teeth the day of the surgery. In other cases, it may be necessary to wait several months before finishing the restoration in order to obtain an optimal result.
6. Will I ever be without teeth?
No! You will never be without teeth. In cases where the implants are not immediately used to support new teeth, a temporary restoration is always placed.
7. How long do implants last?
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.
8. Is it important to take care of the implant after the procedure is completed?
Yes! Routine hygiene similar to regular tooth cleaning will help to assure long-term success of your treatment. You will be responsible for daily plaque removal, which can be accomplished through brushing and flossing around your restoration. We will show you how to properly care for your implants, and you must visit us several times a year for maintenance.
9. How long have implants been done?
Implants are not new to the dental field. Research was started in the 1950s. Professor Branemark placed his first osseointegrated implant in a patient in 1965, after many years of preclinical studies.
10. How much do implants 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 need an implant for each missing tooth root, and some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation, we will recommend the treatment that is best for you, and what your investment would be for the procedure. We offer a complimentary consultation. It will cost you nothing to find out. Please call to make an appointment.