Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are inserted into your jawbone during a surgical procedure by a specialist prosthdontist, Dr. Marina Funtik. After the implant has been placed in your jawbone, a completely lifelike porcelain tooth crown is attached. The implant needs to fuse with the bone for several months before it is permanently crowned. In other cases, you can have new, although temporary teeth the same day your implants are placed.
How many teeth can be replaced with permanent dentures?
You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all your teeth with permanent dentures. Dr. Funtik is a prosthetic specialist that can help you decide which implant prosthesis is best suited for your individual situation. As few as two Implants can support a removable lower denture, while as few as four to six implants can provide a full, permanent set in upper jaw.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most people find dental implant surgery easy to tolerate. Any post-operative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or OTC pain-relievers. Ice can also be helpful.
Are dental implants expensive?
At the outset, implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement methods such as dentures or bridgework. But they also last many years longer. They offer the best, most cost-effective option when viewed as a long-term investment in your health, comfort and well-being.
How do you care for dental implants?
They require exactly the same care as natural teeth: daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Although implant teeth will never decay, the gum tissues around them can become inflamed or infected in the absence of good oral hygiene. Properly cared-for dental implants should last a lifetime.
Can my body reject a dental implant?
Implants can't be rejected because they contain no living cells or genetically coded material. The titanium of which they are made is completely bio-compatible and allergies are extremely rare. But an implant can fail to integrate with the jawbone if an infection develops in the absence of good oral hygiene, or if it is subjected to biting forces too soon. However, this is rare; implants regularly achieve success rates in excess of 95%.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
There's a good chance that you are, but this can only be determined after a complete oral examination that includes x-rays of your jaws. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Funtik at Oasis Prosthodontics in Colorado Springs to begin the exciting process of restoring your smile and bite!
If you're in need of a tooth replacement, a Board Certified Prosthodontist Dr. Marina Funtik can help! Submit a message through our contact form or call Oasis Prosthodontics at our Colorado Springs, CO dental office at (719) 574-2417 .
