Visual / Audible Narrations:
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence.
The
tooth has two parts – the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth while the root remains unseen while anchoring the tooth in your jawbone. The root does more than provide support for the crown. If the root is missing, this may lead to shrinkage of the jawbone. Dental implants can prevent this shrinkage from happening.
Dental implants are titanium posts which act as a tooth root substitute. They are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. Small posts are then attached to the implants, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing
Dental implants are an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium post is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set for 3-6 months. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the post. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work because it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support.
Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done only feels the teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Lastly, they don’t have be taken out all of the time!
Reasons for dental implants:
-
Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
-
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
-
Restore a patient’s confident smile.
-
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
-
Restore or enhance facial tissues.
-
Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
Are dental implants for me?
Determining if you are good candidate for dental implants will depend on your specific needs and your general dental condition. Using the technology available in our office we will take a CAT scan to determine the amount of bone available in which to place the implant as well as the exact positioning for the implant, then models of your mouth will be used to determine the space available and to create the artificial crown.
Are dental implants expensive and what will my insurance pay?
Because dental implants do not require us to alter the structure of neighboring teeth as would be required with a bridge, dental implants can actually cost less over the long term than traditional bridgework and typically last much longer as well. The procedure and the implant may or may not be covered by your insurance. However, the staff at Andover Cosmetic Dental Group is persistent in doing the best we possibly can in obtaining benefits for our patients from their medical and dental insurance.