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What are dental implants?
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The part of your natural tooth that is visible is the "crown." Your tooth root provides the support for you to bite and chew. The root is embedded in your jawbone and this gives the tooth a stable foundation.
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A dental implant is a substitute, or replacement tooth root, which provides a stable foundation for a replacement crown. The bone forms a biological bond with the new root (implant) giving your new crown the same foundation as a natural tooth.
Dental implants allow replacement of the entire missing tooth, which was never before possible. State-of-the-art technology makes it possible to provide replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants have enhanced the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world, of all age groups, providing them with tremendous benefits.
- Preserved facial structure by virtually stopping the deterioration of the jaw
- Improved health with the ability to chew comfortably once again
- A mouth restored as closely as possible to its natural state
- Increased comfort by eliminating loose-fitting dentures and partials
- A more natural smile
- Improved appearance and self-confidence
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This highly successful method of tooth replacement was developed in the 1950's and carefully monitored studies have proven that it can be over 95% successful.
An estimated 100 million people in the United States are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants allow people who have lost teeth to regain the ability to eat virtually anything and to smile with ease, confident in the knowledge that their appearance is natural once again.
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The Consequences of Tooth Loss
Bone Resorption
In addition to providing support for you to bite and chew, natural tooth roots stimulate the growth of new bone. When teeth are missing, the bone which previously supported the teeth has no function and starts to melt away, or resorb.
Facial Structure Collapse
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When all of the teeth are missing, the bone resorption, or deterioration, results in compromised facial structures and contours.
The impact of deteriorating bone from tooth loss includes collapsed facial profiles, lost lip support, increased wrinkles around the mouth and the appearance of a pointed nose and chin that are too close together.
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The roots of the natural teeth hold the bone and gum tissue in place. Since there is no longer a root to hold the bone in place when a tooth is missing the bone appears to collapse or cave in.
Bite Collapse
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When teeth are missing, the opposing teeth have nothing to chew or bite against. Over time, the teeth will drop down or shift into the space created by the missing teeth.
When several teeth are missing in the back of your mouth, your front teeth begin to flare out, the corners of your mouth droop and you lose jaw height.
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Treatment Options
Traditional Tooth Supported Bridge for Single Tooth Replacement
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When a single tooth is missing, the two most common treatment options are the traditional tooth supported bridge and the implant supported crown.
When a traditional fixed bridge is used to replace a missing tooth, the adjacent teeth are cut down to pegs, permanently destroying tooth structure. This is necessary to fit the cemented bridge in place.
This method of tooth replacement can be very esthetic and functional. However, the bridge does not replace the missing tooth root, and therefore, does not preserve the bone that previously surrounded the root.
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Implant Supported Crown for Single Tooth Replacement
Two Phases of Treatment
Replacing the Tooth Roots
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A gentle surgical procedure is used to place the implants, which remain undisturbed for three to six months so that the bone can remodel around the implants and form a strong bond to them.
Following the appropriate bone remodeling period, a small extension, called an "abutment," is connected to each implant. These abutments are for the attachment of replacement teeth to the implants.
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Fabricating the Replacement Teeth
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Your new replacement teeth, which will be custom made with both functional and cosmetic needs in mind, will be firmly attached to the abutments. Fabricating your new replacement teeth involves various appointments to insure proper size, shape, color and fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my new teeth look natural?
Your new teeth will be as close as possible to your natural teeth. They will actually look, feel and function like your own teeth.
How successful is this procedure?
Documented, clinical studies have shown that this procedure is one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry. Given optimal conditions, success rates have been over 95%.
Is the procedure painful?
No. Patients report that the discomfort is minimal during and after the implant procedure. For the majority of patients, the discomfort is far less than they had anticipated. In fact, most of the patients are fine with Tylenol.
How much will implant treatment cost?
The cost of treatment will be determined by the extent of the diagnostic workup required, the number of implants needed for optimal results, the level of difficulty and ancillary procedures involved in placing your implants, as well as the type of crown, bridge, or denture replacement that best meets your needs.
Will my insurance pay for implants?
The extent of your insurance coverage will depend on your individual plan and the implant benefits included. Very few dental insurance plans cover implant placement; however, fabrication of the replacement teeth is often partially covered.
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