Bicon Dental Implants
About tooth loss
Tooth loss can be detrimental to your long term oral health.
Bone loss is one of the leading side effects of missing teeth, not to
mention your smile. The stimulation that your jaw bone receives from
your teeth maintains its strength. If you have dentures or even a
partial denture, you are losing bone. Your teeth provide you with more
function than just chewing.
Reliability
Leading dental organizations now consider dental implants the
"standard of care" for the replacement of missing teeth. Dr. Lynch uses
dental implants from Bicon, which have long-term documented success
rates that are above the industry average. See for yourself what
thousands of patients already know.
Confidence
Dental implant treatment restores confidence in your smile. You
can speak clearly and eat the foods you love, without the fear of loose,
ill-fitting dentures causing you embarrassment. What a wonderful way to
improve your health and quality of life! Turn back the clock and feel
like yourself again. You are going to love your new smile.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium alloy screws which are anchored
into the jawbone. The titanium alloy is the same material that is used
in other implants such as hip and knee replacements. Implants are
designed to "fuse" (osseointegrate) to the bone to ensure strength and
security. An abutment attached to the implant will hold the crown in
place.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
With 100 million people having lost some or all of their teeth,
dental implants have become the treatment of choice for replacing teeth.
If you are wearing a full or partial denture, or if you are missing one
or more teeth, dental implants may be the best option for you. The hope
of restoring something that has been lost is an exciting possibility.
With dental implants, it's not just a hope. It's a reality!
What should you expect?
Dental implant surgery has proven successful for hundreds of
thousands of people. In fact, dental implants have the highest success
rate of any implanted prosthetic device. Most procedures are done in
your dentist's office, or one of their colleague's, as an outpatient
procedure. You will be placed on a soft food diet for several days, and
asked to refrain from strenuous physical activities. Most patients
return to their normal daily activities in just a few days.
How long will it take?
Implant therapy typically requires several steps over a period
of 3 to 9 months, depending on your treatment plan. After the implants
have bonded to the bone your dentist will attach a crown(s) and/or a
denture to your implants. Home care for your implants will consist of
brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are recommended. Your
dentist will monitor your progress and design a maintenance program
specific to your needs. If properly cared for, your dental implants can
last a lifetime.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are certain general conditions that are favorable for the
placement of any prosthetic device. Age is not a factor as much as
general health. Due the rapid loss of bone mass due to missing teeth,
you may need a bone graft before the placement of a dental implant. Your
dentist will be able to review your personal case to insure the best
possible treatment plan for you.
How do you care for implants?
Just like your natural teeth, implants require daily brushing and
flossing to keep them plaque-free. You will still be required to make
regular check-ups with your dentist. Much of the success of your of your
implants will be determined upon your regular maintenance. With the
appropriate care, your dental implants can last several years into the
future.
Loose Dentures?
Dental implants can be used to stabilize or support a denture.
Worry of slipping dentures and dealing with messy adhesives will be a
thing of the past. Implants will also maintain the surrounding bone,
protecting your long-term facial appearance. Once again, you can eat and
speak with comfort and confidence.
Missing a single tooth?
If you are missing a single tooth, the placement of an implant
may be the best choice for you. Conventional "crown and bridge" therapy
requires the healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth to be
ground down to serve as support for the bridge. Replacing the missing
tooth with an implant leaves your remaining teeth untouched. A single
tooth implant will restore the natural appearance to your smile and
preserve vital bone structure adjacent to the missing tooth.
Reasons for implants
- Decreases bone loss and gum recession associated with tooth loss.
- Restores proper chewing, allowing for a better diet and improved health.
- Avoids grinding down healthy teeth for conventional bridgework.
- Improves speech.
- Increases comfort.
- Makes dentures secure and reliable.
- Helps promote long-term facial integrity.
Advantages
- Implant restorations look, feel and function like your natural teeth.
- Implants don't decay.
- Almost 500,000 implants were placed in 1999.
- Over 30 years of clinical experience with implants.
- Implants have one of the highest success rates of any dental restoration.
Disadvantages
- If you are in a hurry, implants may not be for you.
- Bone grafts are sometimes needed.
- Time has to be allowed for healing.
- Implant therapy may cost more than conventional tooth replacement.