Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Implants are man-made ‘anchors’ that look like cylinders or screws. They are artificial replacements for natural tooth roots.
Implants are used in upper and lower jaws. They are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They attach to the jawbone and gum tissue to become a stable base for one or more replacement teeth.
How old is dental implant technology?
Dental implants have been used for several decades. More patients are using them as an option to replace missing teeth, according to the American Dental Association. One survey shows that more than 1.5 million implants were placed in a recent year.
Why consider dental implants?
There are plenty of reasons to replace missing teeth. If there’s a noticeable space between teeth when you smile or speak, its likely a cosmetic concern. Some missing teeth also affect speaking or chewing.
If you are self-conscious about having missing teeth or wearing dentures, dental implants may be an alternative that’s right for you. Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth. It offers comfort and stability.
Who can benefit from dental implants?
Patients of all ages have chosen dental implants to replace either a single tooth, several teeth, or to support partial or full dentures. Dental implants help restore the ability to chew food. They help fill out a face that could otherwise look ’sunken’ because of missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are not removed for overnight soaking and cleaning. No adhesives are needed.
What steps are involved with dental implant treatment?
Treatment is generally a three- part process that takes several months. In the first step, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jaw, with the top of the implant slightly above the top of the bone. A screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissue and other debris from entering.
The gum is then secured over the implant, where it will remain covered for approximately 3-6 months while the implant fuses to the bone. There may be some swelling and/ or tenderness for a few days after the surgery, so pain medication is usually prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. A diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup is often recommended during healing.
In the second step, the implant is uncovered and the dentist attaches an extension, called a post, to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post. Once healed, the implant and post can serve as the foundation for the new tooth.
In the third and final step, the dentist makes a custom artificial tooth, called a dental crown, based on a size, shape, color, and fit that will blend with your other teeth. Once completed, the crown is attached to the implant post.
Who’s a good candidate for tooth replacement with implant treatment? You are, if you are in good health and have healthy gums and adequate bone to support an implant. You must be committed to thorough oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy and schedule regular dental visits.
Ask your dentist if implants are an option for you.
Source: American Dental Association
Comments
5 Comments on Dental Implants
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San Luis Obispo Dental Office on
Fri, 18th Dec 2009 11:28 am
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Amandeep on
Tue, 22nd Dec 2009 3:08 pm
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Tijuana Dentist on
Thu, 18th Feb 2010 3:06 am
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Salem ma dental implants on
Tue, 9th Mar 2010 1:29 am
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Joesph Harper on
Wed, 12th May 2010 3:12 am
Great job. Are you know how much you have help not only me but also a number of
friends by putting lost of good dental implant related information at a single place. I guess your hope is to give a pretty smile on lot’s of faces.
Many patients opt for implants, despite the extra cost, because of the feeling of security and permanency they provide. If you have a missing tooth, or are considering changing an existing artificial dental appliance, visit your dentist and ask about dental implants
Dentist India
Good information, nice blog.
Excellent Article.
Dra. Laura Atkinson
Some people may be allergic to some of the material like acrylic used in dentures whereas titanium used in dental implants is bio-compatible.
There are several problems associated with Dental implants Procedure depending upon the skills and qualification of the dentist like San Luis Obispo Dental Office where we provide the perfect art through extensive experience as the Dental implants may be a success or a failure. Hence, one has to be choose about getting to the right dental office.
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