DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry. It is now possible to place implants in the jaw, and replace missing teeth. It is important to have an understanding of the benefits and the risks of dental implants.

The placement of dental implants into the jaw involves a surgical procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there is the possibility of complications. These may include the post-operative discomfort, swelling, bleeding, bruising, stiffness of the facial and neck muscles, limited mouth opening and changes in the bite, numbness, tingling or altered feeling of the cheeks, lips, gums, teeth, mouth or face. It is also possible that the jaw may fracture during surgery, or that the body may reject the dental implant. Any of the above complications may necessitate additional surgeries, physical therapy, hospitalizations or bed rest at home.

There are certain medical conditions and medications which may reduce the success of the implants and prosthetics. These may include, but are not limited to diabetes, excessive alcohol use, smoking, blood disorders, immune deficiencies, steroids, and radiation therapy.

Although every effort is made before surgery to determine if there is sufficient bone for dental implants, it is not possible to know for sure that the implants may be placed until the actual surgery has begun. Insufficient bone or irregular bone contours may prohibit the placement of dental implants. It may be possible through additional surgical procedures to correct these problems and appropriate referrals will be taken if necessary.

Mini Implants

Mini implants are considered a "transitional" type of implant which is used for the stabilization of partials and/or dentures. In asmuch as they are a transitional implant, there is a greater possibility of failure. If you do experience failure of a mini implant, you may have the option of replacing the mini implants at a future date, approximately 2-3 months later, or a refund of 1/3 of the cost of placement.

Alternative Treatments

There are other alternatives to dental implants. These may include no treatment at all, construction of a new denture, use of a soft lined denture, partial dentures, fixed bridges and surgical augmentation of the jaw followed by dentures.

Prosthetic Complications

After the surgery, there are other complications which may arise. Even with the utmost care, dental implants may fail and necessitate removal. It is possible that the implants may be placed, due to availability of bone, in areas that require special restorations. The number and size of implants actually placed may dictate the use of removal prosthesis instead of fixed prosthesis.

It is possible that implant metal abutments may be visible after the prostheses are made. Food and saliva may move under and through the space between the prostheses and the gums. Mechanical failure of any of the parts may occur and may require the removal or replacement of the prosthesis. Cosmetic compromises may be necessary depending on the placement of the implants. In some instances the location of an implant may appear good at the time of the surgery, but may not be usable when the prostheses is made.

Although theses complications may occur, every effort will be made to minimize any complications and ensure maximum comfort and success.

Signed:_________________________________________Date:_________________