Dr. Denise C. Murmann is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Dental implants are another option to replace missing teeth. In the past, our options were limited to partials and dentures, which should be taken out at night during sleep. Then bridges came along. They were cemented in, but required cutting down the tooth or teeth in front and behind the missing teeth. Implants are the most conservative. In the case of a single missing tooth, the implant is surgically placed in the bone, and then allowed to heal for several months. When the healing is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant, to pass through the gums. Finally, a crown is placed on the abutment.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. It is cemented in, and is thus the patient doesn’t have to remove it. The other teeth in the mouth are not touched. It keeps the teeth from shifting, as can happen if the tooth is not replaced. It is easier to clean than a bridge, as it is shaped like a normal tooth. The implant will also help maintain the bone in that area.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. The success rate for implants for 10 years is greater than 85%. That is better than the success rate of crowns and bridges, where the success rate is approximately 75% at 10 years.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Most implants (the portion that is surgically placed in the bone) are made of titanium, but some other metals and ceramics are also used.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Most healthy people are. In fact, some of the nicest implant cases are for people with dentures. Upper dentures stay in pretty well with suction on the soft palate. Lower dentures are not that nice. With nothing to hold on to, they just float on the bottom of the mouth. To eat, you have to eat on both sides at the same time, or the dentures tip. In these cases, usually four implants are placed in the lower jaw. Then the denture is attached to the abutments.
Each person should be given a complete evaluation by the surgeon placing the implant. The health of the patient, the amount of bone in the area and how much room is available are all considered. Patients who smoke and who grind their teeth have more risk.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. They are surgically placed, meaning that the gums are opened right over the site where the implant is to go. A specifically shaped drill is used, to make a space in the bone to match the shape of the implant. The implant is placed in the bone, and sutures are placed to cover the site.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Four to nine months, depending upon the density of the bone in the site the implant is placed and how fast the individual heals. Once the implant is surgically placed, the bone needs to grow around the implant and make it stable before anything else is done. After the surgeon has approved the site to be restored, there are several appointments at the dentist for impressions and to make sure everything fits correctly.
Q. How to contact Dr. Murmann if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
2531 W. 75th Street
Suite #202
Naperville, IL 60540
Telephone: (630) 718-1234
Fax: (630) 718-1242
Email: murmanndc@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://murmanndentalhealth.com/default.aspx
