Dental Implants

1. What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are titanium screws that are fixed solidly in the jaw by means of a surgical procedure. Dental Implants provide support for a single missing tooth to several missing teeth. Dental Implants have been around for over 30 years.

2. How Can I Benefit From Dental Implants?

Patient have told us that:

1. they eat better 
2. eat foods that they have avoided for years.
3. are more confident and more comfortable when they eat.
4. they feel better about themselves.

3. Are There Different Kinds of Implants?

Yes, there are several types made from a variety of materials. The four main categories are endosteal (fixed into the bone), subperiosteal (fixed on top of the bone but under the gums), intra mucosal (embedded into the gum tissue) and augmentation (where natural or artificial bone is added to the jaw).

4. How Many Kinds of Dental Implants Are on the Market?

There are over 60 dental manufactures in the world. However, in our practice we only utilize Implants with a proven track record.

5. What Materials Are Used?

Almost all endosteal implants today are made from C.P. Titanium or its alloy, 6/4 Titanium. Subperiosteal implants generally are made from either Vitallium TM or 6/4 Titanium. Also some implants are coated with synthetic bone (Hydroxylapatite, HA).

6. What Are The Benefits of HA Coating?

Studies have shown the HA to actively participate in the healing process. Instead of bone healing from only the bone surface, healing also occurs simultaneously from the HA surface. HA coated implants are recommended for areas where bone quality and or quantity are limited.

7. Are There Side Effects From Dental Implants?

Allergic reaction to titanium is extremely rare; except for some anticipated discomfort due to the surgical procedure dental implants are very predictable.

8. How Long do Implants Last?

Using modern techniques, and appropriate surgical and denture protocol, expected success rates are in excess of 90 %. With proper hygiene habits and maintenance implants are designed to last a lifetime.

There are several factors beyond the control of both the patient and the provider, which can affect the life of an implant-retained denture. Accidents and illnesses can have a deleterious affect. It is therefore impossible to make promises or guarantees regarding the longevity of an implant.

Should a problem arise, it normally does so during the first six months to a year following surgery, during the period of bone healing. After this period, problems appear to be less frequent. However, follow-up by our office and the proper home care by the patient are mandatory.

9. Who is Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Those who:

1. are dissatisfied with loose, uncomfortable dentures.
2. wish to eat better.
3. wish to talk and laugh with confidence.
4. are tired of using adhesives to secure their dentures.

10. Do Implant Over-dentures Feel Different Than my Regular Dentures?

Implant retained over-dentures are far more comfortable to wear than regular dentures.
You can finally smile, talk, eat, laugh again naturally with confidence and not worry about them lifting or dropping.

11. Is Special Care Needed for Implants?

The success of a dental implant depends upon regular dental visits and meticulous oral hygiene. A healthy mouth helps ensure the best possible functioning of the dental implant.

12. How Long Will a Dental Implant Treatment Take, From Start to finish?

Typically, In a lower Jaw the total treatment time will be around 3 to 5 months. The upper jaw will usually take about 4 to 6 months. If a bone grafting procedure is required to increase the height of the bone an additional six months will be necessary.

Also recent extractions must be allowed to heal completely before implants are placed.

13. What are the Medical Requirements for Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery is a minor procedure generally done in the dental office. If you are healthy enough to have a tooth/teeth "pulled", you are healthy enough to undergo dental implant surgery. Comparatively, it is less traumatic than having an impacted wisdom tooth extracted.

14. What are the Potential Risks and/or complications of Dental Implant Surgery?

The chance of complications in dental implant surgery is directly related to the amount of bone in the jaw. In the back part of the lower jaw, injuries to a nerve may cause numbness to that side of the lower lip either temporarily or permanently. In the back part of the upper jaw, the dental implant may cause perforation of the sinus. For some individuals who have severely resorbed jaws, (very little bone) there is a tendency of bruising in the chin and neck areas. The bruises usually take ten days to disappear.

However, during the consultation, the oral surgeon will be able to discuss these with you as well as the ways to minimize these risks.

15. How Long Does the Implant Surgery Take?

Single stage implants usually take 2 to 3 Hours.

16. Will it Hurt?

Patients are told that there will be some post-operative discomfort and swelling but this will be minimal. In addition patients are reassured that they will be provided with appropriate analgesics and antibiotics as necessary. The oral surgeon will also be available at any time to manage any complications that may occur and that the patient should call if they have any concerns.

17. What Are the Chances of Rejection?

Modern dental implants are made from the most biocompatible (body acceptable) material known to man, Titanium. Titanium is used in hip replacements and in pins used to hold broken bones together. There are no recorded cases of rejection. Dental implants differ from transplants of body parts, such as hearts, lungs, kidneys, etc., where an immune reaction can occur and rejection result. The possibility of infection around an implant is similar to that found around natural teeth. Good oral hygiene is a must for gum tissue to remain healthy and normal around your implants.

18. How Long is the Healing Period?

Reaction to the placement of implants vary from patient to patient and are directly related to the number of implants placed. Typically, you can resume normal activities one to two days following surgery. In those cases where extensive surgery is performed, you may require 3 or 4 days to resume normal activity.

19. Can I Wear My Dentures After Surgery?

Yes and no, the denture will require a minor adjustment for the placement of a soft cushioning liner so your not to disturb the healing process. The liner may require replacement every one or two months. However we recommend that you not wear the denture for at least one week after surgery and not to eat with it for at least 2 - 3 weeks.

This initial healing time is very critical to the success of the implants.

20. How Much Time Will I have to Take Off Work?

Most people recover in one or two days. We recommend allowing three to four days for recovery. Arranging the procedure to be done on a Thursday or Friday, will allow the weekend for recovery.

21. What Happens When a Dental Implant Fails?

A failed dental implant will be loose and is uncomfortable when pressure is applied. The oral surgeon can remove the dental implant quite easily and a new dental implant can be re-implanted in the same area after 3 months. Reputable Dental Implant Manufacturers provide guarantee replacement of failed implants, at no charge to you.

22. How Does The Cost of Implant Overdenture Compare to Regular Dentures?

Fees for dentures vary. If implants are used to retain the denture, the additional investment can range widely depending upon the number of implants required and the design of the prosthesis.

23. Does Dental Insurance or OHIP Cover Dental Implant Treatments?

No, the surgery and implant placement is not covered. But if you have dental insurance procedures such as the oral examinations, radiographs (x-rays), dentures etc. may be covered, as well as the parts used.

24. Are There any Payment Plans Available?

Yes. Since most dental implant treatments take a few months to complete, payments can be made by instalments with no interest charged.

25. How Much Will a Personal Consultation Cost and What is Included?

The cost of a personal consultation in our office is provided free of charge. This includes a clinical evaluation, oral examination and a written estimate. Referral to the Oral Surgeon will be necessary and some costs may be involved.

26. Does Implant Treatment Require Special Training for the Dentist/Denturist?

Yes. The construction of Implant overdentures requires special knowledge and is not practised by every dentist or denturist.

27. Where Can I have My Implant Placed?

We will be happy to provide you with a free examination and consultation.