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Implant Dentistry and Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small
titanium screw-like fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion
of a missing natural tooth. The dental implant is placed in the bone of the
upper or lower jaw. After the placement,
the implant has to fuse with the bone (titanium is one of the best materials to
integrate with natural bone) which can take a couple of weeks. Treatment time
will vary depending on your situation. It is possible to get well functioning
and esthetic looking teeth within a few days. In some cases it may be necessary
to wait a longer time period before finishing the restoration in order to
obtain the best results.
Dental implants can be used
to replace a single lost tooth or a number. Implant supported replacement teeth
look, feel and function like natural teeth, they preserve the integrity of a
facial structure and improve the look and function of a jaw. Once the screw-like fixture is safe, a
dentist will screw in an actual implant that is made to look and replace
natural tooth.
Basically anyone who is
missing one or more of their teeth due to injury, disease, or decay may be a
candidate for dental implants.
Sometimes if there’s a number of teeth missing dental implants in
conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace them. The rule of thumb is that if you’re healthy enough to have a
tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants.
Additionally, your dentist will study your family and your medical history in
order to make final decision about replacing your teeth.
Dental professionals claim
that most patients report that there is little discomfort and that they were
much more comfortable following the procedure then they anticipated. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to
eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure so there is virtually no
pain during the process of implant insertion.
There may be some discomfort after the procedure but this is usually
minimal and can be significantly reduced – or eliminated – with a help of
painkillers. Also, it is a good idea
to get your doctor to put you in touch with someone who’s had have a tooth
implant procedure done.
Naturally, there are many
benefits of dental implants. The
benefits of implant treatment include improved appearance and self-esteem as
well the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food, and often protection of
your remaining teeth and jawbone.
The only disadvantage is
that the dental implants are quite costly.
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on
several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced as well as the
number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. The fees vary from office to office and
it’s best to ask your particular dentist what they will charge. Typically, an implant costs anywhere from
$1200 to $3000 across the States.
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