Dental implants are titanium roots that can replace missing teeth or secure loose dentures. They feel and function like natural teeth. They stimulate the jaw bone and help prevent bone loss which typically occurs after teeth are lost. They are self-supportive and can be flossed and brushed like natural teeth. They are made of titanium, are impervious to cavities and never need a root canal. As they are self supportive, they help preserve natural teeth by avoiding “cutting” healthy teeth down to allow for a bridge.
There is a considerable amount of information and misinformation on dental implants currently. The majority of the implants in the United States are placed by periodontists and oral surgeons. Their residencies are geared towards this aspect of surgery. More people are getting involved with implant placement with various levels of training or experience. There are some aspects of implants to consider:
Teeth the same day
Sometimes implants can be placed and a tooth put on them the same day a tooth is extracted. This depends on a variety of factors and is not right for every case. This can only be determined after an initial consult and evaluation of several factors. While providing implants and teeth is the ideal outcome for patients it is not possible for all patients or situations.
Angling or modifying the implant to avoid grafting
This can be done at times as well but the long term data on this is not available and appears to be limited. When a person has been missing teeth for a long period of time and has the resulting bone loss no amount of angulation change can account for what is missing. In this practice every attempt is made to minimize the number of procedures required is made. However, grafting can be necessary and unavoidable.
Implant Maintenance/Cleanings
Your dentist's office who placed the crown (tooth) on the implant or surgeon's office that placed the implant should still be seen after the implant(s) are restored. Implants do not develop cavities or need root canals like teeth but can develop something similar to periodontal disease or gum disease if regular cleanings are not done.
If you have a history of periodontal disease, co-management with your dentist by a periodontist may be important over time. The data shows that people with a history of periodontal disease are more likely to develop peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is to implants what gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is to teeth. Therefore, the reason a person lost the teeth sometimes dictates the type of follow-up care necessary for the implants over time.
Pinnacle Peak Periodontics 7500 East Pinnacle Peak, Suite A200 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-563-4145 phone 480-563-4194 fax ralph@azperio.com bruce@azperio.com |
Paradise Valley Periodontics 10555 North Tatum Suite A106 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 480-991-0090 phone 480-951-2278 fax steve@azperio.com |
Ahwatukee Periodontics 4350 E Ray Road, Bldg 2 Suite 110 Phoenix, AZ 85044 480-706-0777 phone 480-706-0825 fax randy@azperio.com |