Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
You may already be familiar with the concept of dental implants. You might be wondering why people choose this treatment instead of traditional options, such as bridges and partial dentures. What’s the difference between treatments? Are dental implants worth the time and money? Please read on…
Dental implants are small titanium fixtures that are placed in your jawbone to provide support for teeth replacements, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. They are the closest replacement that exists to your own teeth and are one of the most remarkable advancements in dentistry. Implants can be used for any situation where teeth are missing, from a single tooth to all teeth (edentulism). Not only do implants restore teeth, they also stop the erosion of bone that always occurs after tooth extraction. Please call us with any questions about dental implants in Eugene, OR, 541.465.3939.
Not only do implants restore teeth, they also stop the erosion of bone that always occurs after tooth extraction.
Dental Implant Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants in Eugene, OR, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
Restoring Function and Esthetics
When missing teeth are restored with dental implants chewing capability is largely restored and chewing force is distributed more evenly in the mouth. By improving appearance, function and stopping bone erosion, dental implants allow people to live their lives with more freedom and confidence.
Traditional treatment options, such as bridges and partial dentures, often require compromising other teeth. A bridge requires cutting away enamel from neighboring teeth in order to be placed; partial dentures place additional stress on teeth and rarely fit comfortably.
By restoring function and esthetics without compromising adjacent teeth, stopping bone erosion and providing superb stability, dental implants are often the best long-term and financial and oral health solution.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
An economist's favorite answer for most questions is: "It depends." This response is fitting for dental implant treatment because there are a number of variables that affect the amount of time it takes to complete treatment. However, Dr. Welch can assess the amount of time the treatment process is likely to take based on your unique situation at your consultation. Treatment durations have dramatically shortened in recent years due to research on the coatings of dental implants. The most time-consuming portion of implant treatment is the period following their placement in the jawbone. The process that takes place during this period is called "osseo-integration", which means, "to incorporate into the jawbone". This is a natural physiologic process where bone grows onto the surface of the implant and accepts it as part of the body. This typically takes between twelve to sixteen weeks.
If there is inadequate bone quantity and quality in the implant placement site, bone grafting may be performed to provide the implant with a stable foundation and increase the likelihood of its success.
DENTAL IMPLANT FAQs
Is it painful?
Most patients are sore for approximately one week after surgery, and are kept comfortable through a variety of excellent pain relievers. Many report that the implant surgery itself (and the healing process that followed) was more comfortable than extraction of teeth. One of our own team members has experienced a root canal, tooth extraction and dental implants and felt that the implant was the least painful.
How is my life affected by implant treatment?
Following implant placement, you may be asked to avoid chewing in the area where the implant was placed. Although requiring some adjustment, this period is temporary. Patients report that the long-term benefits of implant therapy far outweigh the discomfort experienced during the treatment process.
Do dental implants always succeed?
Success rates of implants are extremely high. In fact, they are the most successful prosthetic replacement in the human body. The small percentage of implants that fail is due to either poor bone quality or lack of bone volume. Thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatment technology, the chances of success can be determined more accurately beforehand. Three-dimensional imaging technology (ßlink to i-CAT) allows Dr. Welch to clearly see each patient’s unique situation and treatment plan specifically for them. Bone-grafting procedures (ßlink to bone grafting) are a terrific complement to implant therapy in that success rates significantly increase; patients that otherwise would not be candidates can enjoy the benefits of dental implants. At your consultation, Dr. Welch will offer a unique treatment plan specific to your situation and determine the likelihood of treatment success.
Will anyone be able to tell that I have a dental implant by looking at me?
Unless the observer is an expert in the field of dental implants, the chances are essentially zero. Even dentists are often fooled by the quality and natural look of today's implant restorations.
How much do dental implants cost?
Implant fees vary considerably depending on the type of treatment and the characteristics of each patient's dental condition. The initial cost may be higher in some situations than traditional treatment options, yet because dental implants are the most durable, reliable and lasting dental treatment available, you will save money in the long run. Your participation in a complimentary implant consultation can give you a good starting place to discuss fees.
Smoking and Dental Implants
Smoking adversely affects the functioning of your body in a variety of ways. Nicotine--the stimulant found in tobacco--constricts blood vessels, thereby reducing their capacity to supply blood. This markedly impairs healing after surgery and decreases the success rate of implant integration. The success of implant treatment is based on the integration of the implant into the jawbone. Fundamental to the process of osseo-integration is a healthy blood supply to the site, which facilitates bone regeneration and its attachment to the titanium surface of the implant. Smoking hinders the process by reducing the amount of blood traveling to the implant site and consequently causing a higher rate of implants to fail. According to a study published in The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants that compared implant failure rates in smokers and non-smokers, smokers were three times as likely to suffer from implant failure than non-smokers.
It is Dr. Welch's goal to offer patients the best treatment possible and he usually does not place dental implants for patients who choose to smoke. The good news is that many of our patients stopped smoking in order to receive implant treatment, thereby improving their lives in many ways.
We hope that the information presented is useful to you. Please don’t hesitate to call us with further questions or requests for additional information about dental implant treatment.
You are welcome to contact us by calling 541.465.3939 or sending us an email to implants@drtimwelch.com (PBHS: do we need to set up account?).