1) What is dental implant and what is it made of ?

A dental implant is a tooth root replacement that is secured to the jaw by means of a surgical procedure. The dental implant functions much like the root of a tooth, as it serves to anchor and support replacement teeth. Dental implants are usually made from Titanium or its’ alloy.

2) Why have dental implants become so popular ?

The tremendous popularity of implants has largely been the result of people living longer and their desire to fulfill a lifestyle with the greatest possible pleasure. Implants give us the ability to restore something that is fundamental to our own body. Almost everyone wants to smile more frequently and feel more secure when they talk and laugh. Dental implants allow you to do everything you want with total self-assurance.

3) Who is good candidate for dental implants ?

Anyone in reasonable health who wants to replace missing teeth; those who are dissatisfied with their present denture; those people who would like to eat better and with more comfort, smile more frequently and feel more secure when they talk and laugh. In some instances, some patients may not have sufficient bone available for the placement of implants. In these patients, new bone can be added by ridge augmentation procedures.

4) Am I too old for dental implants ?

Age is not a deterrent. Anyone healthy enough to undergo routine dentistry is healthy enough to have dental implants placed.

5) What is the success rate of dental implants treatment ?

The 10 year success rate of dental implant treatment in the anterior mandible is over 90% . Individual success rates vary according to many factors including the amount and quality of bone into which the dental implants are placed. Dr. Sheldon Little will discuss this with you according to your individual health condition and treatment requirements.

6) How long will your dental implant last ?

Over 30 years of scientific documentation and millions of implant treatments demonstrate an impressive success rate. The success of your dental treatment “overall” is expected to improve significantly with the addition of dental implants. Your continued health and compliance with implant maintenance and good oral hygiene will also affect treatment outcome. However, as with any medical intervention or surgery, it is not possible to determine an individual’s treatment outcome in advance. Dr. Sheldon Little has been placing and restoring dental implants for over 15 years and is very impressed by the predictability and durability of his treatments involving dental implants

7) What happens when dental implants fail ?

A failed dental implant will usually become loose & uncomfortable when pressure is applied. The failed implant can often be easily removed and a new dental implant placed into the same implant site either immediately or at a later date. At times, implant failure can result in infection and adjacent tissue loss. It is important to place a sufficient number of implants to reduce failure and to adequately support the replacement teeth.

8) What types of restorations can be placed on implants?

Implants can be used in a variety of circumstances ranging from a removable denture to fixed crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances.

9) How many implants will I need ?

Dr. Sheldon Little and our dental team trained in placement of dental implants can provide you with a thorough consultation to bring about the best treatment alternatives available to meet your present budget.

10) What kind of foods can I eat with implants?

Implants will allow you to enjoy foods like raw carrots, corn on the cob and apples that you may have avoided for years. Implant supported dentures can triple your biting force allowing you to eat any hard food that your original teeth were once able to do.

11) How do implants on dentures compare to normal dentures ?

Dentures fixed to dental implants will give you an enhanced improvement in your quality of life that standard dentures can not provide. McGill University in Montreal conducted a study to determine if people, especially the elderly, can improve their chewing ability and nutrition if they wear dentures anchored by implants. After 6 months, the group with dental implants did not only increase their body fat but blood tests recorded significantly higher levels of albumin, hemoglobin (Iron) and vitamin B12 – all indicators of nutrition. The study group also reported significant improvements in their ability to chew meat and hard vegetables and did not avoid foods they did in the past

12) Will implant procedures cause much discomfort ?

The discomfort experienced after the placement of implants is generally equivalent to that experienced from the extraction of a tooth. Most implants are placed using local anesthetic only. Sedation can be used with the more apprehensive patients and occasionally, if extensive surgery is required, a general anesthetic may be recommended. The use of dental implants is designed to help you avoid pain and discomfort.

13) How long is the entire process ?

The entire process typically involves 2 or 3 trips to the dentist over a 4 to 5 month period. If bone addition procedures are required to increase bone volume, additional time may be necessary. Complexity of treatment also increases treatment time.

14) How long do I have to wait to resume my daily activities ?

In most cases, you can resume normal activities the day following the placement of your implants.

15) Is there special care needed with my implants ?

Along with normal brushing and flossing, a periodic check-up with your dentist is required. They will check the individual implants and clean around the posts if necessary. Dental implants do not suffer from normal teeth problems such as decay and hot/cold sensitivity.