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Dental Implants

 

Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Implants are a wonderful way to replace a missing tooth with a solid and esthetic result. They are usually made of titanium and are strong and compatible with bone. They are almost always placed with little or no discomfort and usually, have a waiting period for them to anchor before a natural looking tooth can be made. In special circumstances, the wait time can be reduced substantially.

Implants can replace a single missing tooth or can be spaced to replace several teeth where a large gap is present.

Over time if a person has false teeth, the jaw bone can shrink, making it difficult to stabilize dentures and they become loose making a speech and chewing difficult. In this case, implants can be placed, and the loose dentures can clip onto the implants tightening the dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

What are implants?

Dental implants are titanium fixtures that replace tooth roots when you are missing a tooth bud or when you need a tooth extracted. When teeth are extracted, and nothing is done to replace the roots, jaw bone shrinks due to lack of use. Placement of an implant helps keep bone.

Who can benefit from implants?

Anyone who has missing teeth and has adequate bone left can have implants placed. Teeth can be made on implants to replace a single front tooth to enhance a smile. As well implants and teeth can replace back molars to improve chewing power.

How do dental implants work?

Implants are fixed, which means they don’t come out. Jaw bone grows around them, and teeth built on them are solid. In the past, it has taken several months for the jaw bone to lock the implants in before teeth can be constructed. With new techniques, wait times are getting shorter and shorter.

Are there cases where dental implants cannot be placed?

Yes, if someone is undergoing radiation therapy in the head or neck, or undergoing chemotherapy, implants should not be placed. Also, if there is not enough adequate bone in the area, implants cannot be placed.

Aren’t they painful?

No, patients are always pleasantly surprised at how easy and comfortable the procedure of placing implants is.

I hear that implants are expensive. Are they?

Everyone’s situation has a different treatment solution, and the number of implants required can vary significantly. A single implant for a missing front tooth and a tooth attached to it can cost up to $4,000.00. Specifics need to be discussed in detail with your dentist.