Dental implant installation takes a period of a few months.  This is because in order to be successful, the metal root to which the tooth will be attached should be a part of the jaw itself.  When the root is put into place, a period of time must pass for the process of osteointegration to complete.  Osteointegration is literally the regrowth of the jawbone around the implant to encapsulate it and make it a permanent fixture.  This can take anywhere from three to six months.

The implant, usually made of titanium, is screwed into a drilled hole in the jaw bone.  This is done while the patient is under general anesthesia.  Once the implant screw is in place, a protective cover is put on top of it until osteointegration is complete to allow full healing.  After this process is complete a temporary crown is placed to allow the gum to shape itself naturally.  At the end of this process, the final and permanent crown is installed.

Dental implants have a rather high success rate, with approximately 95% being considered successful at the five year benchmark.  While implants are not subject to cavities, gum infections and other hygiene related problems still exist, so proper dental care is still needed.  Dental implants are not a substitute for proper oral hygiene, but can work well to restore a healthy look and functionality when teeth are lost for any reason.

Keep in mind that obtaining implants is not a quick procedure.  The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and you are on your way out of the dentist’s office in no time, but healing can take three to six months before your dentist performs the next step in the procedure.  Once healing is complete, temporary crowns will most likely be worn for two months, until finally your mouth is ready for the final prosthetic tooth.

This lengthy time leads to the best and most long-lasting results.  Quick procedures may lack stability and quality.  Studies show that the greatest risk of implant failure is in the first year after implantation, and a vast majority of failures occur from single-stage procedures.  Discuss with your dentist to decide the right procedure for your needs.

The Many Benefits of Installing Implants

Implants or dentures?  Setting cost aside, dentures have many disadvantages.  Sore mouth, difficulty speaking, shrinking gums, and a fake look are all patient complaints about dentures.  Implants provide the foundation for actual replacement teeth, letting you have a more natural smile.

When you have a missing tooth and let it go on, nearby teeth can migrate out of place and end up even more crooked.  Furthermore, your jawbone could lose structure and other teeth become damaged because of the hole.  Over time, one missing tooth can lead to a whole mouthful of trouble.

Dental implants are often used to provide a foundation for a crown.  Your dentist may recommend a crown if you have a weak or broken tooth, a severely worn tooth, or to support a large filling.  Dental crowns are also used to support dental bridges, working together in your mouth as a system.  Implants can help avoid extensive alterations to surrounding teeth when fitting a crown, bridge or partial denture; they are a good foundation for other procedures.

Metal Allergies and Dental Implants

The most common metal allergy is to nickel.  Since dental implants generally use titanium alloys, an allergy to nickel does not necessarily preclude you from receiving dental implants.  If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction from facial, nasal, ear, or tongue piercings, let your dentist know so you may discuss the issue in depth and determine if implants are the right choice for you.

Your dentist may provide you with a simple allergy test before proceeding, to ensure your metal allergy will not interfere with attaining a good smile.  It may take a week or more to get the results back from the lab, so plan ahead accordingly.

Your dentist may recommend you begin with implants if your teeth are terribly damaged.  Sometimes, it’s just healthier to start over with a good foundation so you can achieve the results you are looking for.