Tooth Root Substitutes
When people lose permanent teeth due to
accident, injury, disease or extraction, dental implants can
be a secure, functional replacement
option. They're superior to many other choices because they actually
restore comfort and appearance, yet remain functional for the
long run. What's more, they do not rely on neighboring teeth for
support,
thus maintaining the integrity of your overall dental structures.
Since they are permanently, surgically anchored in the jawbone,
implants' stability and permanence restore your ability to speak
and eat normally, supply support to facial musculature, and eliminate
the inconveniences and discomforts of ill-fitting prostheses.
And after nearly 35 years of use, they have a 90-95% proven success
rate in appropriately chosen cases.
So what's an implant anyhow?
It's simply a small titanium post, inserted surgically into the
jawbone below the gum surface at
the location of the missing tooth. As the bone bonds to the
post, it
forms a secure foundation onto which your restoration, or artificial
teeth, are then attached and shaped to match your existing
teeth. The number of teeth you're missing will determine the best
kind
of restoration for your case: one or two missing teeth indicates
a simple crown restoration; two or more missing teeth require
permanent fixed bridgework; a complete replacement set of upper
or lower
teeth requires choosing between a removable vs. a fixed prosthesis,
which in turn determines how many implants per jaw are required.
Limiting factors may include poor general health; inadequate
bone structure; diseased gums; chronic health problems such
as clenching,
bruxism, or systemic diseases; and unhealthy habits such as
smoking and alcohol consumption. Implant location also impacts
their
success: lower front jaw implants may be up to 95% successful,
while side
or rear placements only 90% successful.
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