Rockland County Dentist | Spring Valley NY Dentist | Bergen County NJ dentist Alan F. Pressman, D.M.D.

 Missing teeth can have a huge impact health, diet, and self-esteem. For a great start to the new year, let's focus on how implants can help you in 2011.

Mankind has been trying to replace teeth for thousands of years. Animal teeth were used as early as 700BC. And of course, one can still visit Washington’s ‘wooden’ teeth at The Museum of Dentistry at the University of Maryland.

Until recently, dentures were the best option for edentulous people. Today the best solution for missing teeth are endosseous implants. The implants themselves consist of 2 parts. First, there is a permanent fixture placed in the bone (similar to a wall anchor). This is often made out of titanium. The surfaces of the fixtures are often modified to increase surface area and integration into the bone. Then the artificial teeth are attached to this titanium anchor. This type of implant has been used in the United States since the 1980’s.

Before placing an implant detailed planning is required to map certain structures in the patient, such as nerves and sinuses. A dental professional also has to determine if there is enough bone to accept the titanium screw. Sometimes the surgeon may have to lift the sinus to make room for the titanium screw. Other times, bone has to be grafted or placed in the site to house the fixture. The assessment includes a detailed history, study models of your mouth, x-rays and sometimes CT scans. The anchor is surgically placed by incising into gum and bone tissue.

This procedure can be done under local anesthetic, commonly called Novocaine. Most times teeth can’t be attached right away. A 3-6 month wait is often needed to allow bone to grow onto the titanium anchor. This is known as oseointegration.

Implants are a great way to replace teeth. The downsides are the costs for the procedures and materials can be expensive and may or may not be covered by dental insurance. There are many different treatment options. Replacing single teeth with an implant, in lieu of a 3 unit bridge that requires cutting into the teeth on either side is much more conservative and the costs are similar. Replacing multiple teeth with many fixtures is much more like getting your own teeth back than a clumsy unattractive denture.

For those that may be unhappy with floppy or loose fitting dentures, they can have a few implants with special attachments to stabilize them.

Dental implants are not susceptible to cavities but failure is possible if the implant doesn’t integrate into the bone. The good news is that success rates are greater than 95%. Overall, an implant is the way to go to replace those missing teeth.

Get the new year started with brilliant new teeth - check out what implants can do for you in 2011.

Last changed: Jan 07 2011 at 5:43 AM