A Perfect Smile, Joan's Reconstructive Journey
A 68-year-old woman came to our office with broken teeth and a damaged veneer. She wanted her teeth to look longer, whiter, and prevent further chipping.
				
                        IMPLANTS
Dental implants have a proven longevity with success rates of above 95% over 10 years. It is the only treatment that replaces missing teeth permanently without compromising adjacent teeth. Implants benefit patients who have been unable or unwilling to wear removable or fixed bridges. They can be an excellent source of anchorage for patients with loose or ill-fitting dentures and are both functional and aesthetic.
Implants are more costly than other treatments and require surgery to place the implant. A bone graft or second surgery may be required if bone quantity or quality is insufficient at the implant site.
TREATMENT TIME
PATIENT MAINTENANCE
Ensure you hygienist is aware of the presence of the implant and uses appropriate plastic instruments.
RESULTS OF TREATMENT
AVERAGE RANGE OF TREATMENT LIFE EXPECTANCY
Once successfully integrated into the bone, the implant can last indefinitely, barring infection. The life expectancy of the restoration will be the same as described for a crown: five to fifteen years.
COST
Fees vary based on the difficulty of the procedure, individual variables, history and expectations.
Ref: Change Your Smile, 3rd ed., Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS