FAQs

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are man-made appliances (cylinders and mesh frameworks) that are surgically placed into or onto the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once the bone attaches to the implants, they become rock-solid anchors to support new teeth. (See Implant types).

Who can benefit from dental implant treatment?

It would appear that someone who wears full dentures that are loose and ill-fitting would be the person most likely to benefit from implant treatment. Implants, however, can be just as beneficial to a young person with congenitally missing teeth by returning his or her smile along with their confidence. It is possible, if not probable that ANYONE with missing teeth can benefit from implant treatment.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

In the past, bone loss was the primary factor in determining if a patient was not a candidate for implant treatment. This is no longer true today due to the tremendous advancements in bone grafting techniques and procedures. The sugical guide is often used very successfully by Dr. Denton on patients who have suffered bone loss. If you have been told that you are not a candidate for implant treatment due to bone loss, it may be advantageous for you to seek another opinion at this time. (See Bone grafting)

Will I have to go without teeth at anytime during my dental implant treatment?

In the majority of cases, patients will always have temporary teeth to wear during treatment and in most instances the temporaries can be worn throughout the treatment period. There are those cases, however, where temporaries are not needed or where temporaries should not be worn for a few days after surgery. This aspect of treatment is discussed during consultation and treatment planning so that the patient knows what is expected regarding “temporaries”.

I had to have all my teeth extracted due to severe periodontal disease. If I had this disease with my natural teeth, will I have it with my dental implants?

Once teeth infected with periodontal disease are removed, the disease will no longer be present. Replacing the teeth with dental implants is an opportunity to “start over”. GOOD dental hygiene performed on a daily basis will eliminate bacteria build-up around the gum line and is the primary requirement to keep periodontal disease from getting a foot-hold.

What is the material used in making dental implants?

Root-form (in-the-bone) implants are made of titanium, a metal that is bio-compatible with the human body. It is the same material used in surgically placed orthopedic appliances, such as hip joints, plates, screws, etc.

Are dental implants rejected?

Implants are not rejected by the human body due to the use of bio-compatible materials. They can fail, however, if hygiene is neglected, if the bite becomes unbalanced and is not corrected in a timely manner or if the patient develops a systemic disease that eventually affects the whole body. ie: uncontrolled diabetes.

How long will dental implants last?

Implants are more predictable than ever before giving them the potential of lasting a lifetime. Successful long-term implant treatment requires that implant treatment be performed with skill, knowledge, and experience; that post surgery healing is good; that dental hygiene practices are performed correctly and regularly; that the patient follows through with regular check-ups and x-rays; and that long-term overall health remains good.

What are the advantages of replacing missing teeth with dental implants over general dentistry methods, such as fixed bridges and removable dentures?

See Advantages and disadvantages.

What are the risks of dental implant treatment?

Risks of dental implant treatment are generally no more or no greater than those found in general dentistry procedures.

How long does it take to complete dental implant treatment?

Time to complete the surgery and restoration phases of implant treatment varies. Normally the following is true:

How many surgeries are involved with dental implant treatment?

Again, this number can vary depending on the treatment plan. Dr. Denton uses screw type implant generally requiring just one surgery, not needing a second surgery. Most implants are of the two-stage root-form (in-the-bone) type requiring two surgeries, the first to put the implant in the bone under the gum tissue and a second to expose the implant (”uncover”) a few months later. When extensive bone grafting is involved, a second surgery may be required.

Will I be put to sleep?

The majority of patients can be made comfortable with oral sedation taken 1 to 2 hours prior to surgery in conjunction with local anesthetic injected into the surgery site(s). The sedation taken by mouth causes the patient to be sleepy and relaxed and tends to have an amnesic affect which results in most patients having little memory of the surgical procedures. Overall, this method is safer than use of general anesthesia and allows the patient to be co-operative during surgery. Oral sedation is not usually prescribed for simple cases involving one or two implants unless the patient requests otherwise. IV sedation is available if a patient desires.

Is dental implant surgery painful?

Initial administering of local anesthetic can cause a degree of discomfort. However, once injected, its purpose is to keep the patient pain free during the surgical procedure. Post-op discomfort may include swelling, tissue discomfort and possibly a temporary soreness in the joint area(s). A regimen of medications, ice and instruction in post-op care usually makes the healing process easier. Most patients tell us that they had no pain to speak of or that they needed pain medications for only a day or two. Some comment that their experience with implant surgery was easier than undergoing root canal therapy or extraction of teeth.

What is the bone grafting material and where is it obtained?

There are various products available that are used in bone grafting procedures. Some are synthetic or artificial, while others are of human source. Dr. Denton uses a combination of these graft materials which include human donor bone (no living cells), artificial bone and/or autogenous bone (patient’s own bone) which can sometimes be collected during surgery when the implant site(s) are drilled. It is important for the patient to know that the human bone product used in this office is obtained from an FDA approved tissue bank, does not contain living cells and therefore, CANNOT pass infectious diseases (AIDS or hepatitis) to the patient. These products have been used in the dental field for over 50 years with NO reported cases of resulting disease.

How do I take care and maintain the helth of my dental implants?

Caring for implants is simple and no more difficult than the care that should be given to natural teeth. This includes DAILY hygiene using a prescribed anti-bacterial agent and proper brushing techniques as instructed along with regular check-ups and x-rays as recommended by the doctor. Although, implants are not susceptible to decay like natural teeth, they are susceptible to poor hygiene that will cause bacterial build-up around the gum line which can lead to infection, bone loss, and eventual failure of the implants. Regular hygiene is a must to maintain the health of implants and natural teeth.

Equally important is a well balanced bite which can be insured by proper loading of the implants (aspects involved in placing the teeth on the implants-Dr’s job) as well as regular follow-up visits to maintain a balanced bite (patient’s job). Implants are stronger in the bone than natural teeth. But, like natural teeth, implants are susceptible to uneven chewing forces which over a period of time can cause bone loss and possibly eventual loss of the implant(s).

Life-time health maintenance is also an important factor in the long-term care of dental implants. Just as serious health problems can affect natural teeth so can they affect implants.

If I am diabetic, am I a candidate for dental implants?

Although diabetes adds an unpredictable factor to the success of implant treatment, many of our patients are diabetics and have been able to have successful results. At the time of consultation, health history is one of the facets considered in the process of determining the prognosis of implant treatment.

If I smoke, am I a candidate for dental implant treatment?

Of course, most doctors would prefer that his patients not smoke for many reasons including those of dental implant treatment. It is a proven fact that smokers are at more risk than non-smokers for complications in terms of infection, tissue healing and maintenance of hygiene.

In this practice, patients are encouraged to stop smoking, if not forever, for at least two to three weeks after surgery to give the tissue a chance to heal. (Short term, it is known that the heat from a cigarette can damage tissue to the point where it will not heal properly, consequently, inviting the occurrence of infection. Long-term, smoking creates more hygiene problems which can result in infection also.)

Will the dental implants cause metal detectors to go off at airports?

We have had no reports of patients setting off airport metal detectors due to their dental implants.