Introduction
Dr. Bossola has had extensive training in dental
implant placement. His goal is to give you the most natural looking
and feeling tooth replacement possible. He uses only the most
state-of-the-art techniques and treatments.
One of our main priorities is that youare completely
informed about dental implants and your options before proceeding.
You can be assured all of your questions and concerns will be
answered.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
natural tooth root |
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A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by
its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and
keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.
dental implant |
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Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth (or
one needed to be extracted), the healthy teeth on either side
of the missing tooth would be cut down and the whole thing replaced
with a three-crown “bridge”.
Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead
of cutting down two perfectly good teeth, a dental post (dental
implant) is inserted into the jawbone to replace your missing
tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed in your jaw (like
a natural tooth root). Your general dentist then places a crown
onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions
like your natural teeth.
Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural
replacement for missing teeth.
Replacing Several Missing
Teeth
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have
been replaced with a removable partial or full denture.
Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night.
During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub painfully.
Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat
certain foods.
Dentures can cause
bone loss, due to lack of stimulation. |
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Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial
and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and
pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures.
It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight
soaking and cleaning. With dental implants, these restorations
are anchored firmly into the jawbone becoming much more like
natural teeth.
Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are
fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots
and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking.
You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because
their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental
implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
After their healing period, the success rate of
dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker
with good oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.
Does the
Procedure Hurt?
Placing a dental implant is usually like getting
a cavity filled. It is often done under local anesthesia and
patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. Dental
implants have been in patient’s mouths for over 30 years.
With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants
should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of
a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation
by your general dentist who will determine if you are a good
candidate for this procedure. If he feels dental implants might
be possible, he will send you to a periodontist for a placement
evaluation.
For
More Information
The following sites will provide you with more
information on dental implants:
All illustrations ©2004 Implant
Innovations, Inc.
Used by permission, all rights reserved.
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