Q: I have diabetes. Are implants a wise decision? What are the pros and cons?

A: Having diabetes does not prevent you from getting implants. There are things to think about, though. Surgery is required for fixed teeth, including tooth extraction, sinus lifts, bone augmentation, and ridge reshaping. The bone must be robust and have enough mass to support it against all impacts, such as chewing, in order for the implants to merge within the bone. If the bone is weak or unsound, it could not be able to support osseointegration, which would lead to failure. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause bones to become brittle and porous. Additionally, the surgical site’s ability to heal will be hindered. The jaw bones will weaken if diabetes is left untreated for a long time.

The dentist can perform a comprehensive examination on patients to determine whether the jaw bone can support implants. Through grafting, it is still possible to obtain dental implants. The drawback is that if bone grafting is required, it can cost more and take longer to heal. On the flip side, dental implants provide numerous advantages, such as aesthetics and the ability of patients to eat anything.

Q: Can dental implants fix an overbite?

A: An overbite is a condition in which the upper front teeth overlap lower front teeth excessively. A slight overbite is common. But a significant overbite can result in ongoing pain, temporary or permanent jaw joint displacement, and in some circumstances, even tooth loss. An overbite can occasionally be corrected by a dentist using a particular treatment strategy to replace missing teeth. This is due to the fact that dental implants are attached to the jawbone, and as a result, bone alignment can be slightly changed to optimize your bite. Whether or not you can improve your overbite and smile with new permanent teeth will be determined by Dr. Hani Jamah. An alternative treatment, such as braces or orthognathic surgery, may be recommended if the overbite is severe.

Q: What causes dental implant failure?

A: In 95% of cases, dental implant placement is successful. However, the procedure involves surgery. Like other surgical procedures, there are different risk factors. The main causes of dental implant failure are listed below.

• Failed osseointegration – Dental implants that are properly placed usually fuse well with the jaw bone through osseointegration. Bone cells fuse into the post, making a strong natural bond. The following are possible causes of osseointegration failure.
  • Lack of bone density
  • Damage to surrounding tissues
  • Poor positioning
  • Cracked/damaged post
  • Overloading/sudden impact
  • Bad reaction to anesthesia

• Peri-implantitis – Peri-implantitis is an infection of the area surrounding the prosthesis. Causes of peri-implantitis include the presence of bacteria during surgery and failure to observe proper hygiene after surgery. It can also be caused if cement from attaching the crown to the abutment leaks out into the gum.

• Nerve and tissue damage – Although very rare, nerve and tissue damage can happen during surgery.

• Foreign body rejection – This doesn’t occur with the materials currently used in dental implants, but may occur in very rare cases.

• Allergic reaction – Titanium is bio-compatible, but in rare cases, a patient may have an allergic reaction to titanium.

• Uncontrolled type II diabetes – Uncontrolled diabetes may cause dental implants to fail.

• Other factors – Other factors that can cause dental implant failure include using bisphosphonates, smoking, and bruxism.

Q: What are dental implants made of?

A: Implants are traditionally made of titanium. However, alloys were created using trace amounts of other metals, like nickel, to reinforce titanium to make it more durable. Some people can be allergic to these alloys. A titanium post functions as the root of an artificial tooth by being a specially-made fixture that is fastened into the jawbone. A suitable prosthesis is then attached to it.

Q: Can older people over 60 get dental implants?

A: Many people lose their teeth as they become older. A person’s quality of life and appearance are severely limited by tooth loss. The conventional remedy has been dentures, although they have significant drawbacks. Compared to traditional dentures, dental implants are a superior solution. Dental implants are also far more durable than a fixed bridge or a partial denture. They appear more natural, do not place any restrictions on what you may eat, do not need to be taken off for cleaning or before sleeping, and won’t slip or fall off when least expected.

They are a great option for permanent dentures, whether there are a few missing teeth, many, or no teeth at all. However, a patient must have a full physical examination and dental examination before getting dental implants. Your dentist will evaluate if dental implants are a good option for you.

Surgery is required for implants, and a weakened immune system may make recuperation more difficult. Uncontrolled diabetes and other illnesses that lower immunity will typically work against the procedure. In order to determine whether the jaw bone is of good enough quality to support the new tooth under the anticipated chewing forces, an examination is also required. Bone grafting is an option if bone density is a problem, but it will cost more. In conclusion, the majority of “healthy” seniors can be candidates for dental implants (subject to evaluation). However, the recuperation process after surgery might be lengthy.

Q: Can an implant be used to replace a front upper tooth? Is the procedure challenging?

A: A permanent fixed tooth is a fantastic solution to this problem. In addition to being strong, front teeth are important for their cosmetic appeal. But replacing a front fixed tooth cosmetically calls for skill and accuracy. The damaged tooth must first be thoroughly removed without causing any damage to the surrounding bone or tissue. The dental implant procedure could fail if the socket is damaged. The titanium root must be secured firmly in the empty socket. The osseointegration process is how the surrounding bone develops onto the implant’s surface to give it strength. Osseointegration may not succeed if there is a space between the surface of the new root and the surrounding bone.

The conical shape of the front teeth’s sockets makes them particularly problematic. As a result, the exact-sized post must be screwed in deeply so that no space is left around the new tooth. This calls for accuracy and knowledge. If you get an implant on your front tooth, you’ll get a long-lasting, trouble-free restoration with excellent aesthetic qualities. Before loading, you only need to give it enough time to properly osseointegrate.

Q: Are dental implants covered by dental insurance?

A: The cost of dental implants is frequently covered in full or in part by insurance policies. Nevertheless, it depends on your insurance policy. There are numerous insurance options available. Some will offer coverage right away, while others could need a qualifying period. A few plans might only provide a portion of coverage. Check with your insurance provider. You can also discuss with your dentist if and how much of the cost of dental implants are covered by your insurance.

Q: Does a dental implant cause pain?

A: Dental implants require surgery. If any teeth need to be pulled, those will be done first, and then the next course of action will be to let the gums heal. The posts are set up in particular locations right after the extraction. Drilling precise holes into the jaw bone and then screwing the post in are required for placing implants. The gums are sutured to hide the post after it has been inserted, leaving the abutment exposed for the prosthetic teeth to be inserted.

You won’t feel discomfort throughout the surgery because an appropriate anesthetic will be administered. However, you might feel some discomfort or pain in the area of the wound for a few days following the process, just like you would after an extraction or any type of surgery. With the help of the painkillers that will be prescribed to you, you can handle this discomfort with ease.

Q: How long is the healing time after getting dental implants?

A: Several factors, such as the number of teeth involved and the patient’s health can affect the recovery time. The sequence of events leading up to healing is listed below.

• In case bone grafting is required, a four to six-month waiting period is necessary before moving on to the next stage. Only if the patient’s jawbone is insufficient where the new tooth will be placed will grafting be necessary.

• In case bone grafting isn’t necessary but a tooth extraction is required, the gums need time to heal. In order to avoid making the patient wait for a double healing period, it is a common practice to install implants immediately following extractions. A healing cap is screwed before stitching over the gum tissue. Healing can take up to a week, depending on the patient’s health.

• Once the bone has assimilated into the surface of the artificial tooth root, which takes four to six months, a second surgery is carried out. The gum is sewn around the healing cap. Gum healing then takes place around the area.

• The healing cap can be removed and an abutment can be positioned once osseointegration is complete and the gum has healed, allowing the artificial tooth to be attached to it.

Q: How to take care of dental implants?

A: Dental implants require no extra maintenance once placed, which is one of their main advantages over other types of restorations. Just like your natural teeth, you will simply need to practice routine oral hygiene. The following needs to be done.

• Use low-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice per day. An abrasive toothpaste might damage the artificial root below as well as the teeth. Every time you brush, you should spend roughly two minutes doing all of your teeth.

• To promote proper interdental cleansing, floss daily. You can also use a water flosser. You can choose floss based on your own preferences.

• Visiting your dentist for checkups every six months. Anything unusual should be reported right away so that it can be corrected.

• Avoid tobacco to prevent teeth staining.

Q: Who invented dental implants?

A breakthrough in modern dentistry known as osseointegration is the reason teeth implants are so successful. Osseointegration was initially observed by Bothe, Beaton, and Davenport in 1940. They examined titanium’s potential for application in human prosthetics while noting its propensity to fuse with animal flesh. Later in 1951, Gottlieb Leventhal conducted trials with the same outcomes and similar observations regarding prospective applications. Per-Ingvar Brnemark first used the word “osseointegration” to describe his findings in 1952. Prof. Branemark also made the first placement for a patient named Gosta Larsson in 1965.

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OUR TEAM

Dr. Hani Jamah, DDS

Dr. Hani Jamah is a top-rated and well-respected dental surgeon serving patients of all ages in San Jose, California and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He has received over 23 years of extensive training throughout his career in addition to attending the Advanced Graduate Post Doctoral Prosthetic Residency program at USC School of Dentistry. He earned his Diplomat then his Mastership in dental implant and Its related surgeries from the International Dental Implant Association.

Dr. Jamah continuously keeps abreast of the latest advances and developments in the field of oral surgery, participating in numerous postgraduate education and special training courses in the field of wisdom teeth, sinus surgeries and bone surgeries. Combining Dr. Jamah’s skilled expertise and compassion as well as his genuine hospitality, patients feel very at ease. He goes to great lengths and passion to make all procedures gentle and comfortable.

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• Cost Effective Treatment

Dr. Jamah uses Dentrix , a leading, state-of-the-art, dental implant treatment planning software. Dr. Jamah can virtually place the dental implants into a digital version of your mouth to determine the perfect implant placement. Ideal implant placement has great looking results that last a long long time. Best of all, it makes the implant placement process a short and straightforward process with the least amount of discomfort and fastest recovery times.