Are there any restrictions on getting dental implants?

Dental implants are excellent treatment options for anyone who is missing teeth. They can replace one tooth or many teeth (more implants are needed for areas that are missing multiple teeth). Long term studies have been performed on the longevity of dental implants and in healthy patients who are non-smoker and not diabetic, 10 year success have been reported in ranges of 95% and above in some studies. Does this mean that diabetics and smokers are not candidates for dental implants? No, it does not. However these risk factors decrease the success rate of dental implants. Other factors that affect the success of dental implants include bone density, area of the jaw where the implant is being placed, bone modifying medications and history of radiation to the jaws. Since each individual cases is different from others, it is important that you seek a consultation to discuss your unique cases and see if you are a candidate for having dental implants. Click here to get a consultation.

I have heard that a bridge can also be used to replace missing teeth. What is the advantage of dental implants over a bridge?

This is a great question and our patients frequently ask us about the difference between a dental implant and a bridge. Although both dental implants and bridges allow for replacement of missing teeth, dental implants have many advantages.

1. In order to make a bridge, the adjacent teeth to the space for the missing tooth need to be prepared (or shaved down). For placing dental implants, none of the other teeth in the mouth need to be touched.

2. It is extremely difficult to floss and clean around a bridge. In contrast, because there is a space between the dental implant and each adjacent tooth, flossing and maintaining oral hygiene is very easy.

3. Since it is more difficult to clean around the teeth that are part of the bridge (called abutments), these teeth are more prone to cavities and gum disease in the long run. Dental implants although prone to gum disease, are not prone to cavities. Moreover, the teeth adjacent to dental implants are not at increased risk of cavities or gum disease.

What is involved in planning for placement of a dental implant?

Your initial evaluation would involve obtaining a CBCT (cat scan) to evaluate the available amount of bone for placement of the dental implant. You will also be evaluated for risk factors for implant failure as described above. We will also evaluate your gum tissue, your oral health and available space for the restoration. We work in cooperation with your dentist to ensure that not only your dental implant is placed in an optimal position, but that your final treatment allows for a tooth replacement option that gives you the best possible form and function.

Does it hurt to have a dental implant placed?

Although dental implant surgery is a form of oral surgery, the pain and discomfort associated with recovery from dental implant surgery is very minimal and completely manageable with inflammatory pain medications. The procedure itself can be carried out either under IV sedation (going to sleep) or local anesthesia (freezing) with no pain during the actual dental implant placement. To book your consultation for dental implant placement, click here.

What is the recovery like after dental implant surgery?

The day of the procedure and up to 2-3 days after surgery you can expect some mild to moderate pain that is comfortably managed by oral pain medications. You will likely have some sutures (stitches) inside your mouth that will dissolve on their own. You will be placed on an antibiotic mouth rinse and oral antibiotics for a period of about a week to ensure success of the dental implant. Swelling after dental implant surgery is very minimal and can be comfortably managed with application of ice to the affected area.