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Who To See When Thinking About Getting Dental Implants

If dental implants are what you need to replace your missing teeth, you should select an implant dentist with in-depth knowledge of, and prior experience with all aspects of the treatment. It is important to know that treatment with tooth implants consists of two components: a surgical phase and a restorative phase.

Traditionally, a dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist, performs the surgical component. A general dentist, or prosthodontist and laboratory technician, performs the restorative component.

As dental implant dentistry has become more sophisticated, the restorative dentist, at times, also has become the one that places the dental implants. However, each clinician involved in implant treatment must be aware that the type of final restoration a patient wants dictates the position, size, and number of the tooth implants within the jaws.

What Types of Dental Implants Are There?

For each unique missing tooth situation, there is an equally unique way to use dental implants for tooth replacement. However, all of the treatments can be placed in two categories: removable or fixed prostheses.

Implant dentists use removable implant dentures when a patient is missing all of their teeth. Fewer tooth implants are necessary when used in conjunction with a removable denture.

Conversely, more dental implants are necessary when used in conjunction with a fixed bridge. Fixed bridges feel most like your natural teeth and are usually more desirable than removable dentures.

Mastering new surgical and restorative techniques as they are developed is the mark of an excellent tooth implant dentist as well as overall implant dentistry. An implant dentist's meticulous attention to fine detail conveys a feeling of confidence to the patient. The dentist should be committed to restoring full function to the missing teeth as well as recreating natural-looking teeth. These are the qualities a patient should look for in an implant dentist.

By Benjamin O. Watkins, III, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

How The Success Rate Is Related To Possible Dental Implant Complications

The endosseous system of dental implants, currently the most popular system used in dentistry today, has been utilized to replace missing teeth for over thirty years. Dental implants are very successful. Dental implants are made of titanium, an inert metal that bonds with the bone and forms a very tight union. Dental implants have a 90% to 95% success rate and once placed and restored, can last for an indefinite amount of time.

Although rare, dental implant complications do occur. If the bond between the dental implant and the bone breaks, or the dental implant itself breaks, it may have to be removed. If so, it may be possible to replace the failed dental implant, either at the same time or after doing a bone grafting procedure.

There are two main reasons for dental implant complications are:

1. Infection of the implant surface can result in disintegration of the bond between the implant and the bone. Eventually, the dental implant may have to be removed. To avoid infection at the time of dental implant placement, sterile operating techniques are recommended and most implant surgeons prescribe antibiotics after surgical implant placement.
   The oral bacteria that causes periodontal disease can also affect implants. Around implants, this infection is called peri-implantitis. Just as with the natural teeth, meticulous oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing, combined with periodic professional cleanings are critical to prevent peri-implantitis.
2. Excessive loading: If the forces on the dental implants are too strong or not in the right direction, the implant components can break or the bond between the implant and the bone can disintegrate. The bite on an dental implant has to be properly designed.

There are certain risk factors that may increase the risk of dental implant complications. Smoking, for example, halves the success rate of dental implants and is the number one risk factor for dental implant complications.

Also, persons that have a diminished healing ability such as people with uncontrolled diabetes may have an increased risk for dental implant complications. To reduce the risk of dental implant complications, and to prevent serious health complications from surgery, a thorough medical evaluation is required before dental implant treatment.

To reduce the risk of dental implant complications, make sure that the dentist that places the dental implants and the one that restores the dental crown on the dental implant have plenty of experience with dental implant procedures.

The success of dental implant treatment is dependent on the expertise of the dental team and the patient's ability to control plaque. With proper dental implant design and follow-up maintenance, you could enjoy the benefits of dental implant treatment for a lifetime.

By Laura Minsk, DMD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.