Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Jeremy J. Burke on Dental Implants
Dr. Jeremy J. Burke is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Dental implants are a way to replace teeth that need to be removed or missing teeth. Implants can replace one tooth or multiple teeth. You can also use implants to help to stabilize a complete denture. The actual implant itself is similar to a titanium screw that is placed into the upper or lower jaw, in the same position as the natural tooth roots.
The bone intimately adheres to the implant over time and then a single tooth restoration can be placed on top.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. When replacing a single tooth with a dental implant, you do not have to file or shave down the adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth, like you do for a bridge. If you wear a partial denture or a complete denture, implants can stabilize these appliances to allow you to chew much better.
The implant crown acts very similar to having a natural tooth, so your bite strength does not change substantially.
Also, if the implant is used to replace a single tooth, you can floss and clean around it just like your regular tooth.
You do not need a special type of floss or cleaner to maintain its health.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Once the implant becomes intimate or properly adheres to the bone, it should last a lifetime. The crown on top of the implant might need to be replaced if the pocelain fractures, but this happens rarely.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Most implants are made of titanium. There are several coatings that are put on the implant, which vary depending on what brand you use.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Anyone who has missing teeth, potentially is a candidate for dental implants. There are circumstances that do not favor implants such as inadequate bone for the implant placement. Also, if the teeth have shifted where the missing tooth is, there may not be enough room for a replacement. The medical history of the patient is also important. There are certain conditions that do not favor the implant adhering to the bone.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. The implant placement is a surgical procedure whereby a series of drills, each one increasing in size, are placed into the bone where the tooth needs to be replaced. The implant is then screwed into the bone and left alone until it has had adequate time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This can take anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on where in the mouth the implant is placed.
Q. How long does it take?
A. The procedure itself typically takes about an hour for a single tooth replacement implant. If more than one implant is placed, then the procedure obviously would take longer. Most of the time IV sedation is used for the procedure, so the time spent in the chair is more comfortable.
Q. How to contact Dr. Burke if we have further questions?
A. My Odessa office phone number is 432-337-7951. My office e-mail is info@beautifulsmileslubbock.com. My Lubbock office phone number is 806-792-2311. My website is www.beautifulsmileslubbock.com.
