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Gainesville
1221 Sherwood Park Dr., NE
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-531-1075 » Email Us
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What is a dental implant?
 Today,
the preferred method of tooth replacement is dental implant treatment. Dental
implants replace missing tooth roots and form a stable foundation for replacement
teeth that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Dental implants
also preserve the remaining bone by providing the stimulation previously
provided by the natural tooth roots. A dental implant is a titanium device
placed in the bone, which acts as the anchor for an artificial tooth or
crown or as support for a partial denture.
What are the advantages of implants over dentures?
- Aesthetics - Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth.
Since dental implants integrate into the structure of the 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.
- Teeth-preservation - 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 annoying clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow
you to eliminate worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes
and glues.
- Reliability - The success rate of dental implants is highly
predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth
replacement.
Who makes a good candidate for a dental implant?
Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health
who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or
some other reason. A person who has enough ridge or bone into which to position
the implant should be able to have a dental implant placed.
What is the procedure for placing dental implants?
- The implant is surgically placed under IV sedation in the doctor's
office. The gum tissue is sutured over the implant.
- The implant remains under the gum tissue for 4 to 6 months to allow
the implant to integrate itself to the bone.
- The implant is uncovered in the office under local anesthesia or IV
sedation. An abutment is attached to the implant, which then is used to
secure the replacement tooth.
Can the jawbone reject the new implant?
The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material, so in the majority
of cases, the jawbone will accept the implant.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
When proper postoperative care and instructions are followed, success rates
are in the 95%-plus range.
Do implants require special care?
No. They need to be brushed and flossed just as your natural teeth do.
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© 2005, Dr. Fred H. Simonton, III All rights
reserved.
by: Red Clay Interactive |
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