Dental Implants
Dentistry is no longer a sunset profession. Every couple of years, something truly new or even revolutionary emerges in the field of implant dentistry. More and more, these replacement teeth are becoming as good as the real thing. In fact, they are getting better than the real thing. Even though implants are vulnerable to gum problems, they are even more firmly anchored in bone than natural teeth and your implants will never require any root canal treatment as they have no pulpal liabilities.
In the more developed countries, patients have sued their dentists for not offering implants as an alternative. Indeed, implants can be superior to other forms of treatment like dentures and bridges. The failure to offer and suggest implants is seen as a disservice to the patient. Yes, we do get patients asking about implants every now and then. However, it’s going to take quite a while before the general population in Singapore learns that implants are not just a more expensive treatment option pushed by dentists for economic reasons only.
At the other end of the spectrum, are patients or even dentists who are “advertisement-educated”. Information they received is often biased or hyped. This may result in problems for both patients and dentists. It’s a long learning curve for dentists and patients alike. Experience and scepticism make all the difference.
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#1 by Jack Wong on August 7th, 2009
I heard from internet sources that dental implants last forever. A friend of mine had an implant done a few years ago and now it’s loosening. The dentist says my friend has poor hygiene. If implants last a lifetime, why is it that poor hygiene can cause it to loosen?
#2 by admin on August 7th, 2009
Jack,
Dental implants MAY last a lifetime. Their durability is dependent on several factors. True, implants don’t decay, but like natural teeth, the gums and bone surrounding an implant can get infected due to poor oral hygiene.
Chronic inflammation “melts” away the bone holding the implant. Even with very good oral hygiene, some of the older designs of dental implants have microgaps inherent in the system which trap bacteria and cause chronic inflammation, giving rise to bone resorption even with good oral hygiene.
With better knowledge nowadays, dentists are less likely to use systems which have microgaps. Still, inflammation and bone resorption will set in if implants are not properly maintained.
#3 by Valen on August 20th, 2009
Hi,
I’ve seen some implants that come with the top part already attached. Why do dentists still want to use implants which need to be connected later at a second surgery?
#4 by admin on August 20th, 2009
Valen,
The 2 main reasons are.
1. A one-piece implant is unforgiving. The abutment follows the axis of the implant. If the implant has to slant due to bone conditions, the abutment will be slanted. With a detachable abutment, you can use what is called an angled (slanted) abutment to correct the slant of the implant.
2. Implants without too much primary stability are at risk of being moved if their abutment sticks out. For these iffy cases, it’s best that the implant be completely buried under the gums and allowed 6 months to integrate before any abutment is connected. With a one-piece abutment, this will not be possible.
#5 by joanne on September 18th, 2009
hi,
i would like to know the difference between mini implant and standard implant.i had a fall and crack 2 of my upper teeth.one of them was damage badly and was extracted,the other tooth was only broken into half and the dentist did a filling to fill it up.
i would like to know do i need to know if i need to have 2 teeth implants or just 1 will do?i like to know the estimated cost as well.
thank you
#6 by admin on September 18th, 2009
You probably need just 1 implant for the tooth that was extracted ($4000 for zirconia). For the tooth that was broken into half, you’d probably need root canal followed by a post crown. (about $1000 for emax)