Do dental implants work?
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American Dental Association answered:Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable and a good replacement for their own tooth. If you are in good general health, with a jawbone that can support it, implants may be an option for you.
With careful treatment planning and good oral care, dental implants can provide a healthy, stable smile for a lifetime.
Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable and a good replacement for their own tooth. If you are in good general health, with a jawbone that can support it, implants may be an option for you. With careful treatment planning and... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Dental implants can work very well for replacing lost teeth in adults. Instead of a permanent bridge or a removable denture, dental implants made of titanium metal are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they fuse to the bone, allowing a permanent crown to be attached. The vast majority of dental implants placed more than 20 years ago are still functioning well, with a success rate of about 95%, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Dental implants can work very well for replacing lost teeth in adults. Instead of a permanent bridge or a removable denture, dental implants made of titanium metal are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they fuse to the bone, allowing... More -
Dr. John B. Nase answered:Dental implants are a great option for replacing teeth for most patients. Advantages include the ability to clean and maintain them similar to a real tooth, they are fixed instead of removable like a denture that needs to be taken out at night, they don't decay (because there is no natural teeth involved), and dental implants have a long track record of success. Some disadvantages include the fact that there is a surgical procedure involved in getting one (although it can be "no big deal" for many patients) and that they come with a "state-of-the-art" price tag.
Dental implants are a great option for replacing teeth for most patients. Advantages include the ability to clean and maintain them similar to a real tooth, they are fixed instead of removable like a denture that needs to be taken out at night, they... More -
Dr. Dr. Teresa DeStefano answered:If a patient has to lose a tooth, I will consult with them regarding the use of Implant retained restorations. First, I like to ask them what they think they know about implants. It is interesting to hear the range of answers.
I like to explain Implants in the following way:
An "Implant" is the sum of 3 parts:
- The Fixture: This is a titanium screw, which is placed in an appropriate bone site that will heal in and support whatever is attached to it later on. The final restoration may be a single crown, a bridge, or perhaps an overdenture attachment. Placement of the fixture is typically performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon. The healing period can be 4-6 months depending on the bone quality.
- The Abutment: The abutment is the connector between the implant fixture and the restoration. Sometimes it looks like a mini-tooth, which will hold a crown. Other times it can be a "locator attachment" which snaps into a denture to help it hold better. A lab makes the abutment and your general dentist will make the impressions for it.
- The Restoration: This can be a single crown, a bridge, or an overdenture. The restoration is screwed into, or cemented on the abutment.
As with any medical treatment, risks are involved. Some patients are not good candidates for implants. A careful review of the patient's medical history, and medications are part of determining if they are a good candidate.
If a patient has to lose a tooth, I will consult with them regarding the use of Implant retained restorations. First, I like to ask them what they think they know about implants. It is interesting to hear the range of answers. I like to... More
