Dental Implants

Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

Why dental implants?

There are a number of reasons why you should consider dental implants:
  • Replacement of individual teeth
  • Replace multiple missing teeth as a support for a bridge
  • Used to anchor partial and complete dentures
    • Snap-on or permanently attached
  • Protection of jawbone structure shrinkage 
    • Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look sunken and older than it is.  
The dental implant is stable and comfortable. Usually no adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, the implant will serve you for life. 

With more than three decades of clinical experience and millions patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for dental implants*.

* Results based on dental implants and dental bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.

Who places the dental implants?

Dr. Weyman has advanced training in dental implants.  He is an ICOI – Diplomate (International Congress of Oral Implantologists)

How much do dental implants cost?

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure their long-term health. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have Dr. Weyman examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, we will recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Who is a candidate?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Dr. Weyman can evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Is age a factor?

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 dental implant treatment. Dr. Weyman can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?

Improved appearance:
When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.

Preserve natural teeth:
With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.

Permanent solution:
There are no loose parts to worry about. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve you for life.

How will dental implants affect my life?

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose thereby enjoying your favorite foods and improving your nutritional intake and health. 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.

Will my new teeth 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. Often, it is difficult to tell them apart from your natural teeth.

Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?

Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

How much time is required for a dental implant placement?

The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

Sometimes guided surgical techniques can be used to place single/multiple dental implants in a single session. This method has significantly simplified the procedure. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is that it can be a less invasive surgery. This can significantly reduce the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques. 

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 dental visits throughout the treatment period.

How will I feel after the treatment?

It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues, but usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.

With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort than placing several. Anesthesia and IV Sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Dr. Weyman will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. 

How will I care for my dental implants?

Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by Dr. Weyman and the dental hygienist. Regular cleanings and check ups are still recommended. Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. 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.
Share by: