What
Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of
a crown (the part you see above the gum), and the root (the
part hidden under the gum, within the jawbone). It is the
root that actually holds the natural tooth in place.
When a person is missing a tooth,
the dentist must decide how to re-create the crown portion,
and he must choose the best method to hold it in place. Dental
implants were created for this purpose.
Dental implants are metallic
cylinders that are placed into the jawbone where original
teeth once existed. These root-like cylinders are used to
secure a replacement tooth in place in a spot where a tooth
is missing. Dental implants can also be used to secure loose
teeth in place by being installed alongside the loose teeth
and anchoring to them with splinted crowns. This will allow
the loose teeth to function better and last longer in the
mouth.
Dental implants are made of
various biomaterials. Most commonly, a surgical metal called
titanium is used, because it is the most compatible with human
biology. They are surgically placed in the jawbone, right
in the dentist’s office, using a local anesthetic. Approved
and tested implant systems are very successful. In fact, some
have lasted more than 20 years with a better than 90% success
rate. Patients who have good oral hygiene and take care of
their new teeth can enjoy implants that last a lifetime.
............................................................................................................................................
Why Do I Need Dental Implants?
People lose one or more teeth for a wide variety of reasons,
including infection, gum disease, accident or injury. When
natural teeth are removed, many problems occur. The remaining
teeth shift, rotate and become crooked. An improper bite will
develop, making it very difficult to chew food properly. Spaces
and gaps between teeth may cause embarrassment, problems with
speech, and lack of self-esteem. Dental implants, when properly
placed, can restore missing teeth, thereby eliminating these
potential problems. People who have teeth replaced with dental
implants report better ability to chew food and eat properly,
renewed confidence while speaking, and better self-esteem.
Self Test:
If you have been thinking about
getting dental implants, you are probably wondering if you
are a possible candidate for this procedure. You can take
this simple test to see if this procedure might help you.
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Am I missing
one, two, or more teeth?
2. Do I hide
my smile because of unsightly spaces between my teeth or because
I am missing teeth?
3. Do I lack
confidence when I smile, speak or eat?
4. Am I having
trouble eating, chewing, or speaking properly?
5. Are my teeth
loose, or am I getting or in need of treatment for advanced
gum disease?
6. Do I have
dentures that slip or cause sore spots when I chew?
7. Do my dentures
need to be relined frequently because of bone resorption?
8. Do I carry
my complete or partial dentures in my pocket or leave them
at home?
9. Am I having
any problems with existing crowns or bridges, either functionally
or cosmetically?
10. Are the
teeth holding my bridge loosening or moving?
11. Can I wait
three to nine months for the entire implant process to be
completed?
12. Will I
be willing to commit to the high standard of home care that
is necessary to properly maintain a dental implant?
13. Will I
follow up with regular dental checkups?
14. Do I believe
that my life could be improved if my teeth were improved?
If you answered ‘yes’
to one or more of these questions, you may be a candidate
for the dental implant procedure.
..................................................................................................................................
How Do
Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants replace the
form and function of missing teeth. They support replacement
teeth in virtually the same way that your natural tooth root
supports your natural teeth.
Various replacement options
are possible:
- Dental implants can be used
to replace a single tooth, so that grinding down or altering
adjacent teeth is no longer necessary.
- Dental implants can be used
as anchors to support a fixed bridge.
- Dental implants can support
loose teeth by being splinted to them.
- Dental implants can support
replacement teeth for an entirely toothless jaw.
- Dental implants can provide
stability for a complete denture, thereby eliminating unsightly
moving and clicking associated with dentures.
Dental Implants are
actually an amazing procedure, actually giving you a second
chance for your teeth!
........................................................................................................................
What Exactly Does the Dental Implant
Procedure Involve?
First, you will need to discuss your options with your
dentist. Together,
it will be decided if you are a good candidate for dental
implants. The
dentist will take a complete dental history, x-rays, and complete
a thorough oral examination.
If you are a candidate for implant surgery, the procedure
is as follows:
 1.
Surgical placement of the implant(s) into the bone. This is
usually done right in the dentist’s office, with a local anesthetic.
After surgery, there is a healing period of approximately
four months. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone
by a process known as ‘osseointegration’.
 2.
Next, there is a minor surgical exposure of the top of the
implant, whereby the dentist will attach the post to the implant.
The function of the post is to become the support for either
one tooth or a set of teeth. This is a short procedure that
usually requires only local anesthesia.
 3.
The last phase is the restorative phase. The dentist will
take impressions and then make a prosthesis that will attach
to the implants. This will require several visits. Once completed,
your mouth will be restored to natural looking, strong teeth.
TEETH
IN AN HOUR - Teeth
In An Hour is a new protocol that allows patients to leave
the office with fixed teeth in less an one hour.
.........................................................................................................................................................
|
