Quote:
Originally Posted by AprilB  IMHO...Screw this dentist. Find a different one and go through as many as you need to to get a decent opinion. Ask your friends.
Do your teeth issues interfere with your life? (Other than knowing they're there) Is it a cosmetic issue? ...
<BTW...what is an implant anyway?>
April
<I'm 53> |
I've had 3 implants done several years ago. The top right hand molar implant fell out less than 3 years after that. Therefore I did a LOT of research to find a "great" oral surgeon this time around, and especially because my wife is involved, and I only want the best for her.
Its not a cosmetic issue, its because I have no upper molars on either side, and am missing premolars too. Nothing to chew with against a full set of teeth on my lower jaw (albeit they're mostly crowns, but they've held up well).
What is an implant (dental implant)? First, assuming you have enough bone mass where the missing tooth is (if not, you get bone grafts, or in my case I need sinus grafts). When that heals, then they cut your gums open and drill a small hole into the bone. INto the hole goes a little titanium post. Then it takes 3-4 months for that to heal over.
When its healed, they then cut your gum again (not as much this time) and they take the "cap" off the top of the implant, and screw in another titanium thing called an "abuttment". The abuttment sticks out of you gum. That takes another 2-3 months to heal. Finally you go to a regular dentist (not all implant surgeons will do the crowns) and get a crown attached to the abuttment.
Then you got teeth again. Won't decay, but sometimes will "fail" a few years down the road due to "tangential" forces, such as grinding, which they don't hold up against as well. It is very important to have the total implant as perpendicular to the surface of the bite as possible to eliminate the tangential forces.
doc