Dental Implants

July 20, 2020 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

When Should You Get a Dental Implant?

For those struggling with problems with natural teeth, one question can become paramount: “Should I have an endodontist treat my tooth with a root canal, or should I consider getting a dental implant?”

The decision-making process related to a dental implant involves many factors. However, there are numerous situations in which a dental implant is clearly a strong choice to rectify your dental challenges, some of which are discussed below.

Situations That Support Choosing A Dental Implant

Earlier attempts to save your natural tooth have been unsuccessful. If your natural tooth continues to have serious infection issues after a root canal or a root canal retreatment, it may be time to consider an implant.
You have had gum disease around the impacted tooth/teeth. The declining health of your gums can damage your periodontal ligament, which plays a crucial role in attaching the roots of your tooth to your jaw. If the ligament cannot regenerate itself successfully, it becomes much harder to retain a natural tooth.
You are not a strong candidate for a fixed bridge or a partial set of dentures. If you are struggling with one or several teeth adjacent to each other, it might seem more cost-effective to try a fixed bridge or partial dentures. However, not everyone can tolerate the feel of dentures and the care they require, and the alterations required for a fixed bridge require the adjacent teeth to be structurally sound.
Your natural tooth is already gone. If you have already lost your tooth, a dental implant can play a key role in preventing further tooth loss and bone deterioration in the jaw. Unreplaced teeth can cause the remaining teeth to crowd together and can obviously interfere with clear speaking or eating a normal diet.
You are in danger of losing an entire arch of natural teeth. In some cases, the more natural teeth you have that are in poor shape, the less likely a solution other than a dental implant will work. Dental implants can be customized to replace anything from one tooth to an entire arch of teeth.

“The question of how to treat failing natural teeth has an answer unique to each patient,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “We can perform in-depth examinations and provide evidence-based treatment plans whether a dental implant, a root canal, or another type of intervention will provide the best long-term results.”

April 22, 2020 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

How Long Does It Take Dental Implants to Heal?

When considering dental implants, you can expect your endodontist to allow three to six months for healing, after placing the implant and before placing a permanent restoration on top of the tooth. The implant and its crown will take the place of your natural tooth. There are several factors influencing how quickly a dental implant will heal, and their interplay determines how quickly you can expect the process to be finished.

What Influences The Dental Implant Healing Process?

Bone loss in the area of the jaw receiving the implant. If the dental implant is replacing a missing tooth, or if the natural tooth being extracted was damaged, the bone density at the implant site may not be sufficient to allow the metal implant post and the jawbone to grow together. A bone graft may be required to prepare the site before the implant can be placed. In this case, the implant may require up to six months of healing before a permanent restoration can be placed on top of it.
Location of the natural tooth being replaced by the dental implant. A dental implant intended to replace a front tooth with its small roots will generally take less time to heal than back teeth or teeth with longer roots.
The presence of gum disease or infection in the natural tooth to be replaced. Active infection in a tooth or gum disease near the implant site will require a longer healing period because the infection or disease must first be controlled and healed.

Often, a temporary restoration such as a crown can be placed on a dental implant while it is healing. This is an option when it will not endanger the integration process, which will be evaluated by your endodontist.

“Two of the most important phases of the dental implant process are the diagnostic and planning stages,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Careful examination of the current state of a patient’s teeth and gums can help us provide a more accurate healing timeline.”

February 20, 2020 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Can You Do a Dental Implant in One Day?

Sometimes to get the right answer about your oral health, you have to ask the right question. If your question is “Is it possible to perform a dental implant in one day?” the answer is a definite yes. However, if your question is “Can I have a dental implant done in one day?” the answer is a solid maybe.

Over the past few decades, dental implants – whether to replace one tooth or an entire arch of teeth – have become a popular alternative to dentures. However, a dental implant is a complex procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will need to conduct a thorough examination of the state of your teeth and gums to determine if a single-day implant would be successful for you in the long term.

Factors That Determine Whether A Single-Day Implant Process Is Possible

How many natural teeth need to be replaced. The greater the number of failing or missing natural teeth, the more pre-treatment assessment planning it will take to ensure the success of a single-day implant. If failing teeth are to be extracted at the same time as the dental implants are placed, this will also impact how your dental team approaches the procedure.
The bone density of your jaw. Dental implants are secured by metal posts or fixtures that are placed in your jawbone. If you need numerous implant posts to support the crowns that will replace your lost teeth above the gumline, you may need to undergo bone grafts to increase bone density.
Your gums and remaining teeth must be healthy. For a single-day dental implant procedure to succeed, your mouth should be free of gum disease and infected or damaged teeth.
You can commit to a significant healing period after your single-day implant is delivered. After a dental implant procedure, you must carefully watch what you consume for six to eight weeks, while your implants integrate into your jaw.

“Advancements in both technology and dental implant techniques allow us to place dental implants faster and with far less discomfort than ever before,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, an endodontist in practice at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our staff can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and provide an accurate estimate of how long your dental implant may take to complete.”

December 22, 2019 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

How Soon After Tooth Extraction Can You Have a Dental Implant?

While it’s often possible to save an injured or infected tooth, sometimes extraction is the best option. In those cases, it is important to replace the tooth as soon as possible with a dental implant. If gaps from extracted teeth are left as is, the interaction between the remaining teeth, the jawbone, and gums is disrupted. The jaw can lose bone density, causing it to shrink. Gums can pull away from the remaining teeth, and the teeth may loosen and move into the gap left by the extraction.

How Soon Can I Have A Dental Implant After A Tooth Is Removed?

The answer to how long you will have to wait for a dental implant after a tooth extraction – and how long the implant process will take to complete – depends largely on where the extracted tooth was located and the general state of your oral health.

Front teeth that had no infection at the time of extraction and had small roots (such as an incisor or canine) may be able to receive the dental implant the day that the tooth is removed. A crown can be placed on top of the implant in a few months, after the implant has integrated into the jaw bone. If the tooth in question was a back tooth, or had longer roots, it may be necessary to wait two or three months after extraction to place the dental implant. If the extracted tooth was infected, this can delay the placement of the dental implant even longer, in order to allow the site of the extraction to heal fully.

Bone loss in the jaw can cause a cascade of problems after a tooth is extracted, and if a patient’s bone density at the site of the extraction is low enough, they will likely require a bone graft. Sometimes the amount of bone to be grafted is significant enough that it will require several months for the graft to be integrated into the jaw bone. At other times, the amount to be grafted is small enough that it can be done at the same time the implant is placed.

“When preparing to provide a dental implant, it is important not to rush to place the implant,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, an endodontist practicing with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our dental specialists can conduct a thorough examination and discuss the factors that will influence the timeline of your dental implant process.”

August 19, 2019 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Risk management is a key part of our everyday lives. When it comes to managing dental health, patients want to be sure that a recommended procedure is safe as well as effective. In the past couple of decades, dental implants have become a popular option for replacing missing or failing teeth. Many people, though, question whether implants are the best choice for their oral health challenges.

While dental implants are not the right choice for every individual, they are in many cases a safe, effective restoration. Their record for safety extends beyond the immediate period after the implantation and has been well-documented for patients with a variety of oral health situations.

Factors That Make Dental Implants A Safe Choice

Dental implants are unlikely to impact the rest of your mouth. When only one or a few teeth are failing, fixed bridges may be suggested as an alternative to an implant. However, unlike a bridge, dental implants do not require the adjacent natural teeth to be altered. Implants are impervious to tooth decay. They are also unlikely to cause gum disease if a patient follows a normal daily oral health care regimen.
Dental implants have proven to be safe for most adults who can undergo an extraction or other oral surgical procedures. Two key factors in determining if dental implant surgery is appropriate are gum health and the amount of bone density in the jaw. If a candidate for dental implants has healthy gums, has adequate bone density, and lacks any serious underlying systemic health condition, the implant procedure is usually considered safe.
Dental implants, like root canals, have a very high long-term success rate. Longitudinal studies have shown that dental implants have a success rate of around 98 percent. What this means is that if you take care of your dental implant properly, it could last for decades, if not the rest of your life.

“When evaluating a patient to receive a dental implant, our practice considers many factors. When the circumstances are right, implants are a safe choice to replace missing or failing teeth,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, an endodontist practicing at the Phoenix Endodontic Group.

June 25, 2019 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Is It Painful To Get A Dental Implant?

As more people consider dental implants when natural teeth cannot be saved, some patients may wonder what level of discomfort to expect. This is a complex question, as some people need tooth extractions, sinus lifts, or bone grafts in conjunction with a dental implant. However, there are some general guidelines to how much pain is “normal” when you have a dental implant, and what kind of pain warrants a call to your dentist or endodontist.

When You Might Experience Pain During The Dental Implant Process

During the implant procedure itself: This is possible, but not common, because your dentist will use the best type of anesthesia for your circumstances. This can include heavy local anesthesia and/or some type of sedation.
After getting a dental implant: Once the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to experience swelling for the first three to four days after your operation and some pain may remain for as long as 7-10 days.
If you had teeth extracted, a bone graft, or a sinus lift with your dental implant: All of these procedures can result in additional discomfort.
If you experience complications during the healing process: If your post-op swelling goes away and then returns accompanied by pain, this may indicate you have an infection. Call your implant surgeon or endodontist – they may ask you return to be examined or may write you a prescription for an antibiotic.

Things You Can Do To Reduce Post-Operative Pain

Take pain relievers as prescribed. Your dental implant provider will likely send you home with a prescription for ibuprofen or another pain reliever.
Reduce swelling and pain with cold packs. Apply a cold pack or even a bag of frozen peas to the area of your cheek over the implant site. Avoid skin irritation by wrapping the cold pack in a thin cotton washcloth.
Bathe the gums covering your implant with warm salt water. Do not swish! Hold the water in your mouth near the implant site, then spit it out gently. Repeat several times in a row, every few hours, for the first one to three days after your surgery.

“Dental implants can be a safe, durable, permanent solution for improving your oral health,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, an endodontist practicing at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our staff can provide you with a comprehensive overview of how we can work together to minimize your pain during and after the implant surgery.”

March 25, 2019 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

When teeth are injured, infected, or structurally damaged, it can be challenging to determine the best path back to oral health. Sometimes endodontists can save natural teeth with root canals. When teeth are beyond saving, dental implants are an option. Implants are safe, remain securely in your mouth 24/7, and help prevent further jawbone loss. Properly cared for dental implants can last many years.

What The Research Says About Dental Implant Longevity

Dental implants have been used reliably for more than 50 years. Implants are recognized as more effective than many types of bridgework.
Root canal treatments and dental implants have similar levels of durability. Both restorations have a success rate of about 95 percent over post-implant periods as long as 16 years.
Pre-implant oral health and post-implant oral care impact dental implant longevity. The best candidates for implants have healthy gums and enough jawbone density for support. Heavy smokers or patients with systemic conditions like diabetes must be evaluated for implants on a case-by-case basis. Following dental implant surgery, caring for the implant like a natural tooth is critical to ensuring its long-term endurance.
Teeth grinding threatens dental implant success. The forces involved in grinding (bruxism) can damage the implant. Patients with bruxism who use a night guard or take other steps to control their teeth grinding can expect a better success rate.

“The choice to get dental implants should rest on the health of the teeth in question, the health of the patient, and their commitment to post-procedure upkeep,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Like root canals, the procedure has a high success rate under the right conditions.”

January 23, 2019 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

How Soon After Tooth Extraction Can You Have A Dental Implant?

When an injured or infected tooth cannot be saved, it’s natural to want to rush toward the next treatment step. If your choice to treat your failing tooth is a dental implant, your first question may be how long you have to wait after the extraction to get your dental implant. Just as every person’s mouth is unique, the timeline for their dental implant will be individualized. Several factors determine the length of time between extraction and implantation.

What Can Impact Your Dental Implant Timeline?

Number of teeth extracted. If one or two teeth are being extracted, it may be possible to proceed to an implant more quickly than if an entire arch of teeth are being removed.
The health of your gums. If you have periodontal disease in addition to your compromised natural tooth, your dentist will want to improve the health of your gums before your implant.
Whether you will need a bone graft to strengthen your jaw. If you have experienced bone loss in your jaw, you will likely need a bone graft to ensure the implant will be successful.
The method of implantation your dentist has chosen. Extraction and implantation can be done the same day, but this requires a great deal of pre-planning and coordination between your dental professionals, as well specific criteria for your oral health. If a bone graft is needed, the implantation may need to allow for a healing period.
How quickly the implant bonds to your jaw bone. Once your jaw is strong enough to accept a dental implant, the implant post will be placed. The process of osseointegration (the bone integrating with the implant) is what secures the implant and allows your new tooth to have a solid foundation.

“Dental implants have a high success rate, but only if the treatment is delivered in a way that meets the individual’s oral health needs,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “If you have questions about how your procedure will unfold, ask your provider for a comprehensive explanation.”

November 28, 2018 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Am I A Good Candidate For A Dental Implant?

Dental patients with teeth that are seriously compromised by illness, injury, or decay are usually aware that extraction by itself is rarely the best option. If you are experiencing serious tooth trouble, you may be wondering whether a root canal or a dental implant would be the better solution.

At Phoenix Endodontic Group, our practice is dedicated to saving natural teeth through root canal treatments and related procedures. However, there are times when a tooth simply cannot be saved through endodontic treatment. When that is the case, our practice may recommend a dental implant for the patient.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Dental Implant?

A patient who has a lower level of dental anxiety or phobia. Tooth extraction and implant surgery are more complex procedures than root canal treatment. If anxiety issues do exist, they should be discussed during preparation for the implant. We can develop a care plan for patients experiencing dental anxiety.
A patient with strong periodontal (gum) health. By the time the “root canal or dental implant” crossroads has been reached, many patients already are struggling with advanced gum disease, but the healthier the gums are, the greater the likelihood the procedure will go smoothly.
A patient who has not experienced significant bone loss in the jaw. Bone grafts can be done to strengthen a jaw before it receives an implant, but this may result in an additional procedure.
A patient who can commit to a lengthy implantation/recovery process. Traditional dental implants require several months to complete. The portion of the implant inserted into the jaw must be allowed to integrate with the bone before placement of an artificial tooth is possible.

“Dental implants and root canals both have high levels of success and patient satisfaction,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, an endodontist who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Your dental team can determine which treatment route is better for your individual circumstances.”

October 24, 2016 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

4 Myths About Dental Implants

Dental implants have been offered in recent years as a panacea for fixing the problem of ailing teeth. However, the reality when it comes to treating a badly injured or infected tooth is more complex. Both endodontic procedures such as root canals and dental implants have their proper place – your dental care team can help determine what treatment will be most effective for you.

Here are four common myths related to dental implants, and the factual situation in each case.

Myths related to dental implants and root canal treatments

Myth #1: The best thing to do in all cases with an injured or infected tooth is to replace it with a dental implant.

There are a range of factors that will determine if a dental implant or a root canal is the best way to proceed. Although dental implants would appear at first glance to permanently resolve the issue with a troubled tooth, they can also cost more and require more visits to the dentist to complete. Most root canal treatments, which remove inflamed pulp and clean, fill and seal the inside of the tooth, can be accomplished in a single visit and are virtually painless.

Myth #2: Dental implants have a higher success rate than root canals.

A number of studies have shown both dental implants and root canals can have success rates of more than 95 percent. Currently, both procedures are considered excellent choices for treating an ailing tooth, and decisions to go with one procedure over the other should be based on factors related to an individual’s unique situation.

Myth #3: If you have a root canal and it fails, you need to have an extraction done and a dental implant placed.

Not necessarily. Root canals can fail for reasons that include damage to the crown protecting the treated tooth, additional tooth decay, or hidden canals that were not properly cleaned and filled the first time. However, endodontic retreatments of root canals can successfully restore the natural tooth to health in as many as 75% – 88% of all cases.

Myth #4: Your endodontist can’t help you if you need an implant.

Actually, the American Association of Endodontists has released a position statement affirming that if a endodontist determines a tooth must be extracted and a dental implant placed, he or she may proceed with the extraction and the placement of the implant if it is in the best interest of the patient.

“The decision whether to save a natural tooth or to proceed with an extraction and dental implant can be a difficult one,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Your endodontist can help you sort through your options and make the best decision for your individual health needs.”