10 Jul Implant/Broken Tooth
Too many of us have experienced the awful sensation of biting down at dinner and feeling something HARD. We think to ourselves in a state of panic, what happened? A filling? A chipped tooth? Did my crown come off?
Fixing and replacing broken teeth are some of the toughest challenges dentists face. Every year more treatment options come to the table and better research molds how we guide our patients to the best choice. There’s a good chance you’ve heard about some of the options for people with broken teeth — crowns, bridges, partials, the dreaded “flipper,” posts, etc.
There is one option for broken teeth here that stands out above the other. Those are dental implants. Think of implants as artificial tooth roots to replace those missing spaces.
The dental implant as we know it today is a relative newcomer in the dental field but has quickly proven to be the most predictable, least painful, and longest lasting option to replace a broken tooth. Dental implants have a 5-year 95% success rate and with proper care may last a lifetime.
The fantastic longevity of implants is derived from the titanium foundation which is not prone to the normal issues of teeth — cavities and fractures. An implant can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full upper lower set of teeth and are designed to blend with natural teeth. They are the closest things to natural teeth because they stand on their own without affecting the nearby teeth and have great stability. Dental implants improve how our patients eat, chew, smile, talk, and look very natural.
The implant consists mainly of three parts:
- Implant — screw that serves as the root for new teeth
- Abutment, or connector that holds and supports the crown. This is connected once the implant integrates with your bone.
- Crown or custom made “tooth” made to match a patient’s natural teeth
The age-old question at the dentist of “will it hurt” is another reason for the fast acceptance of implants. Placing an implant is often one of the most painless procedures for a patient to experience.
Ok, pause. I know most will stop here and think I am exaggerating a little.
Stick with me.
Here is the reasoning — most bone has few nerves running through it, and the majority of sensation comes via the patient’s gingiva. Once the gum tissue is numb, we can place implants with very little or no pain for the patient. Dental implants preserve, and can actually stimulate bone growth.
The process for an implant varies. Factors that play into our plan are bone health and the need for grafting, extractions, esthetic concerns (like how long the tooth will be to fill the space), and how fast the body naturally heals. 3-6 months is a realistic timeline for most people.
Why do dentists love the implant option for patients? It gives us options for years down the road. For example, if a crown chips we unscrew the crown and can place a new one without the use of anesthetic. If an adjacent tooth goes bad, we already have a well-placed anchor for future consideration. Additionally, the patient is able to get dentures, partials, and bridges, while having the implant as an anchor. Dental implants can definitely be seen as a long-term investment.
BGOHC doctors have spent a lot of time placing implants. At over 250 and counting, Dr. Burt and Dr. Birkenhauer have continually been on the cutting edge in both education and equipment. We use the latest and best 3D mapping technology, collaborate to plan your surgery before the implant is placed, and better yet – we stand by our work. We promise no gimmicks and are confident our doctors can make the process a little easier and a little simpler so you can get your smile back as fast as possible.
If you want to smile more confidently by having your broke or missing tooth fixed, contact us to schedule a consultation.