Dr. Hauser Talks about the Implant Procedure
There are many factors that can lead to tooth extraction. Some of them may be caused by genetics. However, in most cases this occurs because people do not take good care of their dentition. Luckily, an implant procedure can offer completely or partially edentulous people with a fixed alternative to replace missing teeth.
Dental Implants Explained in More Detail
Being an expert in restorative dentistry for 20 years, Dr. Hauser has handled a wide variety of cases that involve the need for false teeth to replace missing teeth. However, he always tells his patients that not everyone is a likely candidate for the implant procedure.
If a patient has poor oral hygiene, he or she is prone to periodontal disease. This would endanger the fusion of the implant to the alveolar bone. People who have uncontrolled diabetes and other types of autoimmune diseases may also be unable to have implant surgery, as the rate for rejection is quite high.
People who smoke are not good candidates either. This is because smoking causes vasoconstriction. Therefore, if there is not enough blood flow to the area, there is a higher rate for rejection.
The Implant Procedure
Implants cannot be put in place right away. When Dr. Hauser deems a patient a likely candidate, he makes sure that he has done a thorough check and has all the necessary medical information from the patient’s physician.
Dr. Hauser surveys the area using digital x-rays and he also palpates the area to feel the underlying bone. This is done to determine if it is strong enough to deal with the extra load. In cases where a bone graft is required, Dr. Hauser will usually to ask the patient to wait for a few months after the bone is healed before the implant surgery can be done.
The surgery itself is done within the office or at a hospital of the patient’s choice. The implant is screwed on after local anesthesia is given. This is done to prevent any discomfort. A post may be put in place during the procedure. However, if Dr. Hauser feels that it will need time to heal, he may opt to put the post on during the next visit.
Once the area has healed, Dr. Hauser can put the crown in place. He prefers to use CEREC crowns as they come in a wide variety of shades. These crowns can be fabricated in less than 15 minutes each. Since they are made by a CAD/CAM machine, there is less room for error.
But I Can’t Afford Implants
Most patients will decide to go for dental bridges or partial dentures because they think that implants are way more than they can afford. Sadly, many of them do not realize that they will have to get new removable dentures every 5 years or less, which costs thousands of dollars more.
Implants can last for 18 years or longer when oral hygiene and professional cleanings are done twice per year. Therefore, if one were to consider how much it costs compared to 3 or 4 pairs of dentures every 5 years, one would realize that dental implants are actually cheaper.
Replace missing teeth with a long-term alternative! If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants, you can set an appointment with Dr. Hauser Online Now or call Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495.
