| DENTAL
IMPLANTS |
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What are dental
implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (synthetic titanium material)
that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth in place.
The benefit of using implants is that they don't rely on neighboring teeth
for support, they are permanent and stable.
Implants are a good solution to tooth loss
because they look and feel like natural teeth.
Although it is important that you have enough
bone in the area of the missing teeth/tooth
for the implants to be successfully attached.
Implants are increasingly being used to replace
certain types of bridges and
removable partial dentures.
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before fixture is implanted |
after implant and crown |
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How
are dental implants attached?
This procedure requires surgical implantation into your jaw bone which requires
a three to six month healing period before a crown can
cover the missing tooth or teeth.
During this healing time, the bone grows in
and around the titanium implant creating a
very strong support. After the fixture is implanted
and you are sufficiently healed, a very natural
looking crown is placed on top of the implant. |
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Advantages
of dental implants
As we age, permanent dental replacements like a dental implant become increasingly
important. While dentures and removable bridges are often loose, implants provide
you with teeth that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. |
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Disadvantages
of dental implats
Implants are a major investment and not without risk. It is also a very time
consuming procedure when having multiple implants attached.
Also, most patients experience varying degrees
of discomfort or pain, which should subside
in a matter of days. As with similar types
of surgery, bruising and minor swelling might
also develop shortly after the procedure. |
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An
increasingly viable alternative
Implants are a wonderful, albeit more expensive, alternative to a fixed bridge.
A surgical staff is required and our laboratory must perform a series of services
to produce the desired result. The materials used to construct implant prosthodontics
are also quite costly.
However, some dental procedures and portions
of the restoration may be covered by dental
and medical insurance policies. We can help
you with this process. |
