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Information on Dental
Implants
A regular dental implant is
a small titanium screw-like fixture that works 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. Once the
placement is completed, the implant has to connect – fuse -- with the bone which can take a couple of
weeks after the surgery. Treatment time – the time when your implants are first
inserted and later when the prosthetic can be implanted -- will vary depending on your situation.
Sometimes it is possible to get normally functioning and esthetic looking teeth
within a few days. In some situations, it may be necessary to wait a longer
time period before completing the restoration.
Dental implants can be used
to replace a single lost tooth or a number of missing teeth. Implant teeth
look, feel and function like natural teeth as well as preserve the integrity of
a facial structure and improve the look and function of a jaw. Once the screw-like fixture is safe and the
implant has fused with the bone, a dentist will screw in an actual implant that
is made to look and replace natural tooth.
Anyone who is missing one or
more of their teeth due to injury, disease, or decay may be a candidate for
dental implants. Occasionally, if there’s a number of teeth missing, dental
implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace them. Wonder if you’re the right candidate for
dental implants? If you’re healthy
enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive
dental implants. Also, your dentist
will study your family and your medical history in order to make final decision
about replacing your teeth.
According to dental
professionals patients report that there is little discomfort and that they
were much more comfortable following the procedure then they expected to
be. Anesthesia and patient sedation
are used to eliminate any discomfort during the procedure itself. There may be some discomfort after the
procedure but this is usually minimal and can be significantly reduced with
some pain killers. See if you can talk
to former patients to get their take on this.
There are so 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.
Your new, implanted teeth will also protect the remaining teeth and your
jawbone.
The biggest disadvantage is that the dental
implants are quite costly – the fees vary across the office but are usually
more than $1,200 and there may be additional costs depending on the difficulty
of the procedure.
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