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We have developed a list of the most
common questions regarding Dental Care and Dental
Implants, please follow the links below to find
the questions and answers you are most likely looking
for, if for any reason you do not find what you're
looking for, please click
here.
| General
FAQ |
What
are dental implants and what can they do for
me?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root
placed into your jaw to hold a replacement
tooth or bridge in place. While high-tech
in nature, dental implants are actually more
tooth-saving than traditional bridgework,
since implants do not rely on neighboring
teeth for support. Dental implants are so
natural-looking and feeling, you may forget
you ever lost a tooth.
What
are the advantages of dental implants over
dentures or bridges?
Every way you look at it, dental implants
are a better solution to the
problem of missing teeth.
Esthetic:
Dental implants look and feel like your own
teeth. Since dental implant integrate into
the structure of your bone, they prevent the
bone loss and gum recession that often accompany
bridgework and dentures. No one will ever
know that you have a replacement tooth.
Tooth-saving:
Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality
of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does
because neighboring teeth are not altered
to support the implant. More of your own teeth
are left untouched, a significant long-term
benefit to your oral health?
Confidence:
Dental implants will allow you to once again
speak and eat with comfort and confidence.
They are secure and offer freedom from the
irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll
allow you to say good-bye to worries about
misplaced dentures and messy glues
Reliable:
The success rate of dental implants is highly
predictable. They are considered an excellent
option for tooth replacement.
Am
I a candidate for dental implants?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is
in good general and oral health. Adequate
bone in your jaw is needed to support the
implant, and the best candidates have healthy
gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
Dental implants are intimately connected with
the gum tissues and underlying bone in the
mouth.
What
is treatment like?
This procedure is a team effort between you,
your dentist and your implantologist. Your
Implantologist will consult with you to determine
where and how your implant should be placed.
Depending on your specific condition and the
type of implant chosen, your implantologist
will create a treatment plan tailored to meet
your needs.
First, the implant, which looks like a screw
or cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over
the next two to six months, the implant and
the bone are allowed to bond together to form
an anchor for your artificial tooth. During
this time, a temporary tooth replacement option
can be worn over the implant site.
Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary
to uncover the implant and attach an extension.
This small metal post, called an abutment,
completes the foundation on which your new
tooth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed
to heal for a couple of weeks following this
procedure.
There are some implant systems (one-stage)
that do not require this second step. Your
implantologist will advise you on which system
is best for you.
Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown
will be created for you by your dentist and
attached to the abutment. After a short time,
you will experience restored confidence in
your smile and your ability to chew and speak.
What
can I expect after treatment?
As you know, your own teeth require conscientious
at-home oral care and regular dental visits.
Dental implants are like your own teeth and
will require the same care. In order to keep
your implant clean and plaque-fee, brushing
and flossing still apply!
After treatment, your implantologist will
work closely with you and your dentist to
develop the best care plan for you. Periodic
follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor
your implant, teeth and gums to make sure
they are healthy.
Will
implants last a lifetime?
Few things last forever. Every case depends
on the individual patient. Generally, the
current overall dental health of the patient
and the condition of the bone structure remaining
in the jaws are important factors in determining
long-term success rates. Of course, everyone
needs regular visits to their dentists, and
this is particularly important for dental
implant patients. |
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About dr. Obando 
