Procedure Resources
Dental Implants
The following information is provided as a reference for patients to explain the need for dental implants, their purpose, benefits, and surgeries related to their placement, exposure, and possible complications, as well as alternatives.
Purpose of Implants
An implant is one of the best natural solutions for the replacement of teeth. This is the only dental procedure available that has the stability and structure just like a natural tooth secured in the bone. They can aesthetically enhance your smile and create confidence knowing that the implants are stable and sound when chewing. Implants are used for multiple different types of treatment, such as single tooth replacement, multiple tooth replacement, securing partials and dentures in place, and screw-retained hybrids for individuals with no teeth wanting a more secure option.
Implant Type
An implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone for support. They are designed to fuse with the jawbone, which makes them permanent and natural-looking. The doctor completing this procedure will take a series of measurements and X-rays to see the depth of the bone. The doctor uses these measurements to see if you are a candidate for an implant. If you are a candidate for an implant, the doctor will carefully plan your case prior to implant placement. This will ensure a smooth process for you and the doctor when it comes time for your procedures.
Surgical Procedure
You will find that when you have an implant or multiple implants placed, there are multiple appointments associated with this procedure to ensure proper healing in each stage.
- The initial placement of the implant or implants
- Possible placement of additional bone or a membrane to ensure a solid foundation for the implant or implants
- Removal of sutures and membrane if needed
- Check the healing of the surrounding tissues
- Uncover the implant after it has fully healed and place a protective covering
- Remove the protective covering on the implant and take an impression to fabricate the final restoration
- Remove the protective covering on the implant and place the final restoration
Risks
Risks related to the implant procedure included but are not limited to; post-surgical infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, bruising, perforation of the sinus or nasal cavity during the procedure, transient but on occasion permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, teeth, chin, muscle spasms, bone fractures and slow healing.
Proethetic risks include but are not limited to; unsuccessful union of the implant or implants to the jaw bone and stress mental fracture of the implant.
Risks related to the anesthetic include but are not limited to; allergic reaction, accidental swallowing of foreign matter, facial swelling, bruising, pain, inflammation, soreness, discoloration, infra occlusion of the implant or blockage along a vein at the injection site.
Benefits
Implants improve appearance, enhance comfort, create better oral health, durability, can help improve speech, improves how you eat and chew food, convenient and they boost self esteem.
No Guarantee
There is no guarantee that the implants will osseo-integrate with the bone. There are many factors that contribute to this. With any medical procedure, there are possible risks that could occur at any phase of the treatment meant to obtain the desired results, which may or may not be achieved.
Patient Consent
Your doctor should discuss the reasons for a dnetal implant procedure along with the purpose, benefits and surgery required to perform this procedure, as well as possible complications and alternatives. Prior to having any treatment completed you will be required to give your verbal and written consent to have this procedure completed.
If you are preparing to have these procedures completed in our office an have any questions, pelase contact us for clarifcation of anything you do not understand. If you are reading this to learn more about options for implants and would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us to meet with our team.