Dental
Implants: Teeth that look and feel just like your own!
Q.
What are dental implants and what can they do for me?
A dental
implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold
a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While high-tech in nature,
dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional
bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for
support. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you
may forget you ever lost a tooth.
Q.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or bridges?
Every
way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the
problem of missing teeth.
Esthetic:
Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Since dental
implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent
the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework
and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement
tooth.
Tooth-Saving:
Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth
like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to
support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched,
a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
Confidence:
Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with
comfort and confidence. They are secure and offer freedom from the
irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow you to say
goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and
glues.
Reliable:
The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They
are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.
Q.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
The
ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral
health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant,
and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of
periodontal disease.
Dental
implants are intimately connected with the gum issues and underlying
bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who
specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your
dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working
with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge,
training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and
feel just like your own.
Your
dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams
come true.
Q.
What is treatment like?
This
procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist.
Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine
where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific
condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will
create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.
Q.
What can I expect after treatment?
As
you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care
and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth
and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean
and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply! After treatment,
your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to
develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will
be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure
they are healthy.
Q.
Are you ready to venture beyond conventional dentures and bridges?
Jot
down your questions about dental implants before your next visit
to your periodontist. He or she can answer your questions and provide
a personal evaluation.
©
2000 The American Academy of Periodontology
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