Dental implants are artificial tooth roots crafted from titanium, a metal that is well tolerated by the human body and rarely causes rejection.
The titanium root is carefully embedded into the jawbone to form a secure foundation for replacement teeth.
The bone is then given time to heal around it until it gains sufficient strength to hold the prosthetic teeth, usually between 3 to 6 months, depending on certain factors.
Once securely fitted in place, a replacement crown is either cemented to or screwed into the implant.
The two main qualifying factors that are taken into account by your dentist when considering dental implants are healthy gums and sufficient bone to adequately support the prosthetic teeth.
Even in extreme cases where there is insufficient bone, dentists are now able to rebuild enough to accommodate an implant.
Most people will qualify for this form of treatment, although some complications may be encountered by patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis or a bleeding disorder if they are not managed properly.
These are all things that will be discussed at length during your initial consultation.
Your dentist will be able to advise you after a thorough examination of your mouth, as well as some x-rays to see the condition of the underlying bone.
It is also vital that you understand the importance of maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene following the procedure, as the long term success of your implants depends on this.
With meticulous oral hygiene, you can expect your dental implants to last between 10 and 20 years, or even longer, depending on their positioning in the mouth and resultant wear and tear.
Despite the invasive nature of implants, any pain or discomfort of the procedure is surprisingly minimal since it is usually performed under local anesthesia.
As is the case with many dental procedures, some discomfort can be expected after the sedation has worn off, however this can be managed with topical analgesics and/or pain relief medication.
During this time, some find it easier to stick to softer foods.
A concern of many people considering dental implants is the prospect of being toothless during the extended healing period.
Temporary replacements offer a functional solution and will look almost as natural as the permanent implant.
Dental implants offer an much better alternative to suffering with ill-fitting dentures, unsightly gaps from missing teeth or even disfigurement due to trauma or illness.
Securely fitted, they will look and feel so much like your own teeth that over time you may even forget they are there.
The titanium root is carefully embedded into the jawbone to form a secure foundation for replacement teeth.
The bone is then given time to heal around it until it gains sufficient strength to hold the prosthetic teeth, usually between 3 to 6 months, depending on certain factors.
Once securely fitted in place, a replacement crown is either cemented to or screwed into the implant.
The two main qualifying factors that are taken into account by your dentist when considering dental implants are healthy gums and sufficient bone to adequately support the prosthetic teeth.
Even in extreme cases where there is insufficient bone, dentists are now able to rebuild enough to accommodate an implant.
Most people will qualify for this form of treatment, although some complications may be encountered by patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis or a bleeding disorder if they are not managed properly.
These are all things that will be discussed at length during your initial consultation.
Your dentist will be able to advise you after a thorough examination of your mouth, as well as some x-rays to see the condition of the underlying bone.
It is also vital that you understand the importance of maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene following the procedure, as the long term success of your implants depends on this.
With meticulous oral hygiene, you can expect your dental implants to last between 10 and 20 years, or even longer, depending on their positioning in the mouth and resultant wear and tear.
Despite the invasive nature of implants, any pain or discomfort of the procedure is surprisingly minimal since it is usually performed under local anesthesia.
As is the case with many dental procedures, some discomfort can be expected after the sedation has worn off, however this can be managed with topical analgesics and/or pain relief medication.
During this time, some find it easier to stick to softer foods.
A concern of many people considering dental implants is the prospect of being toothless during the extended healing period.
Temporary replacements offer a functional solution and will look almost as natural as the permanent implant.
Dental implants offer an much better alternative to suffering with ill-fitting dentures, unsightly gaps from missing teeth or even disfigurement due to trauma or illness.
Securely fitted, they will look and feel so much like your own teeth that over time you may even forget they are there.
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