Surgical Implants

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS? Dental implants are space age metal cylinders which are positioned in the bone of the upper and lower jaws beneath the gum tissue in areas where the natural teeth are missing or have been lost. The implants are then used as a root structure to support artificial teeth in areas where the natural teeth are missing. Dental implants are usually constructed of a metal called titanium which is readily accepted by the human body without triggering any rejection mechanisms. A specialized site is surgically prepared, and the implant is placed into the bone. The bone is allowed to heal and fuse to the implant to create a solid structure. The implant then provides a solid root-like structure which provides a base for construction of a crown or bridge. Implants can also help to preserve the facial bony structure thereby helping to prevent bone deterioration which can occur when teeth are lost. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, all teeth, or to stabilize full dentures. Any person who has suffered tooth loss and loss of oral function, who can benefit from increased chewing efficiency, improved speech, and improved appearance can be a candidate for dental implants. Patients who have found it difficult or impossible to wear a removable dental appliance will find that implants can be a solution for these problems. Generally speaking, age is not a contraindication to the placement of dental implants if the patient is otherwise in good health. How can I find out if I am a candidate for dental implants? Our surgeons at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists are always ready to meet with patients on a consultation basis to discuss dental implants and to determine for the patient whether implants would work for them. We also work closely with general dentists for comprehensive implant treatment planning.. Does dental or medical insurance pay for dental implants? Some plans and policies do cover dental implants; some do not. The only way to be certain is for us to submit a treatment plan to the insurance company to obtain a predetermination of benefits. This can be organized at the consultation visit. Is age a determining factor in deciding whether a person is a candidate for dental implants? If a person is otherwise in good health and has adequate facial bone structure, age is not a contraindication to the placement of dental implants. I’ve worn full upper and lower dentures for many years, and they no longer fit. Can dental implants help, and how do I proceed? Dental implants can be placed in the upper and lower jaws to stabilize upper and lower full dentures so that they don’t move around in the mouth during use. A consultation in our office is appropriate to determine what kind of dental implant will best be used in your case. What if I don’t have enough bone left in my jaws to support dental implants? There are many accepted surgical techniques, including grafting or transplantation of bone, which we can utilize to increase the amount of bone available for dental implant placement. These techniques, along with their cost and insurance coverage, can be discussed during a consultation in our office. If I am wearing full dentures now, can I have dental implants placed in my jaws so that I can have permanently attached bridgework placed that will be like natural teeth? Yes, it is possible to place multiple dental implants in the upper and lower jaws and then to attach fixed bridgework to these implants so as to create a permanent type dentition which functions like natural teeth and is only removable by the dentist. WHAT ARE FRAME IMPLANTS? The bone surrounding the teeth, termed the alveolar bone, is functionally developed to support the teeth. When the teeth are removed and dentures are worn, this bone gradually dissolves and disappears, either partially or completely. This situation occurs to a greater or lesser extent depending on the individual and the amount of time that full dentures have been utilized. In many cases the patient wearing full dentures eventually finds that the lower jaw becomes so thin that there is no ridge left in the mouth upon which to seat the lower denture. When that point is reached the lower denture becomes unstable in the mouth. The patient finds that the lower denture 'floats' around in the mouth and cannot be used for chewing because of instability. The patient may also notice an increase in the number and/or frequency of denture sores. A new conventional lower denture cannot be constructed because there is no longer a clinical ridge. In many cases, cylinder dental implants cannot be placed in the lower jaw and used to stabilize the denture because there is simply not enough bone to anchor the implant. In these cases, the trans-osteal or frame implant becomes the best method for providing attachment of the denture to the lower jaw. This device is a surgical implant which is placed into the lower jaw from a surgical incision underneath the chin. Posts pass into the mouth at the crest of the dental ridge and provide attachments which hook onto the denture and stabilize it firmly to the lower jaw. With the denture stabilized to the lower jaw, the patient can again have a functional denture which can be used for chewing. In most cases the denture is constructed so that it can be removed for cleaning and adjustment. I have worn dentures for many years. Now my lower denture is loose, and I cannot chew with it. How can I find out if I am a candidate for a frame implant? The surgeons at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists are always ready to have an office consultation with a patient who is having trouble with denture stability and will help determine whether the patient may be a candidate for a frame implant. Does dental or medical insurance pay for frame implants? Some plans and policies do cover frame implants; some do not. The only way to be certain is for us to submit a treatment plan to the insurance company to obtain a predetermination of benefits. This can be organized at the consultation visit. Is age a determining factor in deciding whether a person is a candidate for a frame implant? If a person is otherwise in good health, age is not a contraindication to the placement of a frame implant. If I have a frame implant placed who will construct my new dentures? Before frame implant placement, a thorough treatment plan will be developed by your dentist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists. The general dentist will be kept closely informed about the surgical progress of your case. When surgical healing is complete, you will be referred back to the general dentist for construction of the new dentures.