Dental Information » Dental Implants
Dental Implants
Q: Is implantology a specialty area of dentistry?
A: No, implantology is not an official specialty in the field of dentistry; however, some dentists do create a niche for themselves in this area. Some general dentists will perform both the surgical and restorative aspects of an implant, while other general dentists will team up with an oral surgeon or a periodontist to provide a favorable outcome for their patients.
Q: Why have dental implants become so popular?
A: Dental implants are popular because their success has become more predictable, and they are the closest replacement we have for natural teeth that have been lost. They are also conservative since they don' t require touching teeth on either side of the space created by the missing tooth. Also, most people don' t want to have an appliance that has to be removed and may not fit well. Implants are simply the best way to recreate the form and function that are lost when a tooth is extracted.
Q: How long after a dental implant is placed can it be used to anchor my new teeth?
A: This time frame is changing. We used to tell patients that it will be a minimum of 6 months before we could restore a dental implant. Now, we can tell patients it might be 3-6 months, depending upon the situation.
Q: Do I have to go without my "teeth" while the implants are bonding to my jaw bone?
A: No, you do not have to go without "teeth" during this time. If necessary, a temporary removable partial denture can be made for the patient to wear while the implant is integrating with jaw. Our main concern is that there be little to no pressure applied to the implants while healing is occurring as this could lead to potential failure of the implant. Patients wearing this type of appliance should be closely monitored.
Q: Is the concept of dental implants a new one?
A: No. In fact, dental implants have been around for at least 30 years. Over time, our knowledge, techniques, and technology has grown by leaps and bounds, so the results are much more predictable now than they were 30 years ago. Also, more patients are now candidates for implants. What was once considered "experimental" is now considered the standard of care. When patients are having to decide how to replace a missing tooth, an implant is one option that should always be discussed.