Dental implants are the best option for people with missing teeth. Notwithstanding improvement in dental care services, tooth loss cannot be avoided due to several reasons such as severe gum disease, tooth decay or trauma. Earlier, removable dentures were the only solution for replacing lost teeth. However, the dentures had their share of difficulties that had provoked dentists to replace them with dental implants. Here we have answered common queries on dental implants used by Dr. Nawrocki that will help you to understand the benefits of dental implants better.
What are dental implants?
Dental implant is an artificial tooth root made out of titanium. The role of a dental implant is to hold the bridge or replacement tooth. In Dr. Nawrocki’s dental office in El Cajon dental implants of the best quality are used. The dentist inserts a titanium screw in the jaw bone. It takes about 3 to 6 months for the dental implant to get locked to the jawbone. The process is known as osseiointegration. The osseointegrated implant supports the prosthetic tooth.
What is the history of dental implants? For how long dentists are using them?
The first titanium dental implant was used as a replacement for the natural tooth root by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, Per-Ingvar Branemark in 1965. Since then dentists across the world are using the titanium screw to anchor dental prosthesis. Dr. Nawrocki uses high quality osseointegrated titanium implants approved by FDA. For more than 12 years this type of dental implant is being used in the United States.
How are dental implants used by Dr. Nawrocki different from other types of dental implants?
Although the original Branemark System is still the most popular choice for dental implants in the US, currently there are other high quality and cost effective options recognized by FDA and approved by American Dental Association. In Dr. Nawrocki’s dental office, in addition to Noblepharma Branemark implant, other high quality alternatives are also available. We select the dental implants that best suit a patient and meet other requirements as well.
Is there any risk of the body rejecting the dental implant?
Dental implants should not be confused with tissue implants. They are made of pure titanium, which is an inert material. The titanium screw completely fuses with the bone and is never rejected by the body.
How long will the dental implant last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime provided you take appropriate care of your oral health. However, problems may arise if you ignore your oral health. Even factors such as diseases, genetics, nutritional deficiencies etc may affect the lifespan of your dental implants. However, you can easily expand the longevity of your dental implants by following your dentist’s advice and going for routine dental checkups.
Is the dental implant placement procedure painful? Is there any risk of post-operative complications?
As the procedure is done under local anesthesia, you will not experience any pain during the operation. To avoid discomfort or pain after the implant placement, you will be advised to take a standard pain relief medication or analgesic for about 2 to 3 days. Given our expertise and experience in implant placement there is minimal risk of developing any post-operative complication. We will give you detailed instructions about post-operative care. Complications will not occur if you carefully follow the post-operative care guidelines given by our dental care team.
Do I need separate implants for each tooth I have lost?
Although dental implant mimics tooth root, a single implant can be used for replacing several missing teeth. A superior alternative to conventional removable dentures or multiple tooth supported fixed bridge is an implant supported bridge. When you visit your dentist in El Cajon for dental implant for replacing multiple missing teeth, he will tell you the number of implants you will need.
What types of restorations are placed on top of dental implants?
There are different restorations supported by dental implants. Depending upon the objective of your treatment, your dentist is the best person to decide the kind of dental restoration best suited for you. If you are missing a single tooth, the dental implant is usually caped with a dental crown. Dental bridge is the best option for replacing multiple adjacent teeth. When you are missing several teeth, instead of using multiple crowns or dental bridges, your dentist will recommend full or partial denture for restoring your smile.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants entail several benefits. The restorations placed on the implants look natural and easily blend with your natural teeth. They feel and function like your natural teeth. They improve your smile and speech and are also good for your oral health. Moreover, they are convenient and durable and are superior alternatives to traditional dentures.
How long does the whole dental implant process take?
This dental procedure is divided into two phases. The first phase involves placing the implant in the jaw bone. The entire placement procedure takes about 30 minutes up to four hours. The osseiointegration process takes about 3 to 6 months. During this period the implant remains below the gum. You dentist may ask you to wear a temporary denture or bridge during the healing period. It takes 3 to 4 months for the implants to integrate with the lower jaw bones and six months to fuse with the upper jaw. In the second phase, the top of the dental implant will be uncovered. After this stage, the implant is ready for supporting the crown or bridge.
How much do dental implants cost?
The fee of the entire procedure is the sum of the costs of placement and prosthesis. The type of prosthesis, the number of implants, the number of missing teeth and the complexity of surgery determine the actually cost of the procedure.
Why should I visit Dr. Nawrocki in El Cajon for Dental Implants?
Dr. Nawrocki is one of the best dentists in El Cajon for cosmetic and reconstructive dental procedures. She uses high quality tools and cutting edge procedure. Hence, you are assured of the best quality treatment. His dentist’s office is conveniently located. You will feel relaxed in the comfortable and friendly environment of his office. Here every patient, regardless of his/her problem, is treated with care.
Care for Dental Implants
Just as your natural teeth, your dental implants too need regular care. Although we use the best quality prosthesis designed to last a lifetime, they can survive for a long time only if you take proper care of your artificial teeth. Hence, like your real teeth, plaques can also buildup on the prosthesis, which if left untreated will eventually damage the prosthesis and the dental implant. Therefore, our dental care team educates every patient about taking appropriate care of the dental implants and prosthesis. Hence, to prevent further oral problems
• Brush and floss daily according to our guidelines
• Rinse with good quality antiseptic mouthwash containing essential oils
• Come back to us for regular dental checkups
Our dental care team will assist you in maintaining your dental implants. Our hygienist will guide you in selecting the right aids for cleaning and maintaining your teeth and will prepare a detailed oral care routine so that you can take care of your dental and gum health with ease. Follow our guidelines carefully and you will enjoy sound oral health for the rest of your life.
