This four-part article series provides a comprehensive FAQ guide to dental implants, what they are, how they work and the various options available to patients who have lost one, several or most of their teeth. Welcome back to our four-part article series in which “All On 4” oral specialists address patients’ frequently asked questions on dental implants. In our previous article, the second installment of the series, we looked at the various additional factors that play a role in the healing success of dental implants, such as the skill of the oral surgeon and jawbone quality. We also discuss just what Stratford dental implants are and how this ingenious tooth replacement technology works. In this article, we shall introduce to you the different healthcare professionals that are qualified in the placement of dental implants before focusing on some of the common concerns and fears expressed by prospective patients. “Who do I go to see if I need dental implants?”

The specialists that are qualified in the placement of Stratford dental implants go by a variety of titles, including an oral surgeon, implantologist or periodontist. They have all received the necessary qualifications and training and undergone the necessary clinical time to successfully replace single and multiple missing teeth with dental implants. After surgery, another specialist will take over - a prosthodontist or restorative dentist - who is responsible for custom fabricating the restoration or overlaying appliance supported by the dental implant. This could either be a ceramic crown (single tooth replacement) or a fixed prosthetic bridge (full arch replacement).

“Is there a restriction on age for getting dental implants?” The great thing about dental implants and the advanced protocol used to place them (such as the “All On 4™”) is that age simply isn’t considered a factor when determining whether a patient is a candidate or not. “All On 4™” implant specialists have performed complete oral rehabilitation on patients who are well into their 90’s with fantastic success! As long as there is sufficient bone volume in the jaw and a patient is in good health, age is not a factor. “What factors can prevent me from being considered a candidate for dental implants?”

A dental implant specialist will only turn a patient away under extraordinary circumstances. In almost 100% of cases, there is a solution to be tailored. However, the following medical conditions may make surgery too dangerous or the risk of complications and implant failure too great for candidacy to be considered:

• Uncontrolled diabetes, • Blood disorders (E.g. clotting disorders),

• Low nerve bundles or sinus cavities (too close to surgical site to risk damaging) • Radiation therapy or chemotherapy, • Bone marrow cancer,

• Parathyroid disorders, • Rare bone disorders,

• Insufficient jawbone volume or bone that is of a poor quality (too porous or brittle). “Can dental implants be used to replace your teeth if you’ve lost ALL of them?” Absolutely! In fact, the sophisticated dental implant protocol, the “All On 4™”, is regarded as the standard of care for patients who have lost most, if not all of their original adult teeth or who have a failing dentition. Through the strategic placement of only four dental implants in the bulkier and more atrophy-resistant regions of the jawbone, fixed support can be provided for a fully customized prosthetic dental bridge. This bridge looks, feels and works similar to a complete set of natural teeth and doesn’t come with the challenges and daily expenses associated with removable dentures. Stay Tuned for Part 4!

For some final frequently asked questions about getting new teeth with Stratford dental implants stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series!