Dental Implants

A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement solution that, unlike other replacements, does not affect the surrounding teeth. The implant post is a titanium (biocompatible type of metal) screw that is inserted into the jaw bone. This post acts as an anchor or post for a crown or other restoration to be placed on top. Once the implant is restored, it looks and functions the same as a natural tooth would--and no one will be able to tell that it's an implant!

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone with good health who needs a permanent tooth replacement solution can be considered for dental implants. The main limiting factors to eligibility are the amount and type of bone in the area where you're missing teeth. If there is not enough bone in the area, Dr. Roby can arrange for a trusted oral surgeon to perform a bone grafting procedure, which will provide enough bone for the implant. Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth up to an entire arch of teeth. They often replace bridges, removable partial dentures, and even complete dentures.

What is the success rate of Dental Implants?

The success rate of dental implants depends somewhat upon which tooth the implant will replace. However, the general overall success rate for dental implants is approximately 98.7%.

What is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?

A fixed bridge relies on adjacent teeth for stability, and those healthy teeth must be ground down to accommodate crowns that are cemented to those teeth. This is all done in two appointments spaced about 2 weeks apart. On the other hand, a dental implant can replace a missing tooth without requiring any damage to the surrounding healthy teeth. The implant post is placed into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth. After a few months, the surrounding bone will have incorporated the metal implant (this is called osseointegration). Once this has occurred, Dr. Roby can attach a single crown, or restoration, to the implant post permanently with no damage to adjacent teeth. In the case of partials or dentures, implants enable the denture to stay in place with no messy over-the-counter adhesive.

While a dental implant is often initially more expensive than the three unit bridge, many patients find that the long-term functionality and health benefits provided by dental implants far outweighs the difference in cost. After all, dental implants preserve bone density, whereas traditional replacement methods like bridges allow jawbone loss to proceed unchecked. This bone loss will eventually compromise the fit of false teeth, which means that you'll need to keep relining dentures and refitting other replacement teeth that lack the stability and benefits of dental implants.

Caring for dental implants

The implant itself can last a very long time, but the crown or other restoration on the implant are subject to wear and tear just as any other tooth replacement. Good oral hygiene, checkups and cleanings at Dr. Roby's office, and yearly X-rays work toward ensuring the longevity of your restoration.

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