Dental Implant Surgery by Dr. William Chong
Dental Implant Surgery by Dr. William Chong graduated with distinction from the National University of Singapore in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Medicine and an MSc in operative dentistry. During his training, he awarded the Silver Medals of the Malaysian and Singapore Dental Associations. Additionally, he won the University Bronze Medal for being the second overall student in the National University of Singapore Final Professional Examination. He later went on to receive his Fellowship in dental surgery from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Sydney, Australia. After a Master of Science in Dentistry, he has remained committed to dental practice and implant surgery.
Cost of Dental Implants
A dental implant cost determined by several factors. A single implant can cost as much as $4,800, while a full set of dental implants can cost as much as $21,000. These prices do not include any discounts or additional procedures. Implants are best suited for patients who are completely edentulous, but others may be good candidates.
Success Rate of Dental Implants
While the success rate of dental implant surgery is high, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Some conditions, such as periodontal disease and smoking, can prevent dental implants from working. However, there are some general guidelines for candidates who are suitable for the procedure.
Special Aftercare Regimen
Implants require several months of healing time. Patients must make sure to follow a special aftercare regimen. During the first few days after the surgery, patients should avoid eating hard foods and refrain from taking certain medications. The surgery site will swell and may feel a little sore. It is possible to have a healing abutment placed to prevent having to go through another procedure.
Full Arch of Replacement Teeth
For those who are missing most of their teeth, an All-on-4 treatment is an excellent option. In this procedure, four dental implants are used to support a full arch of replacement teeth. Patients with limited bone structure may benefit from this treatment because the rearmost implants are placed at an angle to maximize bone structure.
Bone Density Required For Dental Implants
Bone density is essential to dental implants. Without it, your jaw will become brittle. Losing a tooth also decreases bone density, making insertion of the implant more difficult. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of losing bone density by maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist regularly. If you experience a loss of bone density, you may require bone grafting to receive a dental implant.
Patients are Naturally Endowed
Not all patients are naturally endowed with the bone density needed to support an implant. For this reason, patients who have a missing tooth must be willing to undergo surgery. Sometimes, a missing tooth is due to a number of factors, such as a tooth being lost, saving money, or just being too busy to take care of it.
Preparation for Dental Implant Surgery
Before undergoing dental implant surgery, it is important to take the necessary steps for preparing for the procedure. These steps include a thorough physical exam. Patients should also make sure to disclose any known health conditions, particularly any medications. They should also be sure to communicate with their doctor before the surgery.
Importance of Pre-Surgery Sedation
It is important to understand the importance of pre-surgery sedation. Depending on the type of anesthesia, patients should avoid alcohol and smoking 72 hours before the procedure. It is also necessary to take any prescribed sedative medications on the recommended schedule. These medications should take with at least 2 oz. of water, as instructed. Adhering to these guidelines will help the entire procedure go smoothly.
The Risks and Benefits of the Procedure
Dental implant surgery involves a thorough dental exam and x-rays. The dentist will discuss with the patient the pros and cons of the procedure, as well as other options for restoring missing teeth. The dentist will also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as answer any questions that patients may have.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent option for people who are missing one or more teeth. These implants sit on the gums where your teeth used to. They are inexpensive and can remove at any time. If you cannot afford dental implants, you can still get a great smile with removable complete dentures. These dentures can replace missing teeth and can wear during the day or at night.
While dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth, they are expensive. A full mouth of implants in Houston can cost upwards of $3,000 or more. Implants can also damage your jawbone and gums. In these cases, an alternative treatment may be more appropriate.
