Do I have to replace my missing teeth?
We highly recommend replacing your missing teeth for several reasons. Not only can it lead to a drop in self-esteem but it can also impact your oral health. Once a tooth is missing, the bone in that area will begin to deteriorate. Over the years, the lower half of the face will begin to collapse, adding years to your appearance.
Replacing missing teeth can also:
- Improve your ability to chew and speak properly
- Prevent surrounding teeth from moving out of place
- Maintain the health and structure of your jawbone
A void in a row of teeth will cause teeth to shift and lead to other dental issues. Additionally, missing teeth can lead to jaw misalignment and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Drew Shulman, your trusted Northeast Philadelphia dentist, will recommend filling gaps in your smile using dental implants. Dr. Shulman can replace just one, several, or even all your natural teeth with dental implants.
What exactly are dental implants?
Three parts compose a dental implant. The implant itself is a metal screw-like post that consists of titanium. A dentist will secure this titanium post to your jawbone with oral surgery to replace the root of the missing tooth. The next part is a small piece called an abutment.
The small titanium abutment will screw right onto the implant post and sit at the gum line. The last part is the dental restoration or prosthesis. The kind of restoration you will need depends on how many teeth you are replacing and where they are in your mouth. The prosthetic is usually either a fixed bridge, denture, or dental crown.
Is there a chance my implants will fail?
Dental implants hold more than a 95% success rate. While dental implants have a high success rate, there is always a possibility that implants can fail. Good oral hygiene is the key to their success. After the implants are in place in the bone, they must have a healthy environment to heal.
In rare occasions, the implant post might not completely fuse with the surrounding jawbone. If this happens, we’ll have to remove the posts and allow the site to heal. We can usually place another implant once the site is ready again. Several factors can contribute to implant failure, including:
- Poor oral hygiene: Failing to properly clean around the implant post can cause infections and implant failure.
- Tobacco use: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis can negatively impact your body’s ability to heal.
- Improper placement: If the dentist does not position the dental implant correctly during the surgical procedure, it won’t integrate properly.
- Trauma: Injury to the area around the implant can damage the implant and surrounding bone.
Make sure you follow the post-operative instructions we provide, and visit your dentist for regular follow-up appointments. Regular dental check-ups and good at-home oral hygiene are crucial for the long-term success of dental implants.
How long does it take to complete treatment?
The length of time it takes to complete the dental implant treatment will vary greatly depending on the needs of the patient. In general, the process takes four to eight months but can take much longer for complex cases. If you need a bone graft, gum disease treatment, or any other pre-treatments, then the treatment time will take much longer.
After a consultation, Philadelphia dentist Dr. Shulman will create a treatment plan that will include an estimated time frame. This will fluctuate based on healing times.
What are mini dental implants?
Mini implants are a great option for patients with an insufficient amount of jawbone available. They are smaller and thinner than traditional dental implants, ranging from 1.8 to 3.3 mm in diameter. The mini implant has a built-in abutment, which eliminates the need for a second surgery to attach it.
The surgery to place them is faster and you will heal faster as well. They are less invasive, have a shorter healing time, and are usually more cost-effective than traditional implants.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
One of the best things about dental implants is that they don’t require any extra care. You simply brush and floss your teeth as you would normally. Continue your bi-annual dental visits to make sure that everything is going smoothly. If there are any issues that arise, your dentist will be able to catch the issues early and provide treatment.
To learn more about our implant dentistry and services, see: