Information on Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal posts or frames which are placed in the jaw bone under the gums by surgery. After it is implanted surgically your dentist can put replacement teeth onto them.

How do Dental Implants Work
The implants after placement get fused with your jawbone. This then give a stable support for the artificial teeth or dentures and bridges. Dentures and bridges that do not slip or shift in your mouth is big advantage while eating and speaking. Another advantage of implants is that the healthy teeth adjacent to the implant don’t need to be prepared.

Where as standard bridges and dentures may not be as comfortable, and need to be fixed to teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth.

Prerequisite for an implant
Your gums should be healthy and there should be adequate bone to support the implant.
After implant you have to maintain good oral hygiene to keep these structures healthy.
Regular dental visits and cleaning as required will be needed for long-term success of dental implants. But remember that implants cost a lot more than the standard bridges and dentures. The two types of implants that are considered to be safe are endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. When you consult your dentist for an implant he or she will advise regarding the appropriate implant for you.

Deciding if implants are right for you
Implants can not be placed in everyone who wants it. Your dentist after examining you will tell if you are suitable to get an implant.

Some considerations before you get an implant are
You should have healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw to allow an implant to be placed in.
If you have periodontal (gum) disease, infection or injury you may need antibiotics or other treatment for it before the implant is placed.
If there is a severe infection in your tooth root then after extraction the area will need time to heal before the implant can be placed.
At times uour jaw bone may need bone grafting or augmentation. In this procedure, before the implant is placed, your jaw bone is built up by bone grafting to increase the chance of implant success. Your dentist may do the bone grafting and place the implant at the same time. At times he or she may do the bone-graft procedure first and the place the implant after a few months (about 4 to 12 months). During this time you will be given dentures or bridge, so that you are not without teeth.
You should be ready to take good care of the implanted teeth and surrounding gums. You will have to maintain good oral hygiene by daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for cleaning.

People who are not good candidates for implants include
Children whose jawbones are still growing
Pregnant women
Heavy smoker as smoking interferes with healing and can decrease the chance of implant success.
Excessive use of alcohol or substance abusers
Patients who have been administered high-dose irradiation to the head or neck
People with chronic diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, connective-tissue diseases, hemophilia and certain immune deficiencies
Patients on medications that suppress the immune system such as steroids, immunosuppressant
People with severe bruxism (who severely grind or clench their teeth)
Your dentist after examining you will decide whether you can receive implants.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Root Canals, nothing to be afraid of…

Of all the terms you hear in a dentist’s office, to most people root canal is probably the scariest. So, what is a root canal? Simply put, a root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly decayed or infected tooth. A root canal procedure involves removing the nerve and pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and finally sealing the inside of the tooth. Think of it simply as a filling inside the tooth instead of on top of the tooth. Without treatment, the tissue around the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

The term “root canal” actually refers to the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The soft area within the root canal is called the pulp or pulp chamber. The tooth’s nerve is also within the root canal.

Why does pulp and nerve need to be removed?
When a tooth’s pulp or nerve is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begins to grow within the tooth. The bacteria, along with other decayed debris, can cause an infection, or even an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a puss filled pocket that forms at the ends of the tooth’s roots. In addition to an abscess, an infection in a root canal can also cause:

1. Swelling in the gums, and even spreading to the face, neck, or head.
2. Bone loss around the tip of the root.
3. A hole can be created in the side of the tooth with drainage leaking into the gums and even through the cheek into the skin.

What causes pulp or nerve damage in the first place?

The nerve and/or pulp can become inflamed, irritated, and infected due to several things. The most common causes are deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, large fillings, a crack/chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

How do you know you need a root canal?

Some of the common signs that a root canal procedure may be needed are:

- Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure.
- Extended sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures.
- A darkening of the tooth, discoloration.
- Swelling and/or tenderness in the nearby gums.
- A reoccurring pimple on the gums.

How much pain is involved?

Root canals have a long standing reputation of being very painful, but actually most patients compare it to a filling, which is minimal pain.

For a few days after the procedure there may be sensitivity due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain and infection before the procedure. Most patients control this with simple over-the-counter medications and prescribed antibiotics. Most return to normal activities the next day.

Are there any alternatives?

Saving the natural teeth is always the best option, if possible. The only alternative is to extract the tooth and replace it with either a bridge, implant, or a removable denture to restore chewing function and prevent other teeth from shifting. These alternatives are not only more expensive, but also require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

Prevention

Prevention is very simple in theory; brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist regularly. Also, when playing sports, remember to where a mouth guard to avoid trauma.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar