Frequently Asked Questions
The concept of dental implants has long been the darling of the dental profession. The research, not related to dentistry, was carried out by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, Dr. P.I. Branemark, and it resulted in the introduction in 1965 of a novel treatment protocol that turned out to have the highest success rate of all implants to date. In 1982, after years of research, the Branemark system was introduced to dental professionals in North America, right here in Toronto. It is has been a great success! Currently, the long-term success rate exceeds 90% over 15 years. Replacement of teeth with dental implants is the most documented and scientifically researched treatment modality in dentistry. Dental implants have changed dentistry and dentistry has changed implants. You our patients are the biggest benefactor in these developments. Here is the list of the most commonly asked questions..
What is a dental implant?
The dental implant refers to a post that acts as the root of a natural tooth. It is inserted into the jaw and provides as an anchor for a crown, bridge or denture to be affixed to it. Implants can address a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth or all missing teeth.
What kind of implants do you use? Which is the best?
More than 1300 types of dental implants are now available, in different materials, shapes, sizes, lengths and with different surface characteristics or coatings. The review of the eligible 16 Randomized Clinical Trials involving 18 types of implants manufactured by the leading companies published by M. Esposito, et.al. in 2008 found that there was not enough evidence to demonstrate superiority of any particular type of implant or implant system at the time (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003815.pub3/abstract).
The dental implant industry today resembles that of the pharmaceutical industry. There are brand names and knock off generics. We and most of the other dental specialists we work use only brand names (add link to leading manufacturers). Brand names are obviously more expensive, however the long history of these particular companies and their commitment to provide quality products and services are worth it.What kind of warranty do you offer?
The implant assembly replacing a tooth consists of the three components. 1st is the actual implant which lies in the bone and is covered over by gum tissue (i.e. artificial root), 2nd is the abutment (i.e. intermediary part connecting a crown directly to an implant), and 3rd the actual crown, the tooth-like replica above the gum. Most of the leading manufacturers offer a 10 year warrant on the actual implant being placed inside of the jaw bone and 5-10 years on the abutment. The cost of these components will appear as an expense on the invoice. We will charge no professional fee (i.e. labor cost) for replacement of any of these components in the case of failure during the first 2 years. After 2 years, we will adjust our fees based on the complexity of the case and circumstances surrounding the failure . In order for warranties to be honoured maintenance care must be followed as prescribed. All warranties are subject to a fulfillment of continuous maintenance care that is recommended to you.
I heard implants can be placed right after the tooth extracted. What do you think of that?
Yes, indeed. There are clinical circumstances when a dental implant can be placed at the very same time that a tooth is removed. Options will be discussed with you during the treatment planning stages of your dentistry.
What are the most common problems to arise after I do implants?
Dental implants are very successful. However, problems and failures do occur and are divided into two areas: biological and mechanical.
Biological problems are the ones leading to a loss of osseointegration and ultimate loss of the implant an the attached restoration. Biological complications may require additional surgical procedures and more stringent maintenance protocol.
Mechanical problems are ones related to the attached restoration (crown) and the abutment that secures it to the implant. They are often easily corrected and do not necessarily lead to implant failure.
In any case, the early detection of any problem is an important part of a long-term successful outcome with dental implants. Strict home care combined with regular hygiene visits are the best “insurance” measures you can implement.What are your thoughts on a crown vs. an implant?
Yes, there is controversy in the dental profession about the use of dental implants versus teeth. The question is whether the tooth might be saved with root canal treatment and a crown as opposed to an implant. However, there are situations when the restoration of teeth with crowns will not have a good long-term prognosis compared to that of an implant crown. During the treatment planning process, we will provide you with the information you need to make the the right decision. Progress is an evolutionary process. In dentistry it means that some treatment options are substituted with new more advanced and long lasting ones.
How long will implant-supported crown or bridge last? Can they be redone?
As we have mentioned earlier, long-term success rate for dental implants (i.e. artificial root) exceeds 90% over 15 years. It is reasonable to expect that newer generation of implants could provide even a higher success rate. If the body of a dental implant has survived and is well integrated within the jaw bone, a new crown or bridge can be fabricated.
Is it difficult to make an implant-supported crown look natural on a front tooth?
Yes, it is. It is a most challenging restorative procedure. Very often it is not only the above the gum part of the tooth that is missing but actual gum and underlying bone are reduced in volume as well. The restoration of the gum and the bone could be attempted surgically by means of grafting procedures or prosthetically by utilizing materials that mimic missing structures. Position of the implant will also influence the final outcome. In any case, we will try to do our best to make implant-supported restorations to look like natural teeth (see cases link, I will send category front tooth replacement with an implant –supported crown)
What would be the down side of having dental implants?
The only downside is the immediate high cost. However, if you take in consideration the longevity of implants, it is not. Dental implants have had a significant impact on the quality of life of people. An uncomfortable removable appliance, hated by most of the patients technically is past history.
Does a dental implant look like a natural tooth?
One of the greatest advantages that dental implants offer is that they look and feel entirely natural. Your implants are customised to you so that they complement your face and any remaining teeth while providing the support your facial muscles need. Those who have tried to wear dentures and found them to be ill-fitting are pleasantly surprised at how much easier dental implants make their life.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is this something to worry about?
Bleeding during brushing and flossing is often the first sign of periodontal (gum) disease. This means that your gums have become inflamed or infected as a result of plaque and tartar buildup along and below the gum lines. This condition can become very serious if left untreated and can eventually lead to receding gums and tooth loss.
The best treatment for this condition is a visit to your dentist for a thorough check-up and cleaning, followed by a complete regimen of brushing and flossing. With prompt and thorough treatment, the condition if caught early can normally be corrected. Please feel free to call our office if you have noticed bleeding during tooth brushing, or if you would like direction on proper homecare techniques. ”
What are dental emergencies?
Dental emergencies usually consist of broken or knocked out teeth, inner mouth injuries such as lacerations and large gashes, or infections.
What's gum disease all about?
70% of Canadians will develop gum disease at some point. It's the most common dental problem and can often develop quietly and painlessly until it's a significant problem.
Gum disease starts when plaque attaches to your teeth and is not removed by diligent brushing and flossing. It can then slowly harden into tartar. This them promotes gum disease which can vary from inflammation and bleeding of the gums (gingivitis) to more serious bone loss and gum recession (periodontitis)
The best way to prevent gum disease is preventative care at home and at the dental office. In addition to brushing and flossing, every few months, a dental professional needs to clean the harder tartar that builds faster in some people than others. This forms the basis of going in for a dental cleaning every few months - how often, depends on each person and how quickly the build up tartar and what their oral hygiene is like.
How much will my dental treatment cost?
Healthcare is expensive and paying for dental treatment can be a challenge in may instance, we understand that. We will always explain different treatment options to you and will give you a written treatment plan before doing any procedures.
Having dental insurance can be very helpful, however, it is not designed to pay for all your treatment costs. Instead, it serves as a "coupon" to help you pay for part of the treatment. And although, dental insurance plans are a private agreement between you and your policy provider, we will help you understand your coverage so you are more informed about your coverage.
Our job is to tell you what we see going on in your mouth and then make treatment recommendations based on the information we have. Your job is to tell us how fast or slow you want to go. We have some patients who want us to get as much done as possible in the same appointment. We have other patients who wish to take it slower, treating one tooth at a time.
Ultimately, you are in charge of your oral health. We want to make sure you are completely comfortable with all recommended treatment before we proceed with anything.
What is a TMJ or TMD?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, your jaw joints. The pain, discomfort, or tenderness in or around the jaw joints is called a TMJ disorder.
Signs that you might have a TMJ disorder (or TMD) are:
• Facial pain or tenderness
• Jaw pain
• Pain in or around the ears
• Neck pain
• Jaw stiffness
• Discomfort while chewing
• Headaches
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Jaw “locking up”
• Jaw makes a clicking sound
• Teeth that don't come together properly when eating or chewingThere are a variety of treatment options for TMJ. Be sure to ask your dentist about these.
Is parking available on the premises?
Yes, we have plenty of free parking at rear.
Not finding what you need?
Give us a call: 416-222-4488 or Email:dentist@avenuedentalcentre.com