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DENTAL IMPLANTS
What Are Dental Implants?
If you have lost a number of teeth, you will probably agree that it is a traumatic experience, not only because your facial features are changed, but also because of the self-esteem you lost in the process. However, you need not suffer any longer because dental implants can help you regain your teeth and your smile.
Getting dental implants is a procedure where titanium fixtures are screwed into your jaw bone. These fixtures will then serve as an anchor for false teeth which look like real teeth. Because it is a surgical procedure requiring quite a substantial amount of time and money, dental implants are recommended if you have lost most, if not all of your teeth.
Know the types of dental implants
You should know that there are 3 types of dental implants:
The root form implant is the most common type of dental implant, so called because it takes the shape of a root of a tooth. It is used when there is enough space in your jawbone. Otherwise, if your jawbone is too narrow, bone grafting may be necessary in order to create space for the titanium fixtures.
A plate form implant is recommended if your jawbone is too narrow even for bone grafting. Its shape is long and flat, and is "rested" on top of your jawbone and under your gums.
The subperiosteal implant is similar to the plate form implant in terms of where it is placed. The difference lies on how it is placed. In the first method, your cosmetic dentist exposes your jawbone, makes an impression out of it, and comes up with a customized implant based on that impression. Another method is to run a CAT scan of your jawbone. A customized implant is then made out of the results of that CAT scan.
Note the advantages of dental implants
Dental implants are permanent fixtures and would thus be easier to maintain than removable dentures. Also, they can look very natural and functional. With proper care, dental implants may last a lifetime, and as such, are treated as valuable investments.
Consider a number of things
Having dental implants done is a major dental procedure that will require a lot of money from you. It is thus wise to carefully search for a reliable cosmetic dental surgeon, so that you can get the best service for the price that you are willing to pay. Also, consider the time element, as it would normally take about 3 to 6 months for you to completely heal. During this time, you may feel varying degrees of discomfort, from minor bruising to swelling. You must prepare yourself for all these things before you get dental implants.
Check if you are a qualified candidate
For as long as you have the jawbone that would anchor the implants, you are a good candidate for an implant. However, if you smoke, your dentist may advise you to quit smoking, even before the operation because smoking decreases the success rate of the procedure. Also, it would be wise to consult with your doctor regarding the possible effects of implants on your general health if you are suffering from certain medical conditions such as active diabetes, cancer, and periodontal diseases.
Success rates for dental implants have been generally high, but like any other operation, there is no absolute guarantee that dental implants will work for you. This is why it is very important to discuss this procedure in detail with your dentist, so that he will be able to walk you through the entire process before you make that big decision.
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