Frequently Asked Questions
Source: Nobel Biocare About Dental ImplantsWhat is a Dental Implant? The term "dental implant" refers to the fixed replacement of a tooth's root, made of titanium. The dental implant comes in the form of a screw, and is placed in the area of a missing tooth, whether it be in the upper or lower jawbone. The screw is made of titanium because the material is biocompatible, meaning it is able to exist with the surrounding tissues, in this case - bone. The screw eventually unites with the bone and creates a sturdy base for one permanent tooth, ranging to a full new set of teeth.
Why Dental Implants?If you have lost one or more adult teeth, there are numerous reasons to consider a dental implant procedure. Below are just two:
- When the root of the tooth is not present in the jaw, the bone can actually begin to retreat, which causes the face to look older. This premature aging can occur in patients of any age.
- Dental implants are durable, and will remain stable over a patient's lifetime. The new teeth fixed to the implants feel natural, and resemble the form and function of the patient's original teeth.
Are Dental Implants successful?With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel Biocare Dental Implants, and even higher for the bridges they support.
Who places the Dental Implants?ClearChoice oral surgeons perform the dental implant surgery, fixing the titanium screw into the jawbone; the new teeth are installed by Prosthodontists. A dental implant procedure is considered a surgery, and oral surgeons have at least three additional years of surgical instruction. This includes the administering of sedation, anesthesia, and knowledge about possible risks of the surgery. Prosthodontists receive specialized training in the process of restoring lost teeth.
How much do Dental Implants cost?Dental implants will differ in cost among patients due to each individual's specific needs for treatment. The number of missing teeth that require replacement, as well as the number of dental implants performed will directly affect the cost. ClearChoice patients may be eligible to undergo Immediate Function™ procedures, which can lessen the number of dental implants needed. Immediate Function procedures also do not generally require patients to undergo bone grafting and other costly procedures. ClearChoice accommodates patients by providing all the treatments necessary to undergo dental implants in one convenient setting at a single price. The cost of the ClearChoice experience is usually less than other treatment facilities.
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Who Is a Candidate
Will Dental Implants work for me?People who may be eligible to receive a dental implant procedure are lacking one or more permanent teeth, because of decay, disease, or injury. Progressed periodontal disease often causes patients to undergo a dental surgery, due to unhealthy or missing teeth. Dental implants are a far superior procedure to other available methods for tooth restoration. The use of ClearChoice’s panoramic X-ray machine will help your dental professional to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. The initial consultation, panoramic X-ray, and additional opinion will be provided to you, free of cost.
Is old age a problem?On occasion, patients inquire if their mature age will hinder their eligibility to receive dental implants at Denver's ClearChoice center. Patients are relieved to learn that age is not as much of a concern as health. If well enough to undergo a tooth extraction, a patient is also able to undergo dental implant surgery. There are some chronic diseases that prevent people from receiving treatment from ClearChoice, but after the evaluation of one's health history, a dentist determines whether or not a patient can undergo the procedure.
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Benefits over Traditional Treatment
What are the advantages of Dental Implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
- Improved appearance – When an entire tooth is lost, the jawbone shrinks, which causes aging in the face. The placement of dental implants will interrupt this process, preventing damage. Dental bridges and dentures do not affect receding of the jawbone.
- Preserve natural teeth – During a dental bridge procedure, the healthy teeth surrounding an area of loss will be modified to accommodate the bridge. Dental implants do not require adjacent teeth to be ground down or modified, on most occasions.
- Permanent solution – Dental implants will not fall apart inside a patient's mouth. The stability leads to lasting comfort that will remain indefinitely. Once the teeth are securely placed, there will be no further adaptations. Dental implants not only boost a patient's self-esteem, they also promote a more active and healthy way of life.
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Expected Results
How will Dental Implants affect my life?The artificial teeth that are a part of the dental implant procedure will look and act as natural teeth. Because of their superior function, there are no limitations on foods and beverages. Dental implants can monumentally alter the quality of one's life. These sturdy new teeth will not hinder one's ability to talk or chew, a source of embarrassment for many denture patients.
Will my new teeth look natural?Dental implants are highly effective when performed in unison with present-day dental restoration techniques. Every aspect of the new teeth will likely be superior to the outcomes patients had anticipated.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?Following a brief period of adjustment, the newly restored teeth will perform equally as well as natural teeth.
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Treatment and Care
How much time is required for a Dental Implant placement?Because of modern technology and highly refined surgical techniques, dental implants can be performed during just one appointment. A modern technique that utilizes 3D CAT Scan dental imaging technology has lessened the complexity of the surgery for patients and dentists alike. Healing time is also decreased.
Traditional dental implant surgeries require patients to wait as long as a year to receive permanently secured new teeth. The artificial root is implanted in the jawbone and must not be tampered with for some time to promote the fusion of the screw and bone. Temporary prosthetic teeth are worn for this duration of time. During the healing process, a dental lab produces the new teeth. When a patient returns to be fit with the permanent crowns, they may not receive them right away, and additional appointments are scheduled to ensure a proper fit. ClearChoice houses their own dental lab, which provides a more efficient, less costly final outcome.
The procedure most befitting to a patient's needs is based on several variants, including oral wellness, the amount of teeth lost, and which teeth require replacement. The number of appointments scheduled throughout this process will also directly pertain to these factors.
Is the treatment painful?Surgeries are synonymous with some level of unease, but sedation and anesthesia are administered during the dental implant surgery when necessary. The placement of a single implant is more tolerable than the placement of many, although in either case prescription pain medication will ease the discomfort. Most ClearChoice patients report to our surgeons that they did not feel as much post-surgical discomfort as expected.
How will I feel after the treatment?It is a normal occurrence for patients to experience discoloration from bruising as well as swelling in the gums and tissues after the dental implant procedure. Sometimes there is no discomfort at all. Any regular painkiller will suffice in this case.
How will I care for my Dental Implants?The newly restored teeth must be examined on a regular basis, much like the care exhibited for natural teeth. Brush and floss the new teeth, with guidance on frequency from your dental professional. After the procedure, schedule check-ups every six months, or more if recommended.
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