Are you considering dental implants because you have missing teeth and you don’t want dentures? Dental implants are a popular option for people who desire a natural smile. The AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry) facts and figures have reported the number of people getting dental implants at 500,000 per year. There are currently 3 million people with implants in the U.S. and this number increases every year.
Dental implants are typically made of titanium because of its high bonding ability with the jaw bone. Dental implants are the closest equivalent to replacing missing teeth a person can get.
Before dental prostheses were readily available, patients who were missing teeth found it impossible to regain a natural smile. Ancient dental prostheses were crude in design and a poor substitute for natural teeth. Previous designs were cumbersome with limited functionality. The many limitations of removable prostheses paved the way for modern day dental implants of today.
By the mid 20th century a number of modern day techniques emerged. Previous implants were highly unpredictable and expensive. Different patients reported signs of failure shortly after implant surgery. Many people who formerly received implants ended up having the implants removed. Modern day procedures and education have eliminated many of the drawbacks of past dental surgeries.
A Swedish orthopedist named Per-Ingvar Branemark introduced the term osseointegrated implants to the cosmetic industry. Osseointegration is the merging of living bone and the incorporation of a load carrying implant. Dr. Branemark’s technique utilized biocompatible titanium alloy implants inserted into the alveolar process. The alveolar bone tissue is a ridge of bone that houses the tooth sockets that anchor the teeth of the maxillae and the mandible.
Used on patients who don’t have adequate bone tissue. Custom designed metal framework that fits over the existing bone. Can be used to replace multiple teeth. Dental professionals are the best at determining what implant is best to use. The gum tissue grows around the implant.
Implanted directly into the bone. Different styles provide an anchor through which a single pin can be inserted into an individual’s existing tooth. The endosseous blade implant was developed by L.I. Linkow and R. Robert. The paper was published around 1968 and it soon became popular in the scientific community. Root form implant is another name for endosseous or endosteal implants. The inserts resemble screws, nails or cones that come in various widths and lengths. This type of implant surgery is ideal for patients with normal bone tissue.
The mushroom shaped inserts attach to the gum side of the dentures. Intramucosal inserts fit into specially prepared indentations in the roof of the mouth.
A recommended implant for people with thin lower jawbones. Subperiosteal root form implants can not be used if a patient has a lack of jawbone tissue. The Ramus frame implant is embedded in the back corners of the mouth in the jawbone during surgery. After the gum tissue heals a thin metal bar is visible above the gumline, special dentures are made that interconnect onto this bar.
Previously implanted into patients with little bone tissue in their lower jaws or with no bottom teeth. Transosseous implants required extensive surgery with the aid of anesthesia and hospitalization. This type of implant was primarily used for patients with no teeth in the lower jaw. The two metal rods inserted through the chin bone were visible inside the mouth. The rods were used to attach a customized denture for the patient. Endosteal implant methods are now used in place of transosseous implant surgery.
Another form of endosseous plate form implant placed in the jawbone. Blade form implants are shaped like flat rectangles of metal with one or two metal prongs. The prongs are made to support crowns or bridges.
Implants fall under two categories those that are bonded to the jawbone and those that rest on top of the bone. Dental implants can be made to replace a single tooth or a series of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Dental implant steps:
Dentures can be a long term solution for people who are understandably self conscious because they have missing teeth. Gum disease and tooth decay both contribute to accelerated tooth loss. The (CDC) Centers for Disease Control & Prevention released a 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported that 25% of adults aged 60 years and older have lost all of their teeth.
Another study revealed more than 20.5% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older have lost their teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease. - 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Replacing a missing tooth is not just for the vain at heart. Missing teeth can drastically alter the shape of the mouth. For every tooth missing the remaining teeth end up shifting position, this causes the sunken jaw appearance in so many denture wearers. Another major cause for tooth decay and disease is missing teeth. Investigating getting dental implants is not purely for aesthetic reasons. The long term health benefits of dental implants provide more stability and support than dentures or partial dentures.
Patients with adequate bone and gum tissue in good health are usually prime candidates for dental implant surgery. If you would like to discuss your options, contact us for a free consultation.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
The best manual toothbrushing technique or the most advanced electric pulsating toothbrush machinery is no substitute for flossing. Dentists and dental hygienists are universal in their recommendation of flossing after brushing the teeth.
Periodontal and orthodontic patients are also advised to floss on a regular basis. Another dental aid for removing plaque and debris from teeth is called an interdental cleaner.
The exact date and the creation of dental floss is unknown. The earliest modern day origin of dental floss in the western world was in 1815. The American dentist Dr. Levi Spear Parmly published a book, A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth. This dental book emphasized the importance of brushing and flossing on a daily basis. It wouldn’t be until 1882 that the unwaxed silk floss would be introduced by the Codman and Shurtleff Company. Johnson & Johnson was granted the patent for dental floss in 1898. The rising costs of silk during World War II was replaced by nylon as the primary material. Dr. Charles Bass was credited with making dental floss an essential part of persons daily oral hygiene.
The function of floss is simple and clear cut. Dental floss removes food that is trapped between the teeth, preventing bacteria from hardening into plaque. Manual toothbrush bristles are ineffective in removing food debris from those hard to reach places.
Plaque that is not removed from the teeth turns in tartar if left unchecked. Another name for tartar is called calculus. Tartar is a big problem for people who just brush their teeth. If not removed the prevalence of tartar can form underneath the gum line and irritate the gum tissue. Unremoved tartar can turn into cavities and periodontal gum disease.
People with discoloured teeth sometimes have a tartar problem that threatens oral health. Having stained teeth is not just cosmetically unattractive its a health hazard. Heavy coffee and tea drinkers, smokers and meat eaters are at risk for excessive tartar buildup.
Keep this in mind unremoved plaque turns into tartar that ends up forming on teeth. Hardened plaque if left on the teeth long enough will have to be removed by a dental professional. Without the intervention of a dental professional the gum tissue can become infected. Gum tissue that is infected can bleed easily or become swollen, this oral condition is called gingivitis the first stage of gum disease.
Why go through the pain of going to a dental professional to correct a problem that can be solved by simply flossing everyday?
Flossing should be a part of everyone’s daily oral care regimen. Reducing the likelihood of plaque and tartar only takes a few minutes per day. Gum disease like gingivitis is easily preventable. Waiting until you require a dental professional’s intervention should be a last resort when it comes to maintaining your oral care.
The cause of bad breath is the breakdown of food particles left over after eating, these same undigested food particles decompose and putrefy causing a foul smell. A lack of saliva and food particles in the mouth lead to bad breath especially in the morning. Another name for chronic bad breath is halitosis.
Halitosis is caused by the following conditions:
The cause of halitosis is easily remedied by brushing and flossing the teeth after each meal on a regular basis. Purchasing a tongue cleaner or scraper goes a long way to preventing chronic bad breath. Drinking up to 8 glasses of water per day goes a long way to hydrating the mouth and is good for saliva production. Eating acidic foods like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes stimulates saliva flow. Adopting a plant based diet rich in antioxidants purifies the body from the inside out. Consuming parsley and cilantro after a meal or putting it in a smoothie stimulates saliva flow and cleans the body internally.
The following foods are recommended for fresh breath:
Brushing by itself is not enough, flossing is more efficient at removing plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Making flossing a daily habit in the morning or evening before going to bed will become second nature if done regularly.
The 3 steps of flossing:
Dentists agree there is no rule cast in stone that flossing should be performed before or after brushing your teeth. Many people prefer to floss prior to brushing their teeth, minor bleeding can sometimes occur during flossing.
Flossing before or after brushing your teeth is a personal decision, according to research there is not a right or wrong way. Clearing food particles from the teeth allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to penetrate the teeth. The most important practice is to simply floss on a regular basis. Prevention is better than the cure. Remember flossing once per day keeps the dental drill away.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Patients who require dental implants have missing teeth or no teeth. Superior to dentures dental implants are perfect replacements for a persons natural teeth. People who can afford dental implant surgery can expect natural looking teeth that are durable and life like. Ideal candidates for dental implants must have adequate bone and gum tissue, this can be determined by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.). Besides the aesthetic value of dental implants is the health aspect. Many people with missing teeth have a sunken mouth and receding jawline appearance when viewed from a side profile. Bone shrinkage and the lack of bone stimulation from having missing teeth or no teeth results in bone loss. Wearing dentures can actually contribute to accelerated bone loss in most people.
Endosteal and subperiosteal are the two main types of dental implants. Endosteal implants are placed in the jawbone, in the shape of small screws, cylinders, hollow and blade implants. Subperiosteal implants are placed above the jawbone and under the gum tissue, ideal for patients who have a less than substantial jawbone tissue.
Dental implants are made from the following materials: pure titanium, titanium alloy and titanium nickel alloy. Pure titanium has a high bonding ability with bone and titanium alloy is of a similar quality. Titanium nickel alloy is used because it adheres to bone tissue adequately.
Dental implant surgery is completed in two stages. In the first stage the dentist will surgically place a metal screw implant into the jawbone, an abutment is next screwed into the non visible metal screw. After this initial stage procedure the patient is placed on a soft food diet until the gum tissue heals. The second stage comes after the bone tissue heals. The process of the implant bonding with the bone is called osseointegration. Healing times vary from patient to patient. After the healing process is complete the replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Dental implant surgery is a complex process taking several visits from the initial dental CT Scan to when the final implants are placed. A Doctor of Dental surgery will be able to give the patient an accurate healing time schedule for implant surgery. This can very from immediate placement and restoration to waiting up to 9 months per for your final tooth replacement.
As you can see, all dental implants are not created equal as well as dental costs for implants vary from clinic to clinic. There is no set charge for dental implant procedures. Each individual dental clinic can vary widely on diagnosis and cost. Because dental implants are expected to last many, many years - comparable to other titanium prosthetics devices (hip joints, etc), the expense can be multiple thousands of dollars. Only with a consultation with an implant trained Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) can you get a quote specific to your situation.
The replacement cost for a single tooth dental implant will also be influenced by the health and stability of the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth around the implant require extraction the cost will be higher. Teeth extractions are the least expensive form of dentistry but can escalate in cost on an emergency basis and can jump up to $450 dollars per tooth. A bone graft may also be necessary before dental implant surgery is performed. If an individual lacks enough bone tissue, a DDS can perform a bone graft, using the patients bone tissue from another area of the jaw bone or even hip. Costs can escalate even more as more and more bone is lost. Additional costs can include x-rays or a CT scan. The healing time for bone grafts on average takes from 3 to 6 months to heal before implant surgery is performed.
After the implant bodies have healed in the bone, the foundation for the dental prosthetic is ready to go. Similar to a foundation on a house, the implants support the teeth. When replacing a single tooth, the abutment and a dental crown. The greater number of teeth that require replacement the higher the cost. Ultimately, if you are considering a dental implant to replace one or more missing teeth you are choosing a path of healthy lifetime dentistry. There may be a large up front expense but amortized over one’s lifetime, the cost of a dental implant can be a reasonable $100-200/year.
Sometimes the desire of the individual is to replace most or all of their teeth with an implant retained prosthesis. Usually these are people that HATE their teeth and have always struggled with loosing teeth over and over again. Dental work doesn’t last and each time they try something new. Instead of a tooth fix, these individuals require a system rebuild. In other words. The way there jaws meet together needs to be support mainly by dental implant supported prostheses. These include implant supported bridges that span a gap of missing teeth in a patient. Implant supported partial and complete dentures are another. Fixed appliances such as ALL-ON-FOUR and Teeth-in-a-Day dental treatments fall into this category as well. The more missing teeth the more expensive the procedure. partial or complete mouth dental replacement can cost as much as a small vehicle.
Be forewarned prospective patients with chronic immune system diseases like cancer and osteoporosis are not good candidates for implants. People considering this extensive surgery should be in optimum health for quicker recovery times.
Our experience has been that 99% of people have undergone a dental implant procedure are blown away by how easy it is. If done correctly, implants have the highest success rate of any dental procedure but are dependent on osseointegration, the bonding of the metal to the bone. Consulting with a qualified Doctor of Dental Surgery who has spent additional time being trained in dental implantology will prevent corrections of improperly placed implants that will have to be replaced later on. Quality always wins the financial battle in the long term.
Dental implants are considered elective procedures by the majority of insurance companies in Canada. Consulting your individual health care insurance plan for coverage information is highly recommended. Some employee insurance companies may substitute part of the cost for dental implant surgery.
For patients who require dental implants you may want to consult with your dentist for individual payment plans and financing.
Ultimately, you get what you pay for and dental implantology can be very predictable and stable. However, many of the problems in implant dentistry is when people try to take short cuts and find the cheapest way to go. In 10-20 years from now, the health and function of the dental implants will be of primary importance. Let us help you get where you want to be.
As the owner of Peace Arch Dental Centre, in White Rock, BC, I received my implant training from the prestigious Pacific Implant Institute. I love providing implant dental solutions that work for people of all walks of life. Contact me for a complimentary consultation.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
