A New Smile -
It’s no fun when you’re missing teeth. You may not feel comfortable eating or speaking. You might even avoid smiling in public. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in your mouth. Best of all, they look and feel like natural teeth.

When Teeth Are Missing -
It can be embarrassing to have spaces in your mouth where teeth are missing. But you’re not alone. Some people loose teeth due to injury, tooth decay, or periodontal disease. Others may not have had all of their teeth grow in. Whatever the reason, dental implants can help replace missing teeth. And implants often feel more natural than dentures and other dental restorations.

  

Implants Can Help -
If you want a dental restoration that looks and feels as though it’s really part of your mouth, dental implants may be right for you. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Your jawbone fuses with the implant to provide a secure platform for prosthesis (Artificial tooth). If you are missing many teeth, several implants can be used to support a partial or complete denture.

  

 

Working Together -
Throughout the implant process, you'll work closely with a dental team. Dr. Moran and Dr. Gay are the surgical members of the dental team. They surgically place your implants.  Your dentist builds and adjusts the prosthesis. 

Understanding Your Role -

Depending on your dental needs, total treatment time for implants can vary. Without a strong commitment from you, implants are less likely to be successful. For best results, be prepared to:
• Keep all your appointments.
• Take good care of your mouth during the implant process.
• Commit to a lifetime of good oral hygiene.
• Have routine dental checkups
• Contact team members if you have any problems.

Dental Evaluation -
To learn whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you will have a dental evaluation. The evaluation includes a dental exam, a dental and medical history, and imaging tests. As part of the exam, the health and structure of your mouth are studied. This helps the dental team understand where to place the implants.

Dental Team -
An exam supplies important details about the structure of your mouth. Your bite is studied to see how your jaws and teeth fit together. The condition of your jaws, gums, head, and neck is also checked. This is done to see whether your mouth is ready to accept implants. During the exam:

    • The height and width of your jawbones are measured. This is done to make sure there is enough bone to hold an implant.
    • Your gums are examined for signs of periodontal disease. Diseased gums need to be treated before implants can be placed.
    • Your gums are also checked to see if there is enough firm tissue to surround an implant.

The Importance of Your Dental History -
The more Dr. Moran and Dr. Gay learn about you, the more successful your implant surgery is likely to be. Your dental and medical history is an important part of this learning process. It includes questions about your overall health and any previous dental treatments, such as crowns and bridges. You’ll also discuss your expectations. Why do you want implants? What do you hope the results will be? Finally you’ll discuss factors that can affect healing after surgery. These include smoking and the use of certain medications.

If You Have an Ongoing Medical Condition -
If you have an ongoing medical condition, such as diabetes, you may have blood tests. This is to make sure your condition is under control before treatment begins. Also, be sure to tell Dr. Morn and Dr. Gay if you take medications, such as insulin or a blood thinner, including aspirin.

The Importance of Imaging Tests -
Imaging tests are a key part of the dental evaluation. They make it possible to view
parts of the mouth and head that can’t be seen during an exam. Imaging tests also help Dr. Moran and Dr. Gay learn more about the quantity and quality of the bone in your mouth.
• Dental x-rays show teeth and jaws.
• Panoramic x-rays provide a wide view of the jaws, teeth, nerves, and sinuses. They can  
   also help indicate bone problems.
• Other imaging tests, such as a CT scan or x-ray tomography, may also be used.

Brushing After Meals -
Brush your teeth, prosthesis and abutments after every meal and at bedtime. You should also brush the gum- line and the gum around your abutments. Be sure to call your restorative dentist if you have trouble cleaning our prosthesis or abutments.

Flossing Daily -
Flossing is important because it cleans areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Floss between your teeth and around your prosthesis at least once a day. For best results, you should
also floss up and down along the abutments.

Good Habits To Last A Lifetime -

To ensure that your implants last, take good care of your mouth. This means brushing and flossing every day, and having regular checkups with your dental team. If you don’t keep your mouth in good shape your implants can fail.
Commit yourself to a lifetime of good dental care. See members of your dental team as often as directed. Regular care is important for the health of your implants.
During appointments:

  • Your implants and the health of your jaws and gums are checked. You will also have x-rays to evaluate the bone around the implant.
  • Your teeth are cleaned to maintain good oral health.
It takes time and effort to make dental implants successful. So commit yourself to the care of your mouth. Brush and floss, and see your dental team for checkups. That way, you can keep smiling with comfort and confidence.

Resources:

American Dental Association / 312-440-2593 / www.ada.org

American Academy of Periodontology / 800-356-7736 / www.perio.org
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