|
|
|
|
What is implant
dentistry?
Implant dentistry is the
branch of dentistry that involves installing an
artificial tooth into a patient's jaw in order to
replace or restore a missing tooth. |
|
What factors contribute
to the long term success of dental implants?
Long-term success depends on
multiple factors. Firstly, success will depend on the
quality and quantity of bone. The better the bone and
the more available, the greater the chance of long-term
success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the
dental surgeon will be a factor. As with any surgical
procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and
individual talent of the dentist. And finally, the
quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant
will play a big role in long-term success. If the design
of the implant crowns or over dentures are poorly
constructed, and biting forces are not balanced, even
the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised
survival rate.
|
|
Are there any age
limitations for dental implants?
No. Any person at any age
can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone
available in which to place the implants. |
|
What might be some
factors that would prevent me from being an implant
candidate?
There are some medical
factors that might prevent a person from being a good
candidate for dental implants. Some of these may be
uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation
therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare
bone disorders or bone marrow cancer. Some physical
factors may include insufficient or poor quality bone,
low sinuses or nerve bundles. |
|
How often will I need to
have my implants checked?
The success of your implants
will depend greatly on how well you maintain them. They
will need to be professionally cleaned by a hygienist
and examined by your implant dentist every three to four
months. This hygienist should be trained in the specific
procedure of maintaining dental implants. Also, brushing
and flossing daily is absolutely necessary for long-term
success. |
|
Is dental implant surgery
painful?
No. An effective local
anesthetic is used during the surgery so that you do not
have any discomfort during the placement of the
implants. The mild discomfort you might experience after
surgery can be controlled with medications. |
|
When can I return to work
after implant surgery?
You can go to work the next
day, unless some particular surgical circumstance
arises. Your implant dentist will discuss all
postoperative instructions with you. |
|
What causes tooth loss?
Tooth decay and periodontal
disease are the most common causes of tooth loss. Tooth
decay takes place when most of the tooth's mineral
makeup has been dissolved away and a hole (cavity) has
formed. While tooth decay primarily affects children,
periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects mostly
adults. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums
caused by the buildup of plaque, and its earliest stage
is known as gingivitis. |
|
How many times a day
should I brush my teeth?
Most dental professionals
recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a
day. Brushing after every meal (and flossing at least
once a day) is also a good way to maintain dental
health. |
|
When should a child have
his/her first dental appointment?
A child should have his
first dental appointment no later than his third
birthday. Many dentists recommend a child have his first
appointment when his first tooth comes in. |
|
What causes oral cancer?
Tobacco (cigarettes, pipes,
cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff) is the most common
cause of oral cancer. Combining tobacco use with heavy
drinking can also foster the development of oral cancer.
Bad hygiene, prolonged irritation of the oral cavity,
and extended exposure to strong sunlight on the lips are
among other causes of the disease. |
|
What are the warning
signs of oral cancer??
Early symptoms of oral
cancer include: a sore on the lip, in the mouth, or in
the throat that does not heal; a lump on the lip, in the
mouth, or in the throat; a red or white patch found
anywhere in the mouth; unusual pain or bleeding in the
mouth; swelling of the mouth; and any difficulty or
discomfort felt in chewig or swallowing. |
|
What are dentures?
Dentures are a partial or
complete set of artificial teeth used to occupy the
upper or lower jaw, usually attached to a plate. Simply
put, dentures are a set of false teeth. |
|
Who needs dentures?
If you have lost most or all
of your teeth, you are a perfect candidate for complete
dentures. If you still have some natural teeth
remaining, a partial denture is recommended to help
improve chewing ability, speech, and support for facial
muscles. |
|
What is oral/
maxillofacial surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial
surgery is the branch of dentistry that deals with the
diagnosis and treatment of defects, injuries, and
diseases involving the head, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws,
and neck. |
|
Who needs to have their
wisdom teeth extracted?
Anyone who is in danger of
developing impacted wisdom teeth (third molars that only
partially erupt or get trapped or stuck in the jaw)
should have them removed so that they do not damage
adjacent molars and cause other oral problems. In
addition, anyone who is getting dentures should have
their wisdom teeth removed. |
|
|
|
|