Are you missing a permanent tooth? Do you have
gaps in your smile? Do you wear dentures and experience some of the following
problems:
- Slipping and clicking while talking?
- Irritation and pain when you chew?
- Fear of eating in public?
- Feeling or looking older than your age?
You may be a candidate for dental implants, an alternative to missing
teeth. Dental implants use your jaw to hold a tooth replacement or
bridge, rather than anchoring it to a healthy, neighboring tooth.
The results are natural-looking teeth implants that look, feel and function
as your own!
Healthy teeth are a gift we often take for granted. Losing one or
more teeth impacts our smile, our confidence, and our enjoyment of
our favorite foods. Tooth implants are technology's way of taking
us a step closer to a tooth replacement that feels secure and looks like
our own.
What Is Involved in Getting Tooth Implants?
Implants take several steps, but you
will be able to continue your regular professional and social routines.
Initially, the dentist will evaluate your mouth, teeth and jaw to determine
whether dental implants are a good option for you.
For most patients, there are two surgical procedures involved.
First, in the actual tooth implant placement, the implants are surgically
inserted by an implant dentist into or atop the jawbone. Over the next three to six
months, the implants are left alone, so that the anchor can bond to
the bone, creating a strong foundation for the teeth to come.
Second, the new tooth or teeth are created and attached to the
anchored dental implant. You now have teeth implants that might as well be your
own: they look natural, are comfortable, and withstand the rigors of
grinding and chewing. No one will know that your tooth has an
artificial, man-made tooth implant root.
Tooth Implants Are Not for Everyone
It's true. Your current dental health will influence whether you’re
a good candidate for a tooth implant or implants. Some medical conditions may interfere with normal
healing, such as diabetes or heart problems. Finally, the supporting
bone in your jaw must be healthy; if you clench your jaw or grind
your teeth, the success rate for your dental implants will drop. Less
success also is noted in smokers.
A complete examination and X-rays by your dentist will determine if
you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. You must also
commit to a strict schedule of flossing, brushing, rinsing, and
check-ups to keep them healthy.
Proven Technology for a New Quality of Life
Technology gets the credit for this exciting alternative to missing
teeth, dentures and bridges. Researchers noticed in the 1950s that
titanium and some other materials formed a strong bond to the bone.
That gave rise to the use of teeth implants. Today, there are
patients who have had dental implants for more than 25 years. Hundreds of
thousands of tooth implants have been inserted, boasting more
than a 90% success rate! Metal joint implants used in other parts of
the body were actually developed from the success of dental implants.
It has been around for decades and people know it works.
Schedule an evaluation with your dentist to determine if dental
implants are right for you. Discover how they can improve your
quality of life and put a genuine smile on your face.
