Inferior Alveolar Nerve Repositioning

Nerve repositioning may be needed for inferior alveolar nerve runs through the lower jaw before placing dental implant. This nerve gives sensation to the lower lip and chin. If there is significant bone loss in the lower jaw placing there is high risk of damage to this nerve while placing dental implant. Your dentist may consider nerve repositioning if he or she considers there is a risk of damage to the nerve while placing dental implant.

Reasons to replace missing teeth are:

• For self confidence as missing teeth especially the front teeth can make you conscious about it.

• To prevent loss of bone from where the teeth are missing.

• Tooth loss can affect chewing and the foods that you are able to eat.

• Your bite (the way your teeth come together) can get affected by tooth loss and it can lead to problems in temporomandibular joint.

• Tooth/teeth loss can affect your speech and self-confidence.

Types of implants

Currently several types of implants are used. Some commonly used types of implants are root form, blade form, Ramus frame and subperiosteal implants. For a dental implant to be successful it should fuse with the jaw bone (a process called osseointegration). The metal titanium is accepted well as part of the body and it gets well bonded with bone.Root-form implants: It is most commonly used type of implant and is made of titanium. It is looks like a small cylinder or screw. The implant is inserted in the jawbone and after it fuses with the bone a metal collar called an abutment is attached to it. The crown, denture or bridge is eventually attached to the abutment.

Success

Success rate of dental implants is very good. According to studies root-form implants are successful in more than 90% of patients. Problem with these implants usually occur within the first year after insertion. However dental implant cost much more than standard dental restoration procedures.

Advantages of implants include

• They feel more natural than crowns, bridges or dentures as they are imbedded in your bone.

• They are more convenient as compared to other dental restorations such as the standard crowns, bridges or dentures.

• They make chewing and eating more comfortable as compared to dentures.

• As they look like your natural teeth, you feel more comfortable with them especially if they are on the front teeth.

• They do not affect speech but at times regular dentures can affect your speech

Who Is an Implant Candidate

Dental implants are becoming a more popular option to replace missing tooth/teeth. However implants can not be placed in everyone who wants it. Your dentist after examining you will tell if you are suitable to get an implant. Some considerations before an implant are:

• You should be in good health
• You should have healthy gums
• There should be enough bone in the jaw to allow an implant to be placed in.
• You should be ready to take good care of the implanted teeth and surrounding gums. You will have to maintain good oral hygiene by daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for cleaning.
• Regular follow-up with your dentist is important.

People who are not good candidates for implants include:

• Children whose jawbones are still growing
• Pregnant women
• Heavy smokers as smoking interfere with healing and can decrease the chance of implant success.
• Excessive use of alcohol or substance abusers
• Patients who have been administered high-dose irradiation to the head or neck
• People with chronic diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, connective-tissue diseases, hemophilia and certain immune deficiencies
• Patients on medications that suppress the immune system such as steroids, immunosuppressant
• People with severe bruxism (who severely grind or clench their teeth)

Your dentist after examining you will decide whether you can receive implants.

Being Evaluated

If you want an implant your dentist after examining you will decide whether you can receive implants. Implant therapy involves more than one dental professional in your treatment.
An oral surgeon or a periodontist will place the implant in your jaw bone.

A prosthodontist or general dentist will make crowns, bridges or dentures to be placed on the implant.

The oral surgeon and the prosthodontist or general dentist after examining you will coordinate the treatment and decide how many implants are needed and when and where they should be placed.

Initial evaluation before placing an implant includes

• Examination of mouth and teeth
• Detailed review of your medical and dental histories
• X-ray of the teeth and jaws
• Computed tomography (CT) scan if needed

After examining you your dentist will discuss the treatment options for you and the cost of treatment.