Emailing: What are dental implants...the word Implant always frightens me...Lynn:

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WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS ?

A dental implant is a titanium fixture or "root form" which is placed into the jaw and bone. Once healed, the root form supports the attachment of porcelain acrylic teeth. Dental implants look and feel as though they are a natural part of your mouth.

In fact, you will probably forget you have a dental implant once your treatment is complete.

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER DENTAL IMPLANTS ?

There are many reasons to choose dental implant treatment over traditional restorative techniques. There are also many reasons why you should choose the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System over earlier implant systems.

Adjacent teeth are not involved in dental implants. This means that adjacent healthy teeth will not be sacrificed and you will not experience loosening of your teeth due to grinding that may occur with a partial denture. Dental implant treatment stops bone resorption, which occurs when you are missing teeth. Dental implant teeth look and feel just like natural teeth. Replacement of missing teeth allows you to smile and speak with confidence. Dental implant teeth will not slip because they are permanently anchored in your mouth. With the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System you will be able to relax and eat normally, even hard and chewy foods. Dental implants are easy to clean; taking care of them is like taking care of your own teeth. The BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System requires only ONE surgical procedure of approximately 30 minutes duration for a single tooth. With the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System your BIT™ Authorized Dentist controls the entire procedure. Satisfaction in terms of fit, comfort and appearance are therefore assured.

HOW LONG WILL DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT TAKE?

Typically, in a lower jaw the total treatment time will be around 4 months. The upper jaw will take about 7 months. If bone augmentation is required an additional 6 months will be necessary

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS AND/OR COMPLICATIONS OF DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

The chances of complications in dental implant surgery are directly related to the amount of residual bone in the jaw. In the back part of the lower jaw, injuries to a nerve may cause numbness either temporarily or permanently. In the back part of the upper jaw, insufficient bone due to the presence of sinuses may increase the risk of implant failure. During consultation your implant dentist will discuss potential complications with you as well as the ways to minimize these risks.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS EXPENSIVE

Single implants average about $2000.00 each our most basic cases start at $3000.00

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT AND WHAT IS IT MADE OF?

A dental implant is a titanium fixture that is secured to the jaw via a surgical procedure. The implant functions like the root of a tooth and serves as a support for replacement teeth.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM TITANIUM DENTAL IMPLANTS?

No, titanium has been used extensively in orthopedic medicine for many years.

WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT?

Swedish studies report a success rate of 99% in the lower jaw and about 95% in the upper jaw

HOW LONG WILL DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST?

Scientific documentation has been available for over 25 years, with an equally long history of success. Your compliance with post-implant maintenance and good oral hygiene will directly affect the treatment outcome

WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY?

Dental implant surgery is a minor procedure. In general, if you are healthy enough to have a tooth or teeth removed, you are healthy enough to undergo dental implant surgery. Comparatively, it is less traumatic than to have impacted wisdom teeth extracted.

HOW MUCH PAIN IS INVOLVED IN DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT?

Pain perception is a very personal thing and it differs to great extent between individuals. Most people will only require 1 or 2 tablets of Tylenol #3 after the procedure.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I HAVE TO TAKE OFF WORK?

Most people recover in 1 or 2 days. The procedure can be arranged to be done on a Friday, allowing the weekend for recovery

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DENTAL IMPLANTS FAIL?

A failed implant will be loose and is uncomfortable when pressure is applied. The dental implant can be removed by your implant dentist quite easily and a new dental implant can be re-implanted in the same area after 3 months.

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS ?

Dental implant treatment has been available for over thirty years. The BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System is the result of over ten years of research and development. Long term studies show implants are still functioning well after thirty years. Based on formal study outcomes, the overall success rate for the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System is over 95 percent. Problems, if any, tend to present themselves during the early stages, and are typically addressed quickly and effectively at the time they occur.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IMPLANT TREATMENT ?

If you are healthy, you are probably a candidate for dental implant treatment. However, heavy smokers may not be good candidates for treatment. Many people also think age is a determining factor when considering dental implant treatment. However; this is not the case. Dental implants can improve your health by restoring your mouth to a more natural state. Your BIT™ Authorized Dentist will advise you of your suitability and options during the initial consultation.

HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE ?

With the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System treatment time has been reduced considerably. This new advance in implant technology requires only ONE short surgical procedure (approximately 30 minutes for a single tooth), which allows most implant cases to be completed in three to four months.

IS IMPLANT TREATMENT PAINFUL ?

The BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System is one of the most patient friendly systems available today. This system eliminates the need for the traditional second surgical procedure, which usually produced the most discomfort. Generally, implant treatment with the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System is comparable to many other common dental procedures. Most patients return to normal activity the next day and report only mild, manageable discomfort.

HOW MUCH DOES IMPLANT TREATMENT COST ?

While clinical situations vary, straightforward uncomplicated single tooth cases are similar in cost to traditional crown and bridgework. Your BIT™ Authorized Dentist can discuss the cost of treatment with you in more detail, including financing options arranged through your dentist. Typically, such options will allow treatment to be tailored to fit most budgets. Insurance companies generally do not cover the cost of implant treatment, although it is worth consulting your particular insurance company.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED ?

Implant dentistry has advanced rapidly over the last ten years. Your BIT™ Authorized Dentist has had extensive training with the Canadian Dental Implant Institute using the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System. Treatment is now carried out under a local anesthetic in the dental office similar to other dental procedures. Sedation is usually unnecessary and is not recommended.

With the development of the BIT™ One Piece - One Stage™ Implant System treatment procedures and time have been significantly reduced, while the final result is indistinguishable from your natural teeth. The appointment sequence is normally as follows:

1. Record Taking Appointment

Complete examination undertaken, including x-ray. Dental impressions used to prepare treatment plan. Assessment made and reviewed with patient.

2. Implant Placement

Using local anesthetic, the site is prepared. Implant is placed according to treatment plan. Total time for single tooth implant approximately 30 minutes.

3. Healing Process

Approximately one week after implant placement a short visit to inspect the implant and ensure healing process satisfactory.

4. Preparation for Crown

Approximately ten weeks after placement a short visit to inspect healed implant and take final impressions for crown to be made.

5. Installation of Crown

Approximately fifteen days after final impressions a short visit for installation of crown and final polishing of new tooth.

6. Follow-up

Approximately ten days after insertion of crown, a short follow-up visit is scheduled to ensure patient satisfaction and review cleaning and maintenance protocols.

To schedule a consultation call toll free at for the BIT™ Implant Center near you.