Dental implants are revolutionary examples of high tech dentistry. Some people who haven’t experienced tooth loss may wonder what they are. Read on to learn more.
Dental implants are revolutionary examples of high tech dentistry. Some people who haven’t experienced tooth loss may wonder what they are. Some individuals who have lost their teeth may still keep their false choppers in a jar by their bed at night. This is no longer necessary with the new permanent techniques which are available. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about these devices.
- What are they? Dental implants are artificial roots that attach individual false teeth or bridges to jawbone. They are made from titanium screws and crowns to provide a permanent attachment. Titanium is a material which provides strength and longevity in this connection.
- Who invented these devices? A Swedish doctor named Dr. Branemark was studying bone regenerative tendencies when he discovered the efficacy of using this material with humans.
- Is this a quick one appointment procedure? No,
this process must be completed over a series of appointments. The actual implant is placed during one sitting but preparation takes a bit longer.
- What are the steps for this technique? The jaw must first be prepared for the process. If there isn’t adequate bone mass, a graft may need to be done before the implantation. A small hole is drilled into the region and the titanium screw is placed. Once this has settled in, through a process called Osseointegration, which is the anchoring procedure, the false tooth and crown is attached.
- How long does it take to put in dental implants? The various steps can take from six to nine months to complete depending on the individual circumstances. Bone mass, healing tendencies and more will affect the timeline.
- How can a patient aid in the process? Following the dentists’ advice and instructions is imperative. Showing up at each and every appointment is crucial. Proper flossing and brushing is important too. Having good nutrition, getting adequate rest, drinking lots of water and keeping stress down to a minimum is helpful in amping up the immune response and healing timetable. If the patient smokes cigarettes, this would be a good time to quit. Tobacco use is a recognized barrier to proper healing.
- How long do these devices last? These products are designed to last decades or hopefully the person’s lifetime. Titanium and the crown are made to be durable.
- Can any dentist perform this technique? This is a cutting edge technique which should be done by practitioners trained in this specialty.
- How much training does a typical dentist have? A dentist is a well trained oral health care practitioner. After graduating from a four year university, the practitioner-to-be must apply to a dental college. This graduate training takes another four years to complete and is comprised of academic study and hands on experience working with patients in clinics. If a professional wants to be certified in one of the various concentrations such as orthodontics or endodontics, additional schooling and certification must be completed.
- How much do these devices typically cost? This cost will vary depending on the region of the country, the DDS’s price structure and the amount of work which needs to be done. A typical price tag can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. An initial consultation will answer this question specifically for you.
Are dental implants an option for your situation? A visit with an oral health care practitioner will determine whether you are a viable candidate.
