From the office of Dr. David J. Mayberry, DDS, FAGD
1539 E Innes St Salisbury, NC 28146-6117 704.637.1232
What is a Dental Implant?A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support and they are permanent and stable. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue.
A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium, which is a metal that the body easily accepts. The dental implant is inserted into the bone of the jaw, and over time the jawbone integrates with the implant surface, firmly anchoring it.
Under normal conditions, the healing process can take as little as 6 weeks. After this time, a crown, bridge, or denture is secured to the implant.
How do they work?Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth.
Implants as a replacement for one tooth.
Implants as a replacement of several teeth.
Implants as a replacement of all teeth with a non-removable bridge.
Implant solutions for denture wearers. Implants can also be used to support full dentures
Can anyone receive dental implants?Talk with Dr. Mayberry about whether you are an implant candidate. You must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates. If you suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates.
Are there other options? You may have the option to have a fixed bridge without using implants. This may require placing crowns on teeth that do not otherwise need them.
One of the major benefits of dental implants is that they provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth and help preserve the neighboring teeth and the bone structure.
With traditional treatment methods, healthy neighboring teeth have to be ground down to support a crown or bridge. Additionally, because the tooth root is not replaced, the bone may deteriorate
With implant treatment, the dental implant replaces the lost tooth root and provides a stable foundation for the replacement tooth, thus eliminating the need to grind down healthy neighboring teeth.
What can I expect during this procedure?The oral surgeon must perform surgery to anchor the "artificial root" into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in the dental office with local anesthesia. The gum is then secured over the implant, which will remain covered until it fuses with the bone. The dentist then uncovers the implant and attaches an extension, or post, to the implant. With some implants, the implant and post are a single unit placed in the mouth during the initial surgery. Finally, the dentist makes an artificial tooth, or crown, that is attached to the implant post.
How long does the process take?
The process can take up to nine months to complete. Each patient heals differently, so times will vary. After the implant and posts are placed surgically, the healing process can take up to six months and the fitting of replacement teeth no more than two months. Sometimes, if a patient has good bone quality, posts can be placed and replacement teeth fitted in one appointment.
What is the success rate of implants?
The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient’s overall health. Dr. Mayberry recommends Straumann which, according to the manufacturer, have been shown to have a 95% success rate for 10 years.
How do I care for implants?
Poor oral hygiene is a big reason why some implants fail. It is important to floss and brush around the fixtures at least twice a day. Dr. Mayberry will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new implants. Additional cleanings of up to four times per year may be necessary to ensure that you retain healthy gums. What is the cost of implants?Since implants involve surgery and are more involved, they cost more than traditional bridgework. However, some dental procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Dr. Mayberry can help you with this process.
