What is a Dental Implant?
How successful are they?
How much do they cost?
Are they suitable for everyone?
Is old age a problem?
How will they affect my life?
Will they look natural?
Will I be able to chew with the same force as
before?
How long does the treatment take?
Is the treatment painful?
Are they easy to look after?
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as
the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural
tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It
will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an
anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be
used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
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How successful are they?
With more than three decades of research and over a million
patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of
nearly 95 percent for individual implants*, even higher for
the bridges they support.
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* Results based on implants and bridges
remaining and in function over a five-year period.
How much do they cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will
depend on several factors, including the number of teeth
being replaced and the number of implants required to
support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures
may be required prior to the placement of your dental
implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental
implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is
necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a
thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will
recommend the treatment that is best for you.
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Are they suitable for everyone?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury,
disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants.
The main limitation is the amount of available bone. Your
dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental
implants are a viable solution for you.
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Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age
may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental
implants. However, health is more of a determining factor
than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth
extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental
implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate
implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a
candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of
your dental and health history.
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How will they affect my life?
Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function
like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink
whatever you are used to. But most importantly, dental
implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete
way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because
of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new
permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
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Will they look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern
restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and
function are very likely to exceed your expectations.
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Will I be able to chew with the same force as
before?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity
is comparable to that of natural teeth. And, if implants
have been used to secure your dentures, you will find your
chewing ability greatly improved.
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How long does the treatment take?
Usually, the procedure is performed in two steps. The
dentist begins by installing the implant, which is left for
three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone.
During the healing period, the patient is given a temporary
prosthesis until the permanent crown is in place. In some
cases, there is an alternative to the two-step method that
allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece
in one single session. This new method has simplified the
procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists. The
procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your
dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth
are replaced. These factors will also determine the total
number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment
period.
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Is the treatment painful?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort, but
this usually only lasts a few days and can easily be
controlled with pain killers. Most patients report that
they were much more comfortable following the procedure
than they had anticipated.
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Are they easy to look after?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly,
just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as
recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your
dentist in every sixth month, or more frequently if so
advised.
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