Implants
From the ADA Web Site
If you are self-conscious because
you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don't want to
have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, talk to your dentist to see
if dental implants are an option for you.
Dental implants are a popular and
effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your
other teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile.
In fact, the development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in
dentistry in the past 40 years. Dental implants are made up of titanium and
other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that
are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy
anchor for replacement teeth.
Most
patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable and a good replacement
for their own tooth. There are generally three phases to getting an implant:
·
First, the dentist surgically places
the implant into the jawbone. Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods,
cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
·
Next, the bone around the implant
heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is
that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration
means “combines with the bone” and takes time. Some patients might need to wait
until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before
replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the
implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
·
Finally, it’s time for the placement
of the artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, your dentist will
customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based
on size, shape, color and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other
teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or
dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants. (Note: The
replacement teeth usually take some time to make. In the meantime, your dentist
may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak
normally until the permanent replacement is ready.)
If you are interested in dental
implants, it's a good idea to discuss it carefully with your dentist first. If
you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. In
fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically
evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes
or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these
issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow
healing.