Implants-Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if I am a good candidate for dental implants?
A. While the best dental implant candidates are patients who have good general oral health and excellent oral hygiene, healthy gums, and enough bone in the implant site for the implants to attach to the jaw, implant dentists have complementary procedures that can improve the chances that implants will be successful for patients who present less than ideal clinical situations. Two of these procedures are bone grafting and sinus augmentation.
With bone grafting, the gum is lifted away and the area needing more bone is filled with a bone or a bone substitute. Sinus augmentation is a procedure that helps raise the sinus floor in the upper back jaw area in order to develop sufficient quality bone in order to place implants. This area traditionally has been the most difficult to treat as there is a tendency for the area to lack enough quality bone in this area for dental implants. Sinus augmentation greatly increases patients chance for successful placement of implants.
Woodbury Dentist, Dr. Nippoldt works closely with the top specialists in the metro area in order to provide cutting edge dental implant options that include the most advanced techniques available today.
Q. I’ve been told that a single dental implant is a better option to replace a missing tooth than a bridge or partial denture. Why is that?
A. Before dental implants became available, bridges were the ideal choice to replace a missing tooth or teeth. With a bridge, crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth (teeth), and an artificial tooth is attached to the two crowns in order to fill in the space.
With dental implants, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth (teeth) do not have to be treated. In addition, dental implants offer the following advantages:
-Dental implants look and function like natural teeth.
-Dental implants replace some of the tooth’s roots, which helps to preserve the bone. Because the implants integrate with the bone in your jaw, the implant helps to keep the bone intact and healthy.
Gums and bone around a fixed bridge or removable partial denture may recede. This leaves a visible defect that often is unattractive and can lead to a collapsed smile.
-Dental implants are fixed and function like natural teeth. Partial dentures can move around in your mouth and may be uncomfortable and may inhibit your ability to eat certain foods.
Q. I am going to lose my teeth. What are the different options I have to replace them, and why would I want to spend money paying for implants?
A. Once your teeth and their roots are removed, you will continue to lose bone unless implants are placed in the jaw to reduce or delay some of that bone loss. Loss of bone in your jaw can lead to that “sunken look” that makes you look older. Dental implants can lessen the amount of bone loss you will experience, and help to preserve your facial appearance.
Dr. Nippoldt always utilizes high-quality materials for superior fit and aesthetics in all dentures that he makes. However, implants will increase the stability and fit of your denture.
-With aesthetic dentures, approximately 10% of function is restored. As you lose more bone, the denture will loosen and patients generally find they need to use more denture adhesive. Relines will be required after a time.
- Adding two to four implants to each jaw will help stabilize bone loss and increase function to approximately 50%. Because these dentures are both implant-supported and tissue supported, however, patients may develop pain in the tissue-supported areas. No adhesives will be necessary with these dentures, but relines to relieve the pressure in the tissue-supported areas may be needed.
-With six implants to support your denture, 50-90% of function is restored and the amount of bone loss is stabilized even more. Furthermore, you won’t need to use adhesives or need relines.
-If your pocket book allows, the most ideal plan for most patients are permanent, non-removable implant-supported bridges. With this plan 90% of function is restored, bone loss is more stabilized, there is no denture material covering your palate, and it is longer lasting and requires less maintenance than the other options.
Losing one’s teeth can be a very emotional event for a patient, and Dr. Nippoldt and his staff will make every effort to help you decide on the plan that is right for you.
Q. How do I care for my dental implants?
A. Once your dental implants have integrated (permanently attached to the jawbone), you care for them just like your natural teeth: brush and floss daily and see your dentist/hygienist at recommended intervals for exams and cleanings. Dr. Nippoldt strongly recommends the use of a Sonicare toothbrush.
If you have implant-supported removable dentures, be sure to take the denture out of your mouth twice a day and brush the denture and implants. If there is a bar, floss around the bar.
Routine visits are also important so that your dentist can monitor your oral health with regular cancer exams.
Q. How painful is the process of getting implants?
A. Most patients report that there is very little pain involved. Mild discomfort in the implant area for a few days is the norm, but patients can expect to be able to work the day after their implant(s) is placed. Years ago, bone grafting material for dental implants was obtained by harvesting bone from another site in the patient’s body, such as from the hip. This proved to be more painful than the implant itself. Today, most surgeons use artificial bone or bone harvested from cadavers, so there is very little pain involved when grafting is required.
Q. Will insurance cover dental implant restorations?
A. It depends on your insurance. St. Paul area cosmetic dentist Dr. Nippoldt always recommends plans that will best help you meet your dreams and expectations based on what you clinically present. We advise our patients not to expect insurance coverage. However, we will file insurance claims for you and do whatever we can to help you get any insurance coverage due to you. We also offer several payment options that help patients financially fit treatment into their dental budgets.
Q. What if I’ve been missing teeth for several years? Can I still replace the tooth (teeth) with dental implants?
A. Absolutely. We can successfully replace teeth that have been missing due to deep cavities or failed root canals, trauma, cancer surgery, congenitally missing teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, or severe bite issue.
