What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a special surgical grade titanium post, manufactured to highly precise specifications, under strict sterile conditions. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants are the new standard of care and are the most advanced and natural therapy available to replace missing teeth. Dental implant restorations generally look, feel and act like natural teeth.
What are the advantages of an implant?
Dental implants may offer you important advantages compared to other treatment options: improved health and enhanced appearance, which may lead to greater self confidence and a better quality of life.
Implants can be used to replace one or more teeth without affecting adjacent teeth. They can support a single crown, or even a bridge eliminating the need for a removable partial denture. Implants can also provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
• Offer a more attractive appearance
• Improved speech
• Bone preservation
• Greater comfort
• Greater ability to chew food.
Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants and implant crowns should allow you to live your life as if you had never suffered from missing teeth. When your dental implant treatment is complete, you should be able to chew, speak and socialize without experiencing the negative emotions that having missing teeth can sometimes cause.
Replacing a missing tooth
A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.
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natural tooth root
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dental implant
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Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth (or one needed to be extracted), the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be cut down and the whole thing replaced with a three-crown “bridge”.
Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly good teeth, a dental implant is inserted into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. This implant becomes solidly fixed in your jaw (like a natural tooth root). Your general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
What is the Success Rate of Implants?
After more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants first placed by oral and maxiofacial surgeons in the US continue to still function at peak performance. More importantly, the recipients of those early dental implants are still satisfied they made the right choice. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime
Though the life span of a dental implant will vary with each patient, many have lasted for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleaning, dental implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
Does the procedure hurt?
The discomfort involved with receiving a dental implant is similar to that of having a cavity filled. It is often done under local anesthesia and patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation by your general dentist who will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If he feels dental implants might be possible, he will send you to a periodontist for a placement evaluation.
What can I expect after treatment?
As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!
After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy