What are dental implants and when are they used
BY Dr. Hitesh Pate
There are some people out there that have lost a tooth or even teeth. These people can now get their smile back with the help of dental implants. If you are asking yourself what are dental implants and when are dental implants used? Here is some information that can help you.
First let's start off with what are dental implants. Dental implants are an artificial root that a periodontist puts in your jaw that will hold a replacement tooth or a bridge. Dental implants are a more effective way of tooth saving because they are not dependent on the teeth around them for support. Unlike normal bridge work that has to use the support of neighboring teeth to hold it up. Dental implants are permanent and eliminate the need for removable partial dentures.
There are two types of dental implants to choose from that are used today. The first is called an endosteal which mean in the bone. Endosteal dental implants are the most commonly used dental implant. This dental implant procedure consists of using different types of screws, cylinders, or types of blades that are placed in the jaw bone. Each dental implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth in place. The endosteal dental implant procedure is mostly commonly used on people that want to replace removable dentures or bridges.
The second type of dental implants used today is subperiosteal which means on the bone. Subperiosteal dental implants consist of putting metal frame work with posts that protrude into the gums to hold the prosthetic teeth in place. Subperiosteal are used for people that cannot wear conventional dentures or who have minimal bone height to work with.
Dental implants are used when people want an alternative to dentures or bridge work. Dental implants do not create bone loss and receding gum lines like bridges and dentures do. Dental implants are also used because they look and feel more like your natural teeth do. Dental implants are not uncomfortable and they are permanent so you do not have to worry about loose fitting dentures. Dental implants will not affect the way you eat or speak. Unlike dentures that can click and be sized wrong and even misplaced at time. Dental implants are permanent so you will never have any of these problems.
Dental implants take anywhere from 3 to 9 months to heal. After the dental implants have healed the screws, cylinders, or any other material that is holding the implant in place will be removed.
The perfect candidates for dental implants are people that have good oral hygiene and take care of their teeth. Just like you have to take care of your natural teeth, the same thing goes for dental implants. Dental implants are just like natural teeth. You have to brush at least two to three times a day and floss daily. You also need to see your doctor every six months for routine cleanings. Keeping up on your dental implants with good oral hygiene will help insure that you keep your gums healthy and will not attract infection which can cause gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated it could be come very serious and your dental implants along with your other teeth could become loose or your dental implants could fall out. So make sure to keep up on your dental implants and maintain good oral hygiene.
If you want more in detailed information on dental implants ask your dentist, or have your dentist refer you to a periodontist that will be able to give you all of the information needed for dental implants. A periodontist will also be able to tell you what kind of sedation dentistry they offer for dental implants if any. Periodontist can tell you all you need to know about what dental implants are and if you are a candidate for dental implants to be use on.
ABOUTH THE AUTHOR
Dr. Hitesh Patel, DDS, is a leading dentist in Naperville, Illinois. Dr. Patel specializes in Naperville Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. Visit us for more information on Dr. Patel and the Naperville Dental Center, or call (630) 305-7500.
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