Dental Implants 101: A Quick Guide

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Dental Implants 101 A Quick Guide
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• Getting the Right Information on Dental Implants
• If youve been considering dental implants for
  quite some time, there are some things to
  consider. The procedure is a serious one and
  youll need to know what to expect in order for
  the process to be successful. Here are a few
  things you should talk about with your doctor
  before you get dental implants.
• What Exactly Are Dental Implants and Do I Qualify
  for Them?
• Its important to know that a dental implant
  alone is not an actual tooth. The implant is
  actually a prosthesis that is used to replace
  teeth that are missing. The implant is a post
  that is usually made from titanium. The post is
  fixed into the jawbone and a denture, partial
  denture or single crown can be attached to it.
  The implant needs time to integrate into your
  bone, and once this process is complete, the
  dentist will connect an abutment to the dental
  implant. This is when the artificial tooth is
  attached to the implant. So, there are three
  parts to the dental implant the actual implant,
  the abutment and the artificial tooth.
• Youre likely a good candidate for dental
  implants if youre missing a tooth, missing
  multiple teeth, or want to have all your teeth
  replaced with the implant. Youll have to meet
  with your prosthodontist to talk about the exact
  implants and procedures that will produce the
  desired results.

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• The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
• As you know, humans have two sets of teeth. We
  get teeth as children, and these teeth start to
  fall out, usually before adolescents. This is
  when our adult or permanent teeth come in. Once
  we have our permanent teeth and they are lost due
  to conditions like gum disease or tooth decay,
  dental implants can be used to replace these
  teeth. This is why dentists often refer to the
  implants as a third set of teeth. If youre
  suffering from missing teeth, dental implants can
  help to boost your confidence, since they can
  last for a lifetime. The implants can improve
  your smile and appearance, and restore your
  ability to eat certain foods. Some people also
  get the implants so they can continue to live an
  active life without having to be concerned about
  their teeth. Also, since the implants are made
  from titanium, they will never become decayed.
• However, there are some disadvantages to getting
  dental implants that you should be aware of as
  well. Having the implants installed can be
  painful, since it is oral surgery. This means
  there is a risk of inflammation and infection.
  The surgery can also be painful. Your dentist and
  prosthodontist will let you know how to manage
  pain and reduce the risk of infection. If the
  oral surgeon finds that there isnt a bone for
  placing the implant correctly, you may have to go
  through a procedure to graft your bone and gums.
  This will make treatment more expensive. However,
  paying to have this done could keep the implant
  in place, so you wont have to have additional
  surgeries.

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• How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
• For the most part, the cost of a single tooth
  replacement with an implant is about the same as
  using a fixed bridge to replacement the tooth.
  There are some dental implants that are covered
  by insurance. Its best to contact your insurance
  provider to see if your procedure will qualify.
  The cost will also vary due to the bone quantity
  and part of your mouth that has to be repaired.
  Your prosthodontist will give you a thorough
  assessment based on your specific needs.
• How Successful Are Dental Implants?
• Dental implants are usually pretty successful.
  However, the actual success of your implant will
  vary based on your lifestyle habits and current
  state of health. If you have good health and
  practice regular oral hygiene, the implants can
  have up to a 95 success rate.
• Dental implants also tend to last for a lifetime
  because they are not susceptible to disease like
  natural teeth. However, its important that you
  maintain the health of your gums so that your
  implants will last as long as possible. This
  means taking care of your gums at home and
  keeping regular dental appointments for check-ups
  and cleanings. Since every patient has different
  dental needs, its best to consult with your
  dentist to determine how you should care for your
  implants based on your health history.

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• Are Metal-Free Implants an Option?
• Technically, there are not metal-free teeth
  options when it comes to dental implants. Most of
  the materials that are used as teeth replacements
  have metal ions. The implants are usually made of
  titanium alloy. This is the same material that is
  often used for hip, knee and shoulder implants.
  The implants are biocompatible. It is also very
  rare that people are allergic to titanium, which
  is why the material if most commonly used. There
  are no current alternative to titanium implants
  at this time.
• Alternative Dental Implants
• There are a few options for dental implants if
  you dont want to go the traditional route. You
  can ask your dentist about the All-on-4. This is
  a trademarked surgery that allows you to replace
  all your missing teeth with only 4 implants. This
  procedure is ideal for people who have
  significant bone loss in the rear of the mouth.
• There are other alternatives to dental implants
  you may want to consider as well. These include
  load dental implants. These are also referred to
  as Teeth in a Day. The procedure is an immediate
  dental implant procedure that allows for
  placement of a temporary implant at the same
  appointment as your official dental implant
  placement. If theres not enough natural bone in
  the mouth. Teeth in a Day makes the implant
  secure enough so that the placement of the tooth
  is accurate and there will be reduced pressure on
  the new tooth.
• You may also want to ask your doctor about
  getting mini dental implants or MDIs. These are
  also known as narrow or small diameter implants.
  The implants are about the size of a toothpick
  and they are much narrower than traditional
  dental implants. Techniques that are not as
  invasive are used to keep a lower denture in
  place.

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• Can You Make Implants Out of Dentures?
• Dentures cant be transformed into implants. This
  is because the implants are screws made of metal
  that are inserted into the jawbone. The screws
  and their positioning serve as an anchor to keep
  artificial teeth in place. The implants help to
  keep the dentures from falling out and are part
  of the implant process. Its possible to have
  implants under existing dentures for additional
  stability. This is only the case if the dentures
  you have are in great condition. Have your
  dentures examined if you want to use this option.
  Remember that dental implants are fixed into the
  jawbone. This means that teeth are replaced
  similar to the way that natural teeth are
  replaced.
• Dentures are most commonly used in patients who
  wear partial or full dentures. The implants can
  keep a removable overdentures in place. The
  overdentures are snapped over the implants and
  reduces or eliminates the need for denture
  adhesives or glue. Implants can also be used to
  hold a fixed denture. This is when the dentures
  are bolted to the implants using titanium. These
  can only be surgically removed from your mouth by
  a dentist.
• Dental implants come in a variety or types, sizes
  and heights. The dental implant expert can
  determine the right option for you based on your
  needs.

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• Two Main Implant Types
• The two types of dental implants are endosteal
  and subperiosteal. For endosteal implants, the
  implants are put inside of the jawbone. These are
  made from titanium in most cases and are shaped
  like tiny screws. Endosteal implants are used
  most commonly. Subperiosteal implants are placed
  under the gums and on or above the jawbone. If
  you dont have a healthy jawbone or dont want a
  bone augmentation to rebuild the bone,
  subperiosteal implants are the best option.
• If your jawbone cant support dental implants at
  all, there are some techniques that the oral
  surgeon can use to restore your jawline and
  rebuild your bone. This helps to provide the
  right foundation for the implants. Bone
  augmentation involves regenerating or restoring
  the jawbone when the bone is not healthy or
  strong enough to support the implant. According
  to research, growth factors and bone additives
  fortify the jawbone and this usually yields
  successful results.
• You can also choose to get a sinus lift. This is
  also known as sinus elevation or augmentation.
  This procedure involves adding bone under the
  sinuses when the natural bone has been
  deteriorated because of missing teeth in the
  upper rear of the mouth.
• After evaluating your mouth, the surgeon may even
  recommend ridge expansion. If you want to get
  dental implants but your jaw isnt wide enough,
  bone graft material can be added to a tiny space
  or ridge. This is created at the top of the jaw.

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• Dental Implants and Oral Hygiene
• In order for the dental implants to be
  successful, its important to practice good oral
  hygiene before, during and after the procedure.
  This helps to keep the implants and gums healthy.
  If youre not sure how to maintain the implants,
  talk to your dentist about how you can care for
  the implants at home in between appointments.
• For instance, you may have questions about how to
  brush and floss your teeth, or what to do if food
  gets in between your teeth. These are just some
  of the reasons that the hygienist will give you a
  customized care routine to follow.
• One of the first things you should do is observe
  your teeth and gums. Your oral tissue should be
  firm, pink and keratinized. If you see any signs
  of infection, contact your dentist to set up an
  appointment right away. The peri-implant soft
  tissues that separates the tissue around the
  implant from the outer environment should be
  keratinized. If you see a lack of keratin, your
  mouth will be more prone to bacteria, which means
  you can get peri-implant disease. The health of
  your mouth and the implants depends on the health
  of the gums and tissues.
• Its important to start taking care of your
  dental implants right away. Its best to start
  cleaning your gums and the implant space before
  getting the implants if you can. You have to get
  rid of plaque and biofilm in your mouth daily for
  best results.
• More than likely, the hygienist will assign you a
  simple home care routine that you should follow
  between dental appointments. Be sure to keep all
  your appointments and follow the directions for
  your home care. Its best to avoid stannous and
  sodium fluoride. You should also stay away from
  teeth stain removers and baking soda, since these
  ingredients are too abrasive on the implants. If
  youre a smoker and previously used smokers
  toothpaste, once you get the implants, its best
  not to use this toothpaste, since its too harsh
  on the implant surface.

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• Brushing Your Teeth With Dental Implants
• Companies and researchers are currently looking
  at low-abrasive toothpastes and cleaners that are
  safe for implants and effective for cleaning. One
  particular brand that possibly has toothpastes
  that are safe to use is Colgate. A study was done
  involving 59 participants who used Colgate Total
  for a three to six month period. It was concluded
  that this toothpaste has to get rid of the plaque
  that can lead to gum disease.
• Its also very important to floss your implants.
  There are several floss products on the market.
  Its best to use unwaxed floss, or dental floss
  that is designed for implants. This type of floss
  protects the tissue around the implant. Flossing
  regularly keeps debris and bacteria from in
  between the teeth and gum line.
• Its also recommended that people with dental
  implants use oral irrigators. This helps to
  eliminate biofilm and plaque and can reduce
  inflammation. If there are spaces that are hard
  to reach with floss, oral irrigators can prove
  helpful. Its best to use the irrigator one or
  two times a day. If there is any inflammation, an
  antimicrobial rinse that has been diluted is
  best.
• These specifications could change depending on
  changes to your health. Continue communicating
  with your oral surgeon and dentist to continue
  getting the right maintenance tips for your
  teeth.

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• For more details, please visit
• https//www.artofdentistry.com/services/dental-imp
  lants/

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