Factors to Consider for Dental Implants

As you may imagine, various factors must be considered for each individual. These will include the length of time teeth have been missing, the intended location of the dental implant, the amount of bone that remains, the quality of bone, the overall health of the patient, and the preference of the patient.

The longer the teeth are missing, the less bone will be available to receive the intended dental implant. Bone loss in such situations is a normal process where the body actually will resorb and remodel the remaining bone where teeth have been removed. If the patient wears a removable partial or a full denture, then the loss of bone is greatly increased. This results in that awful “denture look”.

The location of the dental implant is another important consideration – whether upper or lower jaw and the front or the back of the jaw. The bone in the lower jaw is more dense than the bone in the upper jaw. This is normal.

Special Considerations on Dental Implant Jawbone Sites

dental implant jawbone location

In the upper jaw, the location of the upper sinus on each side of the jaw must be considered. If the sinus is in the desired location of the dental implant, then a procedure can be performed to add bone to the area before the implant is placed.

In the lower jaw, the location of the nerve that provides feeling to the lips and chin must be considered and avoided. Virtually always, that is not a problem and does not prevent the placement of the dental implants.

The amount of bone available depends on the factors discussed above. As bone is lost, the bone will be reduced both in height and in width which determines Dr. Entrekin’s choice of dental implants. The bone in either jaw can become thin in width and less in height. Therefore, various sizes of dental implants (length and width) are available.

Usually, bone quality is not a real factor unless the patient has been taking the common prescription medications that are used to (hopefully) prevent osteoporosis.

These drugs can be a serious detriment to good bone quality and should not be used, at least for the long term.

Implant Patient’s Overall Health is a Factor

overall good health for dental implant procedures

The overall health of the patient is a major factor to consider with the placement of dental implants. Any serious medical, or dental, issues must be treated. Generally speaking, most chronic (ongoing) medical issues that are well controlled do not prevent the use of dental implants. Dr. Entrekin will carefully evaluate all issues that may be present, and make recommendations accordingly.

This will also include a thorough oral examination to eliminate any potential problems, and instructions in good home care for the mouth.

Implant Patient Preference Should Be Considered

Once you have decided to have dental implants placed, then you may have the opportunity to choose either fixed or removable teeth to be supported by your dental implants. Fixed teeth are permanently cemented onto the implants and cannot be removed. Removable teeth are also supported by the dental implants and can be removed by the patient for cleaning. Once in the mouth, they also are solidly stable and function much like permanent teeth. The number of missing teeth will be considered before any decision is made.

The situation and desire of each individual patient will also help determine which is best.

Both fixed or removable teeth that are supported by dental implants offer the confidence, eating ability, and beautiful smile of natural teeth.

These are only some of the factors that are to be considered when choosing dental implants. Others are usually minor. Once these issues are cleared, then you can be on your way to excellent dental health!

Dr. Entrekin has the training, expertise, and caring manner to provide you with the excellence in care that you desire. Do yourself a great favor and call for your dental implant examination appointment. He and his office staff look forward to seeing you soon!

Dental Implant Dentist

Dental Implants are important because many people loose teeth for various reasons, resulting in several undesired effects:

• Less than normal nutrition because of inability to eat many foods.
• Loss of normal facial contours as bone is diminished.
• Potential loss of additional teeth as any remaining teeth are overstressed.
• Pain with popping and clicking noises in the jaw joints due to unbalanced jaw movements to accommodate the loss of teeth.
• Unsightly appearance.
• Affected speech.

After the loss of teeth, you should plan to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to eliminate these negative effects and to preserve the remaining bone. The most popular and pleasing method today to restore natural function and appearance is the use of dental implants. No other method can begin to compare to the immense advantages that dental implants offer.

Dental Implant Advantages

The advantages of these implants are numerous and can last a lifetime. In addition to a normal function, with the stability of natural teeth, dental implants restore that beautiful smile that is so desirable. The patient has a renewed sense of confidence that is not possible with removable teeth, whether full or partial dentures. Only the total stability and permanence of dental implants can offer that great benefit. Once again, you can eat whatever you desire without the risk of embarrassment.

However, just as with any health matter, implants must receive the care that will ensure their lifetime use. Just as natural teeth, dental implants are dependent upon good oral hygiene, and professional cleaning and care. Without this a patient can risk problems and the possible loss of teeth and implants. Teeth can fail. So can implants, but it is rare. Dental implants are the most successful method to replace lost teeth available anywhere.

Dental Implants – Possible Causes of Failure

Here are a few unnecessary reasons dental implants can fail:

• Smoking during the healing phase. Tobacco is know to emit toxic chemicals that can interfere with the normal healing process. It also reduces the tissue content of vitamin C which is important to healing.
• 

  dental implant oral hygiene

  Poor oral hygiene. The best and most important way to maintain good oral health is cleanliness. Proper flossing, brushing, and professional cleaning, are vital to keeping teeth and dental implants healthy.

• Poor nutrition. Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals can be established by good supplements that enhance proper healing, if necessary.
• Uneven bite forces. Just as natural teeth can be overloaded, so can dental implants. This indicates that implants should be placed where necessary to balance these forces of chewing so that they are not overloaded.
• Night grinding. This indicates a problem with the overall occlusion or the way the biting forces are unevenly applied. Your implant dentist can prevent this potential damage.

We have now reviewed the tremendous importance of dental implants, and some of the issues that can cause problems. There are reasons teeth are lost, but dental implants offer the most comfortable and effective method to replace missing teeth.

With proper care, dental implants restore the look and confidence of natural teeth, without the fear of loosing teeth – ever again. Call Montgomery Dental Implants today (334) 649-6299 for an appointment.

dental implants before after

For successful dental implants, there are many considerations when seeking a qualified doctor for your dental implant procedure.

Qualified general dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons can all place dental implants. Proper training and experience are indispensable factors to consider when choosing a doctor. This allows for proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and completion of all procedures that are necessary for successful outcomes.

However, just as importantly, the patient has certain responsibilities to ensure a lifetime of dental implant success. Both the doctor and the patient, working together, will ensure that success.

First, let’s consider the responsibilities of the dental implant doctor. There are several procedures necessary to restore great chewing function and appearance for each patient. Each one is a careful foundation on which the others rest.

Dental Implant Considerations:

• Initial examination and diagnosis.

This allows the doctor to evaluate the current situation, both dental and
medical, so as to determine what is needed and possible. This will include:

1. Thorough oral exam
2. Thorough medical history
3. X-Ray evalualation by plain images and/or CT scans.
4. study models of the teeth, if indicated

• Treatment planning.

This includes the doctor’s treatment recommendations and
consultation with the patient

• Surgical placement of the dental implant/implants
• Placement of any necessary temporary teeth
• Healing time for the bone to grow to the implant, usually 3-6 months
• Placement of the permanent teeth on the implant/implants

Now, let’s consider the patient’s responsibility for success, and there are several.

Closely Follow the Implant Dentist’s Instructions

toothbrush adaptation

The patient should fully cooperate with all instructions given by the implant dentist, to include:

• Taking all medications or supplements the doctor may prescribe.
• Reduction or quitting smoking during the initial healing phase. Tobacco releases chemicals that retard proper healing.
• Restriction of any alcohol consumption during the initial healing phase. Alcohol will retard normal healing and can cause the tissue in the dental implant area to not close properly.
• Following any recommended diet restrictions during the healing phase.
• Follow-up office visits as necessary.
• Proper oral hygiene, during and after completion of treatment.
• Scheduled office visits for professional cleaning and care of teeth.

This is a concise overview of the responsibilities of both the implant dentist and the dental implant patient, and will ensure the long term success of your dental implant treatment – a lifetime of enjoyment of your new implants and teeth.

Together, the doctor, his staff, and the patient form a great team for success – truly something to look forward to.

Call Montgomery Dental Implants at (334) 649-6299 to schedule an appointment with our qualified implant dentist today!

Think of a dental implant as a replacement “tooth root” that supports your beautiful new teeth. Dental implants perform MUCH better than dentures. Explore our site to learn more about this almost miraculous treatment.

TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS:
1. Single Tooth Implant –  can be used for replacing one or a few teeth
2. Multiple Tooth Implants –  recommended for people who have several damaged teeth in a consecutive row, regardless of their position.
3. Full Mouth Reconstruction – a comprehensive rehabilitation therapy and process that involves not only teeth but treatment of the entire mouth