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Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used to hold an artificial tooth when your own natural tooth root is compromised. It’s implanted in the jawbone and provides an anchor for one or more artificial teeth or crowns.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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Implants are made from titanium, a material that fuses well with bone. The final result is a strong support structure that, in most cases, will hold your false tooth in place for the rest of your life. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or many teeth.

The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants can be placed and completed in two visits. In the first visit, the implant is put in place surgically. It will need three to six months to fuse with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. This creates a strong foundation for the new tooth or teeth.

During your second visit, your custom-made artificial tooth, a modified dental crown, is placed on the implant. The final result is a new and strongly supported tooth that is color-matched to the surrounding teeth. Implants will look and feel like your natural teeth and you will be able to eat all of your favorite foods like apples or corn on the cob, without worrying about your teeth coming out, as with removable dentures.

Advantages of Dental Implants

While there are other alternatives to replace missing teeth, such as bridges or dentures, there are several advantages that implants have other techniques:
• Dental implants are secure and durable
• They look and feel just like your natural teeth
• They can be cleaned and cared for much like natural teeth
• Other teeth are not disturbed in the process of placing implants
• With proper care, they will last the rest of your life
• They are stain resistant.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Only a qualified cosmetic dentist can determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. Generally speaking though, if you have a missing tooth or teeth due to injury or disease, you are probably a candidate for some type of implant. Implants are usually a great solution for people who cannot wear removable dentures.

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good health, does not smoke (smoking inhibits healing) and has healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw to support the implant. Certain conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders or a weakened immune system can inhibit postoperative care and increase the risk of implant failure. Your cosmetic dentist will review in detail your dental history and current health factors to help determine if dental implants are right for you.

About Author

If you have missing teeth or dentures that don’t fit well and you’re looking for a solution, please visit the website of cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes. He has offices conveniently located in Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois.

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