The mouth is a delicate and changing environment, and to maximize the success of dental implants, the oral surgeon must ensure that this environment is suitable for placing a dental implant, otherwise, changes need to be made.

Factors That Affect Dental Implant Success

1. Oral Hygiene

Such is the case with any advanced dental treatment. Your oral hygiene can literally “make or break” your dental implant. With proper oral hygiene, the need for maintenance is very low and the longevity of implants can reach more than 15 years.

2. Vitamin D level

Vitamin D is the vitamin responsible for the health and strength of all the body’s bones, including the jaw bones. We have seen hundreds of cases whose conditions seemed optimum but failed because the Vitamin D levels were lower than the average. This can be fixed by drinking milk, taking Vitamin D supplements, and exposure to the sun.

3. Bone Condition

This is the most common condition to monitor by far. The implants are set into the bones, so it makes sense that bone health should be optimum.

Why Bone Health Matters: The Role of Jawbone Density in Dental Implant Success

Bone health is the most important condition that affects the success of dental implants. Bone health is expressed in terms of bone quantity and bone quality.

1. Bone Quality

Bone quality means the density of the bone into which the implant will be placed. Some bones are soft while others are hard, depending on your body’s genetics, eating habits, and vitamin sufficiency. Bone quality can be fixed by using simple supplements and using specialized forms of dental implants that can engage even the weakest of bones.

2. Bone Quantity

When you lose your tooth and fail to replace it for a long time, the bone starts to recede in that area, meaning the amount of bone available for implant placement and success is reduced. This is detected through X-rays and multiple other tests that determine whether the bone is suitable or not.

But don’t worry, as our experts at Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga have an answer for that. If the bone quantity is deemed to be low through testing, then the bone can be augmented (aka enhanced and increased). This is done through a process called bone grafting, where artificial bone is used to increase bone quantity in a specific area.

The maxillary sinus (the air pocket inside your cheek) is one of the most common places where the bone recedes. However, that also can be fixed using a procedure called sinus lifting, where the bone just beneath the sinus is augmented, making it suitable for implant placement.

Call IOSC Today

There is no arguing why bone health matters and the role of jawbone density in dental implant success. However, it all begins with proper selection and screening before the treatment begins. That’s where our team at Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga can help.

To consult with one of our oral surgeons, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you regain your healthy smile!

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To that end, dental implants are highly successful. They need very little to zero maintenance. However, what if your dental implant gets damaged? What then? What happens when this long-lived form of replacement needs to be repaired? It can be alarming for sure, but we are here to ease your mind on what to do.

What Dental Implants Offer

Let’s first explore why we believe dental implants are almost always the right choice for tooth replacement. They offer much more than other options (these are dentures and bridges) including:

• Longevity: up to 15 years or more
• Comfort: they are smaller and more comfortable structures.
• Appearance: as close to natural teeth as possible.
• Maintenance: very little need, although you may need follow-ups every 6 months.
• Safety: implants are standalone structures that do no damage and require no preparation of the teeth and do not cause pressure on the gums or bone.

Are Dental Implants Indestructible?

Dental implants are made of high-grade titanium. To put it in perspective, this is the metal that airplanes are made of. For that reason, the chance that it will get damaged physically is slim to none. However, damage may still happen to other parts of the dental implant system rather than the implant itself.

The dental implant system is composed of many parts. The first is the root form placed inside the bone and the overlying part that juts through the gums (called the abutment). These are made of titanium whose damage is very rare. The part connecting them, however, is a very thin stainless still screw, and that could get damaged by excessive force. The crown placed over the implants is also liable to damage, as it is made of less strong metals, zirconium or porcelain which can also get damaged.

What if Your Dental Implant Gets Damaged?

The first step is to not panic, as most damage can be repaired quite easily. All you have to do is head down to your surgeon as soon as possible to assess the cause of the problem. According to the cause, the fix can be as follows:

1. Damage to the Connection Screw

If the screw is minimally damaged or degraded, the crown and the abutment are easily unscrewed, and a new screw is placed and tightened, and you’re all set. If the screw is broken and part of it remains attached to the implant or abutment, that can be a harder fix. It involves specialized ultrasonic instruments to remove the damaged part and place a new screw as before.

2. Damage to the Crown

Crowns are very easily repaired or replaced. The cement is removed and the crown is separated from the implant, and new molds are taken to formulate a new crown similar to the old one.

As you can see, in most cases there is no need for alarm. No need to worry about what if your dental implant gets damaged. The fix is almost always as simple as replacing the damaged part.

To consult with one of our oral surgeons, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you re-attain your healthy smile!

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When even one of these structures goes missing or is damaged – most commonly the teeth – it means that this ecosystem would be compromised in many ways, as we’ll demonstrate in a bit. Knowing that, it is not a question of why, but when to replace your teeth with dental implants.

So, let’s explore these reasons. But first, we’ll talk about consequences.

Consequences of Losing a Tooth

In normal cases, the teeth all touch each other ever so lightly in areas known as contact areas. This light touch keeps the teeth in place, and therefore all other structures as well. When one tooth goes missing, the contact areas disappear as well, leading to the following:

• The teeth next to the missing tooth lose their support and therefore start tilting into the empty space.
• The tooth opposite the missing tooth also loses its contact, so it elongates without a barrier.
• The bone into which the tooth was situated starts to recede and degrade.
• The tongue which was normally supported by all the teeth suddenly finds an empty space. As a result, it creeps into that space, and you may start biting your tongue more often.
• The gums start to recede as well due to loss of support.

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Your Dental Implant

1. Avoiding All the Consequences Mentioned Above

All the mentioned consequences can be easily avoided if the lost tooth is replaced promptly by an implant. The implant replaces the tooth and all its functions, mainly the support it provides for all the structures.

2. Lower Cost

When the tooth is replaced soon, the procedure is usually straightforward, and therefore it would cost far less than when you wait and many corrective procedures such as bone grafting would be needed.

3. Easier Procedure

Again, if the replacement is attempted early, less time and less effort are required for the surgery.

4. Fewer Chances of Complication

While complications of dental implant surgery are usually minimal, a simpler surgery means simpler recovery and fewer chances of complications

5. Fewer Required Visits

It usually all comes down to one or two visits. One to plan and do all the scans required, and one for the surgery itself, which is usually pretty simple. On the other hand, if you wait, the planning phase alone may take 2 or 3 visits until a suitable treatment plan can be reached.

Dental implants are a true marvel of dentistry and an option that solves every problem and causes the smallest number of complications. They last longer, look better, and do no damage to the surrounding structures. We just went through 5 reasons why you shouldn’t wait for your dental implant. As a result, we hope to see you soon for a consultation!

To consult with one of our oral surgeons, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you re-attain your healthy smile!

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Dental implants have been around for almost 40 years. However, recent advances in the field have made them the most successful tooth replacement method by far. We’ll demonstrate that in a bit. But some people are still afraid of dental implants, thinking they require a major surgical procedure to be placed. Or, they think that they would need to be hospitalized with general anesthesia and the works. The truth is that the procedure is far simpler than that. So how does the procedure go? Who does dental implant surgery? Is it painful? We are here to answer all your questions.

Why are Dental Implants Better than Other Options?

Dental implants have numerous advantages over bridges and dentures such as:

1. Longevity

Dental implants on average last at least 15 years of service. They can possibly last longer if well cared for. Dentures last about 5 years before needing to be changed, and bridges cap out at about 10 years.

2. Comfort

While dentures are easy to make, their biggest drawback is the major discomfort they cause. Dental implants are smaller, stand-alone structures that feel as close as possible to natural teeth.

3. No Damage to Surrounding Structures

Bridges need heavy preparation of the teeth on which the bridge would be attached. This risks nerve damage to these teeth. Implants are placed solitarily inside the bone with no harm done to the teeth or any other structures.

4. Little Need for Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of implants is their lack of need for maintenance. All you need is a quick X-ray every year and that’s it. Bridges and dentures, on the other hand, would need many visits for adjustments and re-dos.

How Does the Procedure Go?

Dental implant procedure is a very simple procedure done under local anesthesia that takes about 45 minutes or less. Here is how it goes:

• The area is numbed with local anesthesia.
• A small incision is made to expose the bone.
• Drills are used to create a small opening in the bone, into which the implant is inserted.
• After the implant is placed, it is covered with a healing screw. Then the wound is cleaned with saline and closed with a few stitches.
• A few months later comes the prosthetic phase, where molds of the implant are taken to fit a crown over them.

Who Does Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implants are one branch of dentistry that is not monopolized by a single specialty and needs the collaboration of a highly specialized team to be successful. However, the first step – the surgical phase – is usually done by an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have the knowledge and experience to successfully handle the surgical field and face any problems that might arise. The next step – the prosthetic phase – is usually done by a prosthodontist. A periodontist may be needed along the way to ensure the health of the gums and bones.

So as to who does dental implant surgery, it is not really one person, but a team. An oral surgeon starts off the process. However, a dedicated team is needed to complete it.

To consult with one of our oral surgeons about dental implants, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you re-attain your healthy smile!

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Let’s explore more, starting with some basic sinus knowledge.

What Are Your Sinuses?

The human skull is not made of solid bone. It has cavities in certain locations that serve to lighten the weight of the skull. Those cavities also have other purposes when it comes to phonetics and helping you breathe. We know them as the sinuses, and they are mainly empty spaces lined by a very thin membrane.

The biggest sinus is called the maxillary sinus. It’s located directly over the roots of the upper molars (those are the back teeth in the upper jaw).

What is a Sinus Lift and When Do You Need One?

As we explained, the floor of the sinus is directly related to the roots of the upper molars. More often than not, the roots lie very close to the membrane that lines the sinus. In fact, sometimes they even protrude into the sinus itself.

When this tooth is extracted, it leaves behind a very small thickness of bone. For that reason, when you choose to replace this tooth with an implant, there may not be enough bone to place the implant. This is where you’d need a sinus lift. During a sinus lift, the membrane we mentioned is “lifted” upwards and a bone graft is placed into which the implant is inserted, creating enough bone and solid structure for the implant to safely stay in position.

How Can a Sinus Lift Benefit Your Health?

Before this procedure was popular, if the bone was not sufficient to place the implant, then you would not be considered a candidate to receive dental implants. You’d have to settle for other options such as bridges and dentures.

Sinus lifting has opened the doors for countless people to receive dental implants. Therefore, it has improved their health since implants are far better than bridges and dentures. Here’s why:

• Dental implants last longer (at least 15 years of service)
• They require little to no maintenance over their long service period
• They are small, fixed structures so they are quite comfortable and look as close to natural teeth as possible
• They require little preparation and no damage is done to any of the surrounding structures.

So, to answer the question of “how can a sinus lift benefit your health” – it is not about the procedure itself. Instead, a sinus lift’s benefits lie in what possibilities such procedure creates.

To consult with one of our oral surgeons about dental implants, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you re-attain your healthy smile!

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It’s always unfortunate when you lose a tooth. However, tooth loss is more common than you think. Reasons for losing a tooth or a group of teeth are numerous. These commonly include decay, periodontal disease, and trauma – usually due to accidents or contact sports.

It is also important to point out that a missing tooth is no small event for the oral environment. The oral cavity contains many structures (teeth, gums, bones, muscles, etc.) all working in harmony to create a delicately balanced environment geared towards providing all sorts of functions, from chewing to speech and even smiling. One missing tooth disrupts that delicate balance. For that reason, replacing missing teeth is an absolute necessity.

What Happens When a Tooth Goes Missing?

The consequences of losing even one tooth can be disastrous in the long run, including:

1. The neighboring teeth start tilting into the space left by the tooth.
2. The opposing tooth starts elongating to fill that space
3. The muscles of the tongue and cheeks lose their support, and so you end up biting your tongue and cheeks more often
4. Appearance suffers, especially in the front of your mouth.
5. The bone in the area starts to recede.

All that and more eventually lead to the degrading of normal functions of speech and chewing.

So how does one go about replacing missing teeth? There are many options. Dentures are the classic and bridges provide a quick and comfortable solution. And then there are dental implants which have almost all advantages and no drawbacks. So why are dental implants better than dentures, you ask? Let’s explore the marvelous benefits of dental implants.

Teeth Replacement Options

1. Dentures

Old but gold. May be the easiest method of teeth replacement, requiring no surgery and no preparation of the teeth.

2. Bridges

A quick fix for a space left by a lost tooth. It is fixed and comfortable. However, it needs heavy preparation of the teeth which could compromise their strength.

3. Dental Implants

The best tooth replacement option by far, as we’ll explain in a bit.

Why Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?

While dentures are easy to make, they hold certain drawbacks that have been addressed by dental implants. These drawbacks include:

1. Longevity

Dentures usually last about 5 years before needing to be changed. That is because of the bone degradation under them due to the pressure they exert. Implants, on the other hand, strengthen rather than weaken the bone. That’s why they last for at least 15 years – and often longer.

2. Comfort

The biggest disadvantage of dentures is their sheer size which puts pressure on the gums, making them fairly uncomfortable. Implants are smaller, standalone structures that apply no pressure to the gums at all.

3. Need for Maintenance

Dentures require a great number of visits to the dentist for minor adjustments and additions. Implants only need one visit every 6 months for a quick x-ray, and that’s it!

4. Appearance

If the missing tooth is in the front area, dentures are not able to replicate the appearance of natural teeth. However, the crowns over implants are made of porcelain, which can easily mimic the shape and color of the neighboring tooth.

So, as you can see, there are some easy answers to the question of why dental implants are better than dentures. They just keep on giving for years and years.

To consult with one of our oral surgeons about dental implant surgery, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you regain your natural smile!

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Smiling Makes You Feel Good

It has been proven that a smile on your face can relieve anxiety, strengthen your relationships, reduce risk of heart disease, and improve your overall health. When you smile, your brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins that work to fight off stress, depression, and even mild pain. The facial-feedback hypothesis states that when we smile, we flex certain muscles in our face. The movement then tells our brain that we are smiling which initiates the release of endorphins. So, not only does a smile communicate to others how we feel, but it communicates to our own brain as well.

How Does Smiling Affect Your Health?

The physical health benefits that come from smiling are:

• Reduced blood pressure
• Strengthened immune system
• Increased endurance
• Reduced pain
• Reduced risk of heart disease

Finally, smiling has a correlation to a longer life. When we’re stressed out, our heart rate and blood pressure increase. By smiling, we reduce our stress levels – which then reduces our heart rate and blood pressure.

In addition, if you’re trying to increase your athletic endurance, smiling can do a lot more than you would imagine. By smiling through a workout, you are lowering your perceived effort regardless of how hard you’re actually working out. Additionally, our body releases a natural painkiller – endorphins – when we laugh. By smiling through the pain, we release endorphins that communicate to our brain that we’re okay.

A Smile Goes a Long Way

When we smile, it affects those around us through a ripple effect. As mentioned before, smiling is a way to communicate to others how we feel. Smiles are contagious, so when we smile around others, we’re bringing out those helpful endorphins in their brain as well. The same goes the other way. If you surround yourself with others who make you smile, your overall health will start to benefit from it.

Smile Challenge

If you notice yourself having a bad day or week, try to start smiling more to boost your mood. If that doesn’t come easy for you, here are a few tips to help you smile more throughout the day. The first one is to write things that make you smile on 10-20 sticky notes. Put the notes in places where you’ll see them every morning so that you’ll start your day off with a smile. You can also hide them in some of your less common spaces, so you can surprise yourself with a smile. Next, if you catch yourself waiting in a long line or in traffic, see how many people you can get to smile with just your own smile. It’s always enjoyable to be able to put a smile on another’s face!

If your smile would benefit from dental implants, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up a consultation. We’d love to help you regain your natural smile!

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First let’s deal with how it works, then talk about need, and then we’ll discuss what occurs after you get a bone graft.

How Does a Bone Graft Work?

The purpose of a bone graft is for your body to do the repair work. Once the graft has been placed, your body will start to regenerate and grow bone tissue. This will create a strong foundation for future dental work.

When is a Bone Graft Necessary?

A bone graft becomes necessary usually before someone is having dental implant surgery and they have bone loss in their jaw. Bone loss can take place when a tooth is not replaced quickly, or in cases of bone degeneration brought on by age or disease. Dental implants require an adequate amount of bone material to support them. Therefore, a graft may be necessary if you have had a tooth extracted or have a gum disease. The degree of bone loss varies from patient to patient. For that reason, if you happen to have less bone loss than usual you might not require a bone graft. We always take dental x-rays to find out the extent of bone loss.

In addition, if you struggle with gum tissue recession or previous dental infections, a graft might also be necessary. These issues might lead you to experience some degree of bone resorption which can negatively affect your natural teeth. This is also common in regular smokers due to the negative effects smoking has on your bone health.

During the Surgery

The process of the surgery can vary depending on the case and location of the bone needing to be replaced. But generally, the surgery will look like the following steps.

• You will begin by receiving local anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort.
• Once the anesthesia kicks in, your oral surgeon will begin with an incision at the area of the damaged bone.
• We will then prepare the graft and insert it into your jawbone. It is usually secured with either screws, wires, or pins.
• Once the graft is in place, we will close the incision with stitches.

What Happens After Surgery?

It is normal for you to experience some level of pain, swelling, and bruising after surgery. These are all normal side effects that should only last a few days and are managed with antibiotics (if prescribed) and pain relivers. Once you are fully healed from your bone grafts, you will then continue the process for dental implants. Even though you will be feeling better after a week or two, the full healing process can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months.

To find out if you need a bone graft based on your individual circumstances, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up a consultation. We’d love to help you!

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Whether it is a single missing tooth, several opposite or adjacent teeth, front or back teeth, or even an entire row of missing teeth, you can get a dental implant that will restore function and aesthetics. This prosthetic replacement can get you back to a natural looking, beautiful smile.

Now that we’ve gone over the answer to that question, let’s cover some dental implant basics.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

There are three common parts to a dental implant. First, there is the implant device that is directly inserted into the bone. Next, you have the piece (abutment) that connects the device to the last piece which is the denture, or crown, itself. Implants mainly consist of titanium, which allows the bone to bond with it. In addition, it ensures that the bones in your jaw will continue to grow. This process is called osseointegration and keeps your teeth strong and durable with no discomfort once healed.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants have many benefits. If you have a tooth in need of replacement, here are several benefits to keep in mind.

• Implants can keep the surrounding teeth protected and in line.
• When a tooth is missing, the jawbone from the missing area begins to deteriorate. Since an implant replaces the root along with the tooth, it provides the correct stimulation for the bone to grow.
• Facial sagging can also be an effect from bone loss, which can be prevented with dental implants.
• Dental implants do not decay like natural teeth, and therefore cannot develop any cavities.
• Overall, the best benefit to dental implants is their natural appearance and ability. Implants restore full chewing ability, speech, and overall oral health.

Most patients are not even able to tell the difference between their natural teeth and the implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Just like our natural teeth, with good home care they can last a long time. Making sure to properly brush and floss while maintaining good oral hygiene is key to keeping them in good shape. Also, you should keep up your regular visits with a dental provider to monitor the health of the implants. Your dentist should be able to advise you on their care and also clean them.

In addition, since implants are titanium, a bio-compatible metal, they are not toxic. For that reason, the body does not reject them. Therefore, they could potentially last a lifetime if properly cared for.

How Can I Know if Dental Implants are My Best Option?

If you have any type of missing tooth, dental implants can work for you. As previously mentioned, they can help keep your other teeth from moving and restore your smile in no time. Implants are not always your only option, especially depending on your finances. However, the best way to know what is most suitable for your situation is to visit your dental provider. They will go over your medical and dental history, as well as your current oral health. You should discuss all your needs and concerns with them so they can help you choose the best option.

So, Which Teeth Can Dental Implants Replace?

None, if you don’t see an oral surgeon who can perform the replacement surgery! For that reason, as soon as you lose a tooth, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you restore your smile.

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Let’s look into the various types of pre-prosthetic oral surgery together.

The 5 Main Types of Pre-prosthetic Oral Surgery

1. Bone Smoothing & Reshaping

We typically perform this type of pre-prosthetic surgery on patients who will receive a dental implant. The goal of this procedure is to create a smooth and even surface on the jawbone for the implant. During surgery, we remove any rough or uneven areas or add bone grafting material to the area to build it up.

2. Removal of Excess Bone

In some cases, patients may have too much bone in a particular area of the jaw, which can make it difficult to place a dental implant. In these cases, a surgeon will remove the excess bone to create a more appropriate surface for the implant.

3. Bone Ridge Reduction

Some patients may have a high or prominent jaw ridge. This is normal. However, its prominence may make placing a dental implant more difficult. For that reason, a surgeon may choose to remove a portion of the ridge to even out the surface.

4. Removal of Excess Gum Tissue

In some cases, patients may have too much gum tissue in a particular area of the mouth. However, this excess can make it difficult to place a dental implant. In these cases, a surgeon will remove the excess tissue to make room for the implant to take hold effectively.

5. Exposure of Impacted Teeth

Some teeth may be impacted or unable to fully emerge from the gums due to lack of space. In these cases, your surgeon will make a small cut in the gums to reveal the impacted tooth. Then, if needed, we may reposition the tooth in the correct position. Another name for this procedure is “tooth eruption.”

These are some examples of pre-prosthetic oral surgeries. However, there may be other types of oral surgery that a specific patient may need – depending on the case. These surgeries prepare the patient’s mouth for the implant, thereby making it easier for it to fit for effective use. Remember, our first goal is to improve your oral health!

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact IOSC today at (423) 296-8210.

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