Dental Implants in Maui | Kahului

What are dental implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

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Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Strawn is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.  Dr. Strawn performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Reasons to Get DENTAL IMPLANTS 

Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost.

Titanium dental implants have become the ideal replacement for a missing tooth or teeth.  For the following reasons they are superior to the alternative tooth replacement options.

Strength: Traditional dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloy.  This material is highly resistant to fracture. It can withstand the repeated pressure that comes from chewing even the toughest foods — foods that you might not dare to touch with traditional dentures. It also endures well under forces that cause bending (flexural strength).  

Biocompatibility: If a material is biocompatible, that means it works well within the human body. The titanium alloy used to make dental implants is very biocompatible. It is even capable of bonding with the surrounding bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration. It is thus able to provide the strongest base of support possible for the artificial teeth that go on top of it. 

A High Success Rate : Titanium dental implants have been around since 1965, but their popularity really took off in the 1970s. Thus, researchers have had more than 50 years to analyze their long-term success rate. While the numbers vary from study to study, results consistently reveal that dental implants are successful. In fact, according to some research, their success rate is over 95%. 

Longevity : For the majority of patients who invest in titanium dental implants, they can expect the results of their treatment to endure for decades. In fact, with proper care (including excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups), implants should last an entire lifetime! 

Jawbone Preservation: When a natural tooth goes missing, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate. Over time, it can lose a significant portion of its mass. Because dental implants bond with the bone and act as substitute for a tooth root, they stimulate the surrounding tissue. They can therefore prevent excessive bone loss, which maintains important facial form and structure. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS: 

  • Are dental implants painful?
    • The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the surgery. After the procedure, there might be some discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people report that the recovery is less painful than they expected.
  • How long do dental implants last?
    • With proper care, dental implants can last many years, often 20 years or more. They are designed to be a long-term solution, but their longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene, bone health, and lifestyle habits.
  • Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
    • Most people can get dental implants if they have healthy gums and sufficient bone density in the jaw. However, certain medical conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or severe bone loss, might affect candidacy. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Strawn will determine if implants are right for you.
  • What is the cost of dental implants, and is it covered by insurance?
    • The cost of dental implants can vary widely based on factors like location, the complexity of the case, and the type of implant used. They are often more expensive than other tooth replacement options, but many people find them to be worth the investment. Insurance coverage for implants can vary; some plans offer partial coverage, while others may not cover them at all. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider and discuss financing options with us.

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