Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Q. What is Teeth-In-An-Hour all about?
A. You may have seen this term on other websites. It is the Nobel Biocare trade marked name for a virtual procedure that is possible with the I-Cat scan that we have in our facility. It has some limitations at this point so at Florida Dental Implants we use the Teeth-In-A-Day concept that will be explained below.
Q. Teeth-In-A-Day! How can that be? How is it done?
A. It is true you will leave the office with a new smile and it all happens in just one day.
You will want to come in and talk with one of the doctors before you start your treatment. At this consultation an open CAT scan will be done in just 20 seconds to give the doctors the information they need to diagnose your problems and plan your dental implant treatment. The next step is to make molds of your mouth. Thi
s can be done at the consultation appointment if you are traveling a great distance or you are just ready to start. With these we can make your new teeth. Selecting the teeth is a fun experience and you can bring in pictures of what your teeth looked like a while ago to help with the decision about how the teeth will look. Interact with the doctor and together you can pick the special look that is right for you. Tooth color and tooth shape will depend on gender, body size, complexion and facial shape also. The doctor will analyze these factors to help you with your choice.
The teeth are made to our specifications by our laboratory technicians before the procedure. The same technician fits the teeth to the implant positions when the procedure is completed. This “retrofit” takes four full hours. During this time you are comfortably waking up from the procedure in our recovery area. You can be with your family and have a shake or other pleasing drink very soon after the procedure. While you are still asleep a long acting local anesthetic is given in the mouth so you will be comfortable while you awaken.
Your treatment will be performed while you are asleep with intravenous anesthesia. Anesthesia is customized to your physical condition in our surgical center suite.
This is not a major surgery, but we take every precaution with full monitoring of your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels in your blood, and EKG monitors.
The teeth are usually placed in your mouth around 3:30 pm. And you are ready to go home. Some of our patients come from great distances and choose to stay in a near by hotel. We can arrange this for you. If you live close to our facility then you might be happier in your own bed at your home.
Q. What is All-On-4?
A. Nobel Biocare our implant manufacturer has made this a popular term when talking about replacing all the upper or lower teeth. The force of chewing is distributed around the arch of the jaw and makes this a very strong and long lasting way to replace all the upper teeth, lower teeth or both the upper and lower teeth together. Pictured here are the upper and lower jaws with a full set of teeth in a solid bridge attached to the jaw using den
tal implants as anchors. They are screwed in and are totally supported by the implants in the jaw. The screw access holes are filled in with a tooth colored composite dental resin “filling” when the teeth are complete. The prosthetic teeth come down to the gum, but do not push on the tissue. Cleaning is easy with a water pick and an electric tooth brush. Some patients use a special brush called a proxy brush.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. A dental implant is the replacement for a missing tooth root. It is placed in the jaw where a tooth is missing, maki
ng it possible for a dentist to attach a natural-looking replacement tooth. The replacement tooth looks and feels just like a real tooth, with the normal color and contour that makes it blend with the other teeth in your mouth.
Q. Who is a candidate for dental implants?
A. Everyone is a candidate! The patient that can’t have dental implants is very rare and may be limited to the few people who are on chemotherapy for bone cancer. Almost everyone else is a candidate!
If you have bad teeth you are a candidate for dental implants. The bad teeth can be removed, implants placed and new teeth attached in just one day. See Teeth-In-A-Day for more details.
If you wear dentures you are a good candidate for dental implants and Teeth-In-A-day.
If you are missing a tooth you are a candidate for a dental implant. The alternative to replace a missing tooth as seen on the left is to
remove the enamel for the adjacent teeth and do a bridge restoration. The American dental Association says that dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth.
If you have been afraid of dental care you are a candidate for dental implants and new replacement teeth that are straight, white, and beautiful. You will be pleased to know that all your treatment can be done under general anesthesia. You will be totally asleep for your treatment.
Q. What are some of the advantages of dental implants?
A. 1. More attractive appearance
2. Natural chewing ability
3. Greater comfort
4. Speech improvement
5. Better self-image
6. No decay or gum disease
7. Lasts a lifetime
8. Easy maintenance
Q. What is the success rate of dental implants?
A. 98% If you are a non-smoker, the success rate is closer to 100%.
Q. Which dental specialty places the most implants? I have looked at many sites, and I was just curious about the differences among dentists.
According to the latest survey of 3000 dentists published in the American Dental Association website (ADA.org), there has been a great increase in the number of dental implants placed as the procedure has become a part of everyday practice. This survey is a little old, comparing 1995 with 1999, but the trend is definitely up, and the popularity of implants seems to be increasing as of December 2010. The data indicates that oral and maxillofacial surgeons increased in their number of implants performed from an average of 42.5 implants in 1995 to 80.9 implants in 1999. Periodontists climbed to 70.8 implants per dentist from 43.4 implants per dentist in 1995. General dentists rose to 30.6 implants per dentist from 27.8 implants in the same period.
I think that you can infer from this data that oral and maxillofacial surgeons place the most implants of all the dental specialties. Some prosthodontists who have had additional training in surgery also place dental implants. In the survey, 10% of the prosthodontic specialists placed implants. Comparatively, only 8.1 % of general dentists placed their own implants. 67.9% of the periodontists placed implants. 89.6% of the surveyed oral and maxillofacial surgeons placed implants.
Q. Can I be sure the dental implant procedure is safe?
A. Our surgical facility is designed as an out-patient surgical facility with 10 operating rooms, one of which is a category 1 hospital suite where any major reconstructive surgery can be performed for reconstruction of the face with bone grafting from the hip or tibia if necessary. This would be done for severe defects from tumors or traumatic injury. Facial cosmetic procedures are also performed in the category 1 suite. Most dental implant procedures are considered to be minimally invasive, but the same monitoring procedures for anesthesia are performed with all patients who are having any type of intravenous anesthesia. Most patients are treated with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia as a supplement. The oral injections are given after you are comfortably under the effects of the intravenous anesthesia. As part of our evaluation of your case, we do a complete review of your past medical history, allergies, and current medications. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive medical and anesthesia training. All of these facts make the risks involved with surgery minimal.
Q. How long will the implants last?
A. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. They are fused with the actual jawbone by a process called osseous integration. Because all the implants we use are biocompatible titanium with enhanced "Tiunite" surfaces, they can usually be loaded immediately. Some of Dr. Musser's and Dr. Richards' patients have had root form titanium implants for 30 years, and the teeth are still performing as well as they did initially with little or no change, according to the x-ray used in their follow-up examinations. I think at this point, we can tell our patients that their dental implants placed when they are 30 will still be in function and supporting natural looking teeth when they are 90+.
Q. Are dental implants expensive?
A. They are slightly more expensive than repairing a natural tooth with a root canal and a crown, but they last much much longer.
Q. I consulted a dentist a few years ago and he said I don’t have enough bone for dental implants. Is this true? Can you help me?
A. With our modern technology almost every person can have dental implants and teeth that are fixed in the mouth. At Florida Dental Implants we use the I-CAT scan to examine your bone. We have special implants and techniques to bring this amazing procedure to many more patients than we could just a few years ago. Implants can be angled in the bone, and they come in a variety of sizes that were not previously available.
Q. I am missing teeth on both sides of my upper jaw, but still have some natural teeth. The removable partial denture, which replaces the missing teeth, is uncomfortable and unsteady. Is there an alternative?
A. You can throw your partial away and replace the missing teeth using implants as the anchor for fixed teeth. It is very common for the back teeth to be missing and the front teeth to be healthy. The use of a removable partial denture is the old way of restoring the bite, but they don't work well, so many end up in the nightstand or medicine cabinet. Partials generally lead to the loss of more teeth because of the leverage the clasps place on the natural teeth. Through the placement of implants in the jaw behind the good natural teeth, the missing teeth can be replaced. In this situation, the posterior teeth are supported by implants alone while the good front teeth maintain their natural health.
Q. Are there risks of the body rejecting dental implants?
A. Rejection does not occur with dental implants. When people use the word "rejection" in connection with implants, they are usually describing rejection of transplanted organs such as a heart or liver. Dental implants fall into an entirely different category. They are made of biocompatible titanium that actually adheres to the bone more tightly than a natural tooth.
Q. I've heard people talk about how long it takes to complete the implant process, but then I heard that time frame wasn't right. What is the real truth?
A. The original protocol for placing implants was conceived about 50 years ago and is called The Branamark system. Some Dentists still adhere to this out dated method. We still see patients that had to wait well over a year to complete treatment! Many scientific studies show that implants can support replacement teeth the same day. Dentists call this immediate loading of the implants if you are doing some research. That is what Florida Dental Implants and Oral Surgery does every day and we have had great success for well over a decade completing treatment in just one day for replacement of the natural teeth. If you are wearing a denture and are unhappy then this is for you. If you have been told that your teeth need to be removed then this is also the right treatment for you.
Q. How can I tell if I am healthy enough to have dental implants?
A. Placing dental implants is usually a very minor procedure. If you are considering dental implants and want to improve your life with stable teeth, you are healthy enough for dental implants. If you want to improve your diet and avoid denture embarrassment, then you are healthy enough for this procedure. Medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease need to be managed, but should not prevent you from having this in-office procedure. As a part of our consultation, we will discuss your general health issues and may consult with your physician if needed.
Q. Will I be without teeth or unable to eat for a long time?
A. Replacement teeth will be made before any teeth are removed. We want you to maintain your appearance and your nutrition. Your diet will temporarily change in consistency if you have several implants placed at once, but very soon you will be able to chew.
Q. How long does the dental implant process take?
A. Florida Dental Implants makes the process quick! Here are two examples:
Example One: Let’s say you have some very bad teeth. Your dentist has told you that they need to removed to maintain your health, but you can’t stand the idea of wearing dentures. You come in for an implant consult and molds can be made that day to make your temporary teeth. The Florida Dental Implant lab technicians make your new teeth to the doctor’s specifications and you are ready for your procedure. It takes about a week to make the temporary teeth. Immediately following the temporary teeth being made, you have the bad teeth removed and the implants placed. This procedure takes 2-3 hours and you are asleep during the entire procedure. The teeth, made before the procedure, are placed that same day. You leave the surgical center with a new smile. The teeth placed on the day of your procedure are the “test drive” teeth they will be beautiful, but we may want to make some changes for your satisfaction. The doctors want to see what the teeth actually look like in your mouth and how they function.. Once your gums are healed any needed changes can be made. Most of the healing is done in a few days, but the gums needs to shrink to get a good fit to the teeth. You will wear these “test drive” teeth for 2-5 months depending on your particular situation before your final teeth are placed.
Example two: If you have a broken, missing or non-restorable tooth an implant can be placed. A temporary tooth is placed at that time. It takes less than an hour. Some time is needed to let the implant fuse with the bone and this may vary with the location of the tooth, your bite, and the density of your bone. Therefore the permanent tooth may not be placed for several months. Because the bone is denser in the lower jaw these implants can be restored sooner than the upper jaw. A rule of thumb is that an implant in the lower jaw can be restored in two months. In the upper jaw it may be as long as six months before the permanent tooth is attached to the implant. You will never be without a natural looking tooth. The only difference between the temporary tooth and the permanent tooth is the construction material. The temporary tooth is acrylic and the finished tooth is porcelain in most cases.
Q. I lost my upper back teeth on one side and have gone for years without doing anything about it. My sinuses always seem to bother me more on that side than on the other side where I have back teeth. Could these problems be related to one another?
A. A phenomenon that occurs in many people who have had their upper back teeth missing for a long period of time is the increasing downward growth of the maxillary sinus. At birth it is the size of a pea, but it progressively grows as the face matures. This growth is at the expense of the surrounding bone. The average adult sinus can hold 15ml of liquid. If you are considering replacing those upper back teeth with fixed teeth that stay in all the time, it may be necessary to perform a sinus lift procedure to allow room for placement of dental implants into this area to support the teeth. This involves placement of bone and/or bone substitutes into an area which was previously occupied by the lower part of the maxillary sinus. These bone graft materials set up an environment which assists your own body in bone growth. This raises the floor of the sinus and allows for less sinus volume, less chance for fluids to accumulate, and fewer problems with sinus drainage difficulties. We treat our patients with only the intent of replacing their missing teeth through implant and implant related procedures, but it is very exciting if their sinus-related problems are improved also.
Q. I've had dentures for several years and have lost a lot of jawbone. My lower dentures are floaters, and I need help. Is there still hope for me?
A. With the options available today in the field of dental implants, anyone can improve their situation. We encourage people to see us for a consultation and an x-ray. You may have more bone than you think. The sooner the problems are corrected with dental implants, the better off you will be.
Q. Is there one type of dental implant that is better than any other?
A. The majority of dental implants that are placed today (December 2010) are shaped like tooth roots and are made of titanium with a TiUnite surface that extends to the platform of the implant where the teeth are attached. They are hugely successful. In the past 30 years, we have used a number of different implant shapes and sizes, but these current ones are the best to date. They are manufactured by Nobel-Biocare, the largest implant manufacturer in the world. The surface etching of TiUnite increases the surface area. A special "groove" thread design also adds surface area for greater contact with the bone. These factors make implants particularly suited for immediate loading. Immediate loading is the placement of teeth at the same time as implant placement.
Q. I must have some teeth extracted and I intend to have implants placed to restore my ability to chew. Can a dental implant be placed at the same visit as the teeth are extracted?
A. Placing implants at the same time that teeth are removed is standard practice. Diseased teeth can be removed and implants placed at the same time. Initial prosthetic work can be completed immediately (Teeth-In-A-Day). Also, a single tooth can be removed and an implant and tooth placed at the same time. When you leave the office, your smile will be intact.
Q. I have heard that it takes a long time to complete dental implant treatment. Is that true?
Technology has advanced in the field of dental implantology to an amazing degree, so most procedures can be completed extraordinarily quickly. For example, if you have to have teeth removed, implants can be placed and the teeth attached the same day. You can walk out with new beautiful teeth the same day!
Q. Do dental implants require special care?
A. Brushing and flossing is all that is needed. This is just like natural teeth. Return for regular checkups, brush, and floss. That is it! Realize also that caring for the gums is the best way to care for your implant-supported teeth as well as your remaining natural teeth.
Q. Is a maintenance plan included with my upper and or lower arch?
A. Florida Dental Implants & Oral Surgery will provide you with complimentary maintenance for a period of two years from placement of your teeth. This entitles you to 4 visits, one every 6 months. You will be required to come in every six months for the maintenance plan to remain in force If you have a problem or breakage within a period of two years from the date of their initial placement, we will replace or repair these teeth at no additional charge. After two years your maintenance fee will be the cost of an office visit. At this time an office visit is $75.00. Click here to see the entire maintenance agreement.
Q. I have been a denture wearer for many years now and use denture adhesives to hold my teeth in place, and I'm getting tired of the constant bad taste and mess in my mouth. Could dental implants eliminate my need for adhesives?
A. A common complaint is having to constantly add adhesives to secure dentures, especially after drinking a cup of coffee or eating a meal. This can really be a nuisance when eating out at a restaurant and having to excuse yourself from the table to go to the restroom because your dentures won't stay in. Laughing, sneezing, and coughing can also cause trouble for people who depend on adhesives to hold their teeth in place. It may be funny to see another person have a denture fall out, but it is not funny to the person who has to deal with these embarrassing situations on a daily basis. Denture wearers with problems such as these are not alone. There are 40 million people in the United States with no teeth, and 29% in this group chew only soft foods. Dental implants can give these people their lives back.
Q. I am missing all of my teeth and wear full upper and lower dentures. I can no longer tolerate my lowers. Will I need an implant for every tooth I am replacing on the lower?
A. Two implants can add tremendous retention for a lower denture if you still have some ridge left. This may be an economical option, since the majority of the denture is still supported by the gum. With four to six implants you can have teeth fixed in your mouth that have the look and feel of natural teeth. Many people rave that the implant-supported teeth feel like their natural teeth.
Q. My husband lost all of his teeth from gum disease. He refuses to wear "false teeth." Would implants give him the look and function of natural teeth?
A. Yes, we can give your husband back his natural look and the feel of natural teeth that stay in his mouth. They will be anchored by several dental implants in the upper and lower jaw. The ability to function socially and eat properly is the driving force behind the development of dental implants. The procedure will provide him with stable teeth, perhaps for the first time in years. Implants are a viable and functional way for improving one's quality of life and health.
Q. I have a full set of dentures. My uppers are fine, but my lowers are a constant juggling act when I try to eat. Can I have implants on the lower and keep a full denture on top?
A. Absolutely. Your situation is a common one. The full lower denture is the most unstable, unretentive, destructive, conventional prosthesis fabricated in routine dental practice. It is the technology of the last century. During function, the average lower denture moves five times more than an upper denture. The person with advanced bone loss has additional problems of poor muscle coordination, speech difficulties, and inability to keep denture adhesives in place, all of which adversely influence a normal lifestyle. Dental implants can be the solution to all of these problems. Life is too short to suffer with this very correctable dilemma. Please call us for a consultation.
Q. I have advanced periodontal disease and have been battling with my teeth for years. They are actually moving at this point. Can I still have implants and immediate teeth?
A. You are the perfect candidate for tooth removal with placement of implants and teeth the same day (Teeth-In-A-Day). One of the reasons you have periodontal disease is because the root surfaces of your teeth are the best places for bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria is destructive, adhering on to the rough surface of the tooth root. It will grow, reproduce, and create destructive waste products. When the teeth are removed and the implants are placed, the pathogenic bacteria lose the type of environment that perpetuates their growth and their destructive process on the bone surrounding your teeth. If you have lost more than one half of the bone that once supported your teeth, then dental implants are the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to regain your smile and stop the drain of time and money in periodontal therapy. Dental implants are easy to maintain and are not susceptible to the same bacteria that affect natural teeth. They are made of titanium and will not decay.
Q. I am missing most of my back teeth and do not wish to lose any of my remaining front teeth. I've been through several sets of removable partials and could not wear any of them. Could I have teeth that stay in all the time to replace my teeth missing in back and keep my remaining teeth in front?
A. First of all, we will do everything possible to help you keep your remaining natural teeth as long as the gum and bone around the teeth are healthy. If you have had problems with removable partials in the past, dental implants may be just what you need. Dental implants will give you natural-looking teeth in your mouth that stay in all the time and function exactly like your natural teeth.
Q. Both of my parents have worn complete dentures for many years, as have my grandparents. Recently, I lost two of my teeth. Does this mean that I will eventually have to have dentures?
A. No..No..No....Your family's past history will not condemn you to the same denture plight. Here is how to avoid it:
1. See your dentist twice a year for cleaning and examination.
2. Avoid sugar.
3. Don't smoke.
4. Learn to brush and floss properly, daily, to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Ask for help from your dental hygienist.
5. Replace missing teeth with dental implants to preserve your facial bone. No other tooth replacement accomplishes this. Remember, it is less expensive to maintain your oral health than to correct it later.
Q. I have a very narrow bony ridge where my back teeth are missing, and I cannot comfortably wear a lower partial. What type of implant would work best for me?
A. A narrow ridge in the back of the lower jaw can be widened by moving bone from the side of the jaw or the chin to the ridge. This is called a bone graft. These living bone cells attach themselves in their new location in about four months. Once this is done, dental implants can be placed. There may be other less invasive procedures that can help you regain your ability to chew.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Q. What is Teeth-In-An-Hour all about?
A. You may have seen this term on other websites. It is the Nobel Biocare trade marked name for a virtual procedure that is possible with the I-Cat scan that we have in our facility. It has some limitations at this point so at Florida Dental Implants we use the Teeth-In-A-Day concept that will be explained below.
Q. Teeth-In-A-Day! How can that be? How is it done?
A. It is true you will leave the office with a new smile and it all happens in just one day.
You will want to come in and talk with one of the doctors before you start your treatment. At this consultation an open CAT scan will be done in just 20 seconds to give the doctors the information they need to diagnose your problems and plan your dental implant treatment. The next step is to make molds of your mouth. This can be done at the consultation appointment if you are traveling a great distance or you are just ready to start. With these we can make your new teeth. Selecting the teeth is a fun experience and you can bring in pictures of what your teeth looked like a while ago to help with the decision about how the teeth will look. Interact with the doctor and together you can pick the special look that is right for you. Tooth color and tooth shape will depend on gender, body size, complexion and facial shape also. The doctor will analyze these factors to help you with your choice.
The teeth are made to our specifications by our laboratory technicians before the procedure. The same technician fits the teeth to the implant positions when the procedure is completed. This “retrofit” takes four full hours. During this time you are comfortably waking up from the procedure in our recovery area. You can be with your family and have a shake or other pleasing drink very soon after the procedure. While you are still asleep a long acting local anesthetic is given in the mouth so you will be comfortable while you awaken.
Your treatment will be performed while you are asleep with intravenous anesthesia. Anesthesia is customized to your physical condition in our surgical center suite.
This is not a major surgery, but we take every precaution with full monitoring of your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels in your blood, and EKG monitors.
The teeth are usually placed in your mouth around 3:30 pm. And you are ready to go home. Some of our patients come from great distances and choose to stay in a near by hotel. We can arrange this for you. If you live close to our facility then you might be happier in your own bed at your home.
Q. What is All-On-4?
A. Nobel Biocare our implant manufacturer has made this a popular term when talking about replacing all the upper or lower teeth. The force of chewing is distributed around the arch of the jaw and makes this a very strong and long lasting way to replace all the upper teeth, lower teeth or both the upper and lower teeth together. Pictured here are the upper and lower jaws with a full set of teeth in a solid bridge attached to the jaw using dental implants as anchors. They are screwed in and are totally supported by the implants in the jaw. The screw access holes are filled in with a tooth colored composite dental resin “filling” when the teeth are complete. The prosthetic teeth come down to the gum, but do not push on the tissue. Cleaning is easy with a water pick and an electric tooth brush. Some patients use a special brush called a proxy brush.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. A dental implant is the replacement for a missing tooth root. It is placed in the jaw where a tooth is missing, making it possible for a dentist to attach a natural-looking replacement tooth. The replacement tooth looks and feels just like a real tooth, with the normal color and contour that makes it blend with the other teeth in your mouth.
Q. Who is a candidate for dental implants?
A. Everyone is a candidate! The patient that can’t have dental implants is very rare and may be limited to the few people who are on chemotherapy for bone cancer. Almost everyone else is a candidate!
If you have bad teeth you are a candidate for dental implants. The bad teeth can be removed, implants placed and new teeth attached in just one day. See Teeth-In-A-Day for more details.
If you wear dentures you are a good candidate for dental implants and Teeth-In-A-day.
If you are missing a tooth you are a candidate for a dental implant. The alternative to replace a missing tooth as seen on the left is to remove the enamel for the adjacent teeth and do a bridge restoration. The American dental Association says that dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth.
If you have been afraid of dental care you are a candidate for dental implants and new replacement teeth that are straight, white, and beautiful. You will be pleased to know that all your treatment can be done under general anesthesia. You will be totally asleep for your treatment.
Q. What are some of the advantages of dental implants?
A. 1. More attractive appearance
2. Natural chewing ability
3. Greater comfort
4. Speech improvement
5. Better self-image
6. No decay or gum disease
7. Lasts a lifetime
8. Easy maintenance
Q. What is the success rate of dental implants?
A. 98% If you are a non-smoker, the success rate is closer to 100%.
Q. Which dental specialty places the most implants? I have looked at many sites, and I was just curious about the differences among dentists.
According to the latest survey of 3000 dentists published in the American Dental Association website (ADA.org), there has been a great increase in the number of dental implants placed as the procedure has become a part of everyday practice. This survey is a little old, comparing 1995 with 1999, but the trend is definitely up, and the popularity of implants seems to be increasing as of December 2010. The data indicates that oral and maxillofacial surgeons increased in their number of implants performed from an average of 42.5 implants in 1995 to 80.9 implants in 1999. Periodontists climbed to 70.8 implants per dentist from 43.4 implants per dentist in 1995. General dentists rose to 30.6 implants per dentist from 27.8 implants in the same period.
I think that you can infer from this data that oral and maxillofacial surgeons place the most implants of all the dental specialties. Some prosthodontists who have had additional training in surgery also place dental implants. In the survey, 10% of the prosthodontic specialists placed implants. Comparatively, only 8.1 % of general dentists placed their own implants. 67.9% of the periodontists placed implants. 89.6% of the surveyed oral and maxillofacial surgeons placed implants.
Q. Can I be sure the dental implant procedure is safe?
A. Our surgical facility is designed as an out-patient surgical facility with 10 operating rooms, one of which is a category 1 hospital suite where any major reconstructive surgery can be performed for reconstruction of the face with bone grafting from the hip or tibia if necessary. This would be done for severe defects from tumors or traumatic injury. Facial cosmetic procedures are also performed in the category 1 suite. Most dental implant procedures are considered to be minimally invasive, but the same monitoring procedures for anesthesia are performed with all patients who are having any type of intravenous anesthesia. Most patients are treated with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia as a supplement. The oral injections are given after you are comfortably under the effects of the intravenous anesthesia. As part of our evaluation of your case, we do a complete review of your past medical history, allergies, and current medications. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive medical and anesthesia training. All of these facts make the risks involved with surgery minimal.
Q. How long will the implants last?
A. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. They are fused with the actual jawbone by a process called osseous integration. Because all the implants we use are biocompatible titanium with enhanced "Tiunite" surfaces, they can usually be loaded immediately. Some of Dr. Musser's and Dr. Richards' patients have had root form titanium implants for 30 years, and the teeth are still performing as well as they did initially with little or no change, according to the x-ray used in their follow-up examinations. I think at this point, we can tell our patients that their dental implants placed when they are 30 will still be in function and supporting natural looking teeth when they are 90+.
Q. Are dental implants expensive?
A. They are slightly more expensive than repairing a natural tooth with a root canal and a crown, but they last much much longer.
Q. I consulted a dentist a few years ago and he said I don’t have enough bone for dental implants. Is this true? Can you help me?
A. With our modern technology almost every person can have dental implants and teeth that are fixed in the mouth. At Florida Dental Implants we use the I-CAT scan to examine your bone. We have special implants and techniques to bring this amazing procedure to many more patients than we could just a few years ago. Implants can be angled in the bone, and they come in a variety of sizes that were not previously available.
Q. I am missing teeth on both sides of my upper jaw, but still have some natural teeth. The removable partial denture, which replaces the missing teeth, is uncomfortable and unsteady. Is there an alternative?
A. You can throw your partial away and replace the missing teeth using implants as the anchor for fixed teeth. It is very common for the back teeth to be missing and the front teeth to be healthy. The use of a removable partial denture is the old way of restoring the bite, but they don't work well, so many end up in the nightstand or medicine cabinet. Partials generally lead to the loss of more teeth because of the leverage the clasps place on the natural teeth. Through the placement of implants in the jaw behind the good natural teeth, the missing teeth can be replaced. In this situation, the posterior teeth are supported by implants alone while the good front teeth maintain their natural health.
Q. Are there risks of the body rejecting dental implants?
A. Rejection does not occur with dental implants. When people use the word "rejection" in connection with implants, they are usually describing rejection of transplanted organs such as a heart or liver. Dental implants fall into an entirely different category. They are made of biocompatible titanium that actually adheres to the bone more tightly than a natural tooth.
Q. I've heard people talk about how long it takes to complete the implant process, but then I heard that time frame wasn't right. What is the real truth?
A. The original protocol for placing implants was conceived about 50 years ago and is called The Branamark system. Some Dentists still adhere to this out dated method. We still see patients that had to wait well over a year to complete treatment! Many scientific studies show that implants can support replacement teeth the same day. Dentists call this immediate loading of the implants if you are doing some research. That is what Florida Dental Implants and Oral Surgery does every day and we have had great success for well over a decade completing treatment in just one day for replacement of the natural teeth. If you are wearing a denture and are unhappy then this is for you. If you have been told that your teeth need to be removed then this is also the right treatment for you.
Q. How can I tell if I am healthy enough to have dental implants?
A. Placing dental implants is usually a very minor procedure. If you are considering dental implants and want to improve your life with stable teeth, you are healthy enough for dental implants. If you want to improve your diet and avoid denture embarrassment, then you are healthy enough for this procedure. Medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease need to be managed, but should not prevent you from having this in-office procedure. As a part of our consultation, we will discuss your general health issues and may consult with your physician if needed.
Q. Will I be without teeth or unable to eat for a long time?
A. Replacement teeth will be made before any teeth are removed. We want you to maintain your appearance and your nutrition. Your diet will temporarily change in consistency if you have several implants placed at once, but very soon you will be able to chew.
Q. How long does the dental implant process take?
A. Florida Dental Implants makes the process quick! Here are two examples:
Example One: Let’s say you have some very bad teeth. Your dentist has told you that they need to removed to maintain your health, but you can’t stand the idea of wearing dentures. You come in for an implant consult and molds can be made that day to make your temporary teeth. The Florida Dental Implant lab technicians make your new teeth to the doctor’s specifications and you are ready for your procedure. It takes about a week to make the temporary teeth. Immediately following the temporary teeth being made, you have the bad teeth removed and the implants placed. This procedure takes 2-3 hours and you are asleep during the entire procedure. The teeth, made before the procedure, are placed that same day. You leave the surgical center with a new smile. The teeth placed on the day of your procedure are the “test drive” teeth they will be beautiful, but we may want to make some changes for your satisfaction. The doctors want to see what the teeth actually look like in your mouth and how they function.. Once your gums are healed any needed changes can be made. Most of the healing is done in a few days, but the gums needs to shrink to get a good fit to the teeth. You will wear these “test drive” teeth for 2-5 months depending on your particular situation before your final teeth are placed.
Example two: If you have a broken, missing or non-restorable tooth an implant can be placed. A temporary tooth is placed at that time. It takes less than an hour. Some time is needed to let the implant fuse with the bone and this may vary with the location of the tooth, your bite, and the density of your bone. Therefore the permanent tooth may not be placed for several months. Because the bone is denser in the lower jaw these implants can be restored sooner than the upper jaw. A rule of thumb is that an implant in the lower jaw can be restored in two months. In the upper jaw it may be as long as six months before the permanent tooth is attached to the implant. You will never be without a natural looking tooth. The only difference between the temporary tooth and the permanent tooth is the construction material. The temporary tooth is acrylic and the finished tooth is porcelain in most cases.
Q. I lost my upper back teeth on one side and have gone for years without doing anything about it. My sinuses always seem to bother me more on that side than on the other side where I have back teeth. Could these problems be related to one another?
A. A phenomenon that occurs in many people who have had their upper back teeth missing for a long period of time is the increasing downward growth of the maxillary sinus. At birth it is the size of a pea, but it progressively grows as the face matures. This growth is at the expense of the surrounding bone. The average adult sinus can hold 15ml of liquid. If you are considering replacing those upper back teeth with fixed teeth that stay in all the time, it may be necessary to perform a sinus lift procedure to allow room for placement of dental implants into this area to support the teeth. This involves placement of bone and/or bone substitutes into an area which was previously occupied by the lower part of the maxillary sinus. These bone graft materials set up an environment which assists your own body in bone growth. This raises the floor of the sinus and allows for less sinus volume, less chance for fluids to accumulate, and fewer problems with sinus drainage difficulties. We treat our patients with only the intent of replacing their missing teeth through implant and implant related procedures, but it is very exciting if their sinus-related problems are improved also.
Q. I've had dentures for several years and have lost a lot of jawbone. My lower dentures are floaters, and I need help. Is there still hope for me?
A. With the options available today in the field of dental implants, anyone can improve their situation. We encourage people to see us for a consultation and an x-ray. You may have more bone than you think. The sooner the problems are corrected with dental implants, the better off you will be.
Q. Is there one type of dental implant that is better than any other?
A. The majority of dental implants that are placed today (December 2010) are shaped like tooth roots and are made of titanium with a TiUnite surface that extends to the platform of the implant where the teeth are attached. They are hugely successful. In the past 30 years, we have used a number of different implant shapes and sizes, but these current ones are the best to date. They are manufactured by Nobel-Biocare, the largest implant manufacturer in the world. The surface etching of TiUnite increases the surface area. A special "groove" thread design also adds surface area for greater contact with the bone. These factors make implants particularly suited for immediate loading. Immediate loading is the placement of teeth at the same time as implant placement.
Q. I must have some teeth extracted and I intend to have implants placed to restore my ability to chew. Can a dental implant be placed at the same visit as the teeth are extracted?
A. Placing implants at the same time that teeth are removed is standard practice. Diseased teeth can be removed and implants placed at the same time. Initial prosthetic work can be completed immediately (Teeth-In-A-Day). Also, a single tooth can be removed and an implant and tooth placed at the same time. When you leave the office, your smile will be intact.
Q. I have heard that it takes a long time to complete dental implant treatment. Is that true?
Technology has advanced in the field of dental implantology to an amazing degree, so most procedures can be completed extraordinarily quickly. For example, if you have to have teeth removed, implants can be placed and the teeth attached the same day. You can walk out with new beautiful teeth the same day!
Q. Do dental implants require special care?
A. Brushing and flossing is all that is needed. This is just like natural teeth. Return for regular checkups, brush, and floss. That is it! Realize also that caring for the gums is the best way to care for your implant-supported teeth as well as your remaining natural teeth.
Q. Is a maintenance plan included with my upper and or lower arch?
A. Florida Dental Implants & Oral Surgery will provide you with complimentary maintenance for a period of two years from placement of your teeth. This entitles you to 4 visits, one every 6 months. You will be required to come in every six months for the maintenance plan to remain in force If you have a problem or breakage within a period of two years from the date of their initial placement, we will replace or repair these teeth at no additional charge. After two years your maintenance fee will be the cost of an office visit. At this time an office visit is $75.00. Click here to see the entire maintenance agreement.
Q. I have been a denture wearer for many years now and use denture adhesives to hold my teeth in place, and I'm getting tired of the constant bad taste and mess in my mouth. Could dental implants eliminate my need for adhesives?
A. A common complaint is having to constantly add adhesives to secure dentures, especially after drinking a cup of coffee or eating a meal. This can really be a nuisance when eating out at a restaurant and having to excuse yourself from the table to go to the restroom because your dentures won't stay in. Laughing, sneezing, and coughing can also cause trouble for people who depend on adhesives to hold their teeth in place. It may be funny to see another person have a denture fall out, but it is not funny to the person who has to deal with these embarrassing situations on a daily basis. Denture wearers with problems such as these are not alone. There are 40 million people in the United States with no teeth, and 29% in this group chew only soft foods. Dental implants can give these people their lives back.
Q. I am missing all of my teeth and wear full upper and lower dentures. I can no longer tolerate my lowers. Will I need an implant for every tooth I am replacing on the lower?
A. Two implants can add tremendous retention for a lower denture if you still have some ridge left. This may be an economical option, since the majority of the denture is still supported by the gum. With four to six implants you can have teeth fixed in your mouth that have the look and feel of natural teeth. Many people rave that the implant-supported teeth feel like their natural teeth.
Q. My husband lost all of his teeth from gum disease. He refuses to wear "false teeth." Would implants give him the look and function of natural teeth?
A. Yes, we can give your husband back his natural look and the feel of natural teeth that stay in his mouth. They will be anchored by several dental implants in the upper and lower jaw. The ability to function socially and eat properly is the driving force behind the development of dental implants. The procedure will provide him with stable teeth, perhaps for the first time in years. Implants are a viable and functional way for improving one's quality of life and health.
Q. I have a full set of dentures. My uppers are fine, but my lowers are a constant juggling act when I try to eat. Can I have implants on the lower and keep a full denture on top?
A. Absolutely. Your situation is a common one. The full lower denture is the most unstable, unretentive, destructive, conventional prosthesis fabricated in routine dental practice. It is the technology of the last century. During function, the average lower denture moves five times more than an upper denture. The person with advanced bone loss has additional problems of poor muscle coordination, speech difficulties, and inability to keep denture adhesives in place, all of which adversely influence a normal lifestyle. Dental implants can be the solution to all of these problems. Life is too short to suffer with this very correctable dilemma. Please call us for a consultation.
Q. I have advanced periodontal disease and have been battling with my teeth for years. They are actually moving at this point. Can I still have implants and immediate teeth?
A. You are the perfect candidate for tooth removal with placement of implants and teeth the same day (Teeth-In-A-Day). One of the reasons you have periodontal disease is because the root surfaces of your teeth are the best places for bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria is destructive, adhering on to the rough surface of the tooth root. It will grow, reproduce, and create destructive waste products. When the teeth are removed and the implants are placed, the pathogenic bacteria lose the type of environment that perpetuates their growth and their destructive process on the bone surrounding your teeth. If you have lost more than one half of the bone that once supported your teeth, then dental implants are the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to regain your smile and stop the drain of time and money in periodontal therapy. Dental implants are easy to maintain and are not susceptible to the same bacteria that affect natural teeth. They are made of titanium and will not decay.
Q. I am missing most of my back teeth and do not wish to lose any of my remaining front teeth. I've been through several sets of removable partials and could not wear any of them. Could I have teeth that stay in all the time to replace my teeth missing in back and keep my remaining teeth in front?
A. First of all, we will do everything possible to help you keep your remaining natural teeth as long as the gum and bone around the teeth are healthy. If you have had problems with removable partials in the past, dental implants may be just what you need. Dental implants will give you natural-looking teeth in your mouth that stay in all the time and function exactly like your natural teeth.
Q. Both of my parents have worn complete dentures for many years, as have my grandparents. Recently, I lost two of my teeth. Does this mean that I will eventually have to have dentures?
A. No..No..No....Your family's past history will not condemn you to the same denture plight. Here is how to avoid it:
1. See your dentist twice a year for cleaning and examination.
2. Avoid sugar.
3. Don't smoke.
4. Learn to brush and floss properly, daily, to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Ask for help from your dental hygienist.
5. Replace missing teeth with dental implants to preserve your facial bone. No other tooth replacement accomplishes this. Remember, it is less expensive to maintain your oral health than to correct it later.
Q. I have a very narrow bony ridge where my back teeth are missing, and I cannot comfortably wear a lower partial. What type of implant would work best for me?
A. A narrow ridge in the back of the lower jaw can be widened by moving bone from the side of the jaw or the chin to the ridge. This is called a bone graft. These living bone cells attach themselves in their new location in about four months. Once this is done, dental implants can be placed. There may be other less invasive procedures that can help you regain your ability to chew.
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