Why Consider Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a kind of artificial titanium root that is introduced into the jaw to replace a natural root that will gradually weld to the bone (osseointegration). Healing usually takes three months, depending on the quality of the bone, the contact between the upper and lower teeth, and the type of restoration to be performed. A trustworthy Cedar Creek Dentist should be the only person performing this kind of surgery.

Placement

Usually representing a minor surgery, the placement of dental implants is followed by a 12-week postoperative period prior to restorative placement that many describe as following the extraction of a few teeth. A dental implant can subsequently receive a crown, a bridge or a complete dental prosthesis. Nevertheless, the dentist performs a dental examination beforehand, the purpose of which is to determine whether the patient can receive a prosthesis on implants.

A Cedar Creek Dentist can then refer the patient to a dentist responsible for the surgery. He or she will examine the patient’s bone mass and gum to determine if the first is sufficient and strong, and the second is in good health. They may be a general dentist or an expert in implant placement. If the patient’s bone mass does not meet the criteria for implant placement, the dentist can remedy it by performing a bone graft.

Following all the necessary screenings (oral, medical and radiological examinations), the dentist who is responsible for the restoration will proceed with the fabrication and installation of the prostheses on the implants. He or she may be a general dentist or a dentist specializing in crowns, bridges, and prostheses, also called prosthodontists. It should be noted that a biannual follow-up will be recommended following the treatment.

What are the main contraindications?

In the following cases, the placement of dental implants is not possible:

If the patient has particular health problems, like uncontrolled diabetes

If the bone anatomy of the jaws does not allow the placement of implants, then opt for a crown or a prosthesis

If the bone volume is not sufficient for implant placement

If it is not possible to perform a bone graft

If the patient has not yet reached adolescence

It should be noted that in a bone that has not been transplanted, the success rate of implant placement is between 85 and 99%.