August 2019 - Singla Dental

Whether you are missing one or all of your teeth, dental implants are a highly sought-after restorative option that can be beneficial to your entire smile. They are a permanent option for when you need to replace teeth, since most implants can last for more than 20 or 30 years. They can be useful for most patients and are a viable alternative to other restorative options.

All About Implants

Most dental implants are made of titanium, which allows them to withstand the pressure and force of daily chewing, biting and even grinding. The implant’s post undergoes a process that is known as osseointegration over the course of several months. This simply means that the implant will fuse naturally with the surrounding bone of the jaw after it’s been placed. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three months to about six or eight months depending on the patient.

Who is a Good Candidate for Implants?

In order for implants to heal successfully, they need a good amount of solid bone structure in the area they’re being placed. If you have bone loss issues or have a large area of missing bone due to an extraction, a bone grafting may be necessary before the implant can be placed. Patients with severe medical conditions who wouldn’t be able to undergo general sedation or have the ability to heal from the procedure may not be good candidates for this specific surgery. However, the vast majority of patients who would like implants and who want to switch to this restoration type are able to have the procedure done safely and easily.

The Consultation Before the Procedure

Before an implant is placed, a consultation appointment allows us to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We will go over your medical and health history as well as take x-rays and special images of the area receiving the implants. We will then create a personalized treatment plan specific to your needs so that the implants have a great chance of healing successfully. Implants can be used to replace just a single missing tooth or they can be used to keep an entire denture in place so that it fits more securely.

If you would like to come into our office for a consultation appointment regarding dental implants, call us today and we will help to get you in to be seen.

Technology surrounding dental implants has advanced significantly over the years. While dental implants have an incredibly high success rate and often last for years and decades, there can come a time when an implant fails or develops problems over time. Some of these problems are related to bone loss in the area the implant was placed, causing the post to become loose. Other issues may involve an implant that has cracked or broken entirely, resulting in pain, infection and gum inflammation. We offer implant restorations to patients experiencing these types of problems.

Here are some signs to look for that could signal an issue with your dental implants:

They're Loose

If you notice that your implant is loose or feels slightly unstable, it may be time to have it replaced or repaired. Implants should be incredibly secure in the bone, similar to a healthy tooth that wouldn’t be loose if you played with it. A loose implant could signal a problem with underlying bone or the fact that the implant never bonded with the bone in the first place.

There’s Gum Inflammation and Recession

If the gums around the implant are inflamed or have receded, the implant may need to be replaced. There may be an underlying infection or the implant might not have been inserted correctly. Inflammation is normal for newly placed implants, but shouldn’t be occurring regularly over the course of the first year or two as well as years after it’s been placed.

There’s an Infection

Properly placed implants that are functioning properly shouldn’t become infected. If your implant is infected and you’re experiencing a lot of pain, it may be time to have them replaced or repaired. A simple x-ray will help in determining if there is an underlying infection. Antibiotics may be needed to clear the infection before any work can be done.

There’s Pain

Once your implants have fully healed, they shouldn’t be painful and should become just another part of your smile. Implants can take several months to a year to fully heal, so it may be normal to have slight pain or discomfort around this area. However, if you’re experiencing severe pain or have discomfort years after the implant was placed, there could be an underlying problem.

It’s Difficult to Chew

Your implants are meant to become a part of your smile and should act similar to any other healthy tooth. If it’s become difficult to chew on the side where the implant is placed because of pain, discomfort or because the implant feels slightly loose, you need to have it checked.

If you think you may need to have a dental implant repaired or replaced, call our office today and we will get you in for a consultation appointment.