Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants have become the ideal treatment in dentistry to replace missing teeth. Dental implants look, act, and function like regular teeth. A single dental implant consists of 3 components: implant, abutment, and crown. A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw to act as the root for the missing tooth. The abutment is the connection between the implant and the crown. The crown is the cover for the abutment which looks exactly like a tooth. Sometimes, the abutment and crown are fused as one piece.
When is an implant useful if I am missing a lot of teeth?
Sometimes, implants are placed to hold dental bridges. Sometimes, they are placed to anchor a removable denture or a non-removable denture. There are multiple uses for implants now.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants can improve one’s appearance, speech, and comfort. Eating will become much easier.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are close to 98% successful and are quite durable. They can last many years and hopefully a lifetime.
Are there age restrictions for dental implants?
The earliest an implant can be placed is between 18-21 years old. There is no age limit for dental implants. Certain medical conditions and medication use can be limiting factors though.
Are dental implants painful?
Getting dental implants is NOT painful! Over the counter pain medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol Is all that is needed for the mild discomfort after an implant is placed.
Will Dr. Wieczorek place the dental implant?
Dr. Wieczorek does not place the dental implant. An oral surgeon will place the implant. Dr Wieczorek fabricates the abutment and crown, or the removable or non-removable dentures that will connect with the implants.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The process of getting a dental implant placed to getting the final crown or prosthesis can take 2-3 months. The implant needs time to integrate with one’s jawbone. There are times when getting a implant prosthesis may take longer depending on the situation. If the implant involves a front tooth or teeth, Dr. Wieczorek will have to make a temporary tooth or teeth to be used in the interim until the final prosthesis is made.