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Dental Implants
Crowns and
conventional
bridges or
dentures may
not be your
only options
when replacing
missing teeth.
For some
people, dental
implants offer
a smile that
looks and feels
very natural.
Surgically
placed below
the gums over a
series of
appointments,
implants fuse
to the jawbone
and serve as a
base for
individual
replacement
teeth, bridges
or a denture.
Implants
offer stability
because they
fuse to your
bone.
Integration of
the implants
into your jaw
also helps your
replacement
teeth feel more
natural and
some people
also find the
secure fit more
comfortable
than
conventional
substitutes.
Candidates
for dental
implants need
to have healthy
gums and
adequate bone
to support the
implant. A
thorough
evaluation by
your dentist
will help
determine
whether you are
a good
candidate for
dental
implants.
What is
involved in
placing
implants?
First,
surgery is
performed to
place the
anchor. Surgery
can take up to
several hours,
and up to six
months may be
required for
the bone to
grow around the
anchor and
firmly hold it
in place. Some
implants
require a
second surgery
in which a post
is attached to
connect the
anchor to the
replacement
teeth. With
other implants,
the anchor and
post are
already
attached and
are placed at
the same time.
After the
gums have had
several weeks
to heal, the
next step is
begun. The
artificial
teeth are made
and fitted to
the post
portion of the
anchor. Because
several
fittings may be
required, this
step can take
one to two
months to
complete.
Implant
surgery can be
done either in
a dental office
or in a
hospital,
depending upon
a number of
factors. A
local or
general
anesthetic may
be used.
Usually pain
medications
and, when
necessary,
antibiotics are
prescribed.
Your dentist
will give you
instructions on
diet and oral
hygiene.
Is there
another way I
can have a
tooth replaced
other than a
bridge?
Yes. Dental
implants can
provide
artificial
teeth that look
natural and
feel secure.
Dental implants
can also be
used to attach
full or partial
dentures.
Implants,
however, are
not an option
for everyone.
Because
implants
require
surgery,
patients must
be in good
health, have
healthy gums,
have adequate
bone to support
the implant and
be committed to
meticulous oral
hygiene and
regular dental
visits. If you
are considering
implants, a
thorough
evaluation by
your dentist
will help
determine if
you would be a
good candidate
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