Dental Implants
Dr. Adler or Dr. Wolf may have suggested you get a dental implant as an alternative to a denture or bridge. A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a missing natural tooth or root. It offers more comfort and stability than dentures, can restore the ability to chew food and may improve speech and facial appearance.
What is an implant? Implants are manufactured “anchors” that resemble cylinders or screws. Used in upper and lower jaws, they are surgically inserted into the jawbone to become a stable base for artificial replacement teeth. The implant itself acts as the root of the tooth. The structure placed over the implant will look and perform like the natural tooth that was lost. How do implants differ from dentures? Unlike dentures, implants are not removed for overnight soaking and cleaning, need no adhesives and do not require anchoring to healthy teeth. How are implants placed? Implant surgery is a three-step process, performed in a dentist's office:
How effective are implants? The best candidates for implants are those in good general health who have healthy gums and sufficient bone structure. Depending on their location in the mouth, implants are usually between 80 and 95% successful. Implants may be less successful for people who smoke, grind or clench teeth or have a history of radiation therapy. Patients with diabetes or osteoporosis who have bone loss in the jaw may also be at risk for complications. Check with your dentist to see if implants are the right choice for you. When implants fail, it is usually because of...?
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Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They usually last a lifetime and are natural in appearance and more comfortable than bridges and removable partial dentures.
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