Client: Dr. Michael Iott
Copyright 2008 Dr. Michael Iott
Dental Implants
Dental implants look and feel so natural, you may forget you have them. They will help you to regain your self-esteem in personal and professional settings because you will no longer be self-conscious about missing a tooth.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that has a metal post on the bottom and a porcelain tooth on the top. The metal post is surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, it will fuse with the jawbone. The porcelain tooth is colored to match the patient's natural tooth color and is placed where there is a missing tooth. Dental implants are designed for the following uses:
� To replace one or more teeth without relying on any of the surrounding teeth
� To support a bridge and avoid the need for a partial denture
� To provide secure and comfortable denture support
Dental implants are a good choice for patients who have lost a tooth due to periodontal disease or injury. In many cases, dental implants are chosen over bridges and dentures because of their structural stability and because they do not rely on surrounding teeth for placement.
If properly placed and cared for, your dental implants can last a lifetime. After your procedure, your dentist will work with you to create the best after care plan for your individual needs. Follow-up visits will be required to monitor your dental implant, as well as your teeth and gums.
Types of Implants
Endosteal - These implants are the most common type of implant. They have metal posts in the form of screws, blades or cylinders that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. They are often used as an alternative to bridges and dentures.
Subperiosteal - These implants are placed on top of the jaw with the metal portion protruding into the gum. They are generally used when a patient has minimal bone height or are unable to wear dentures.
Advantages of Implants
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Because the metal portion fuses with your jawbone, it prevents the gum recession and bone loss that may happen with bridgework or dentures.
Dental implants don't affect the surrounding teeth because they do not rely on them for support. This is an advantage in terms of future oral health. You will be able to smile, speak and eat with confidence. Dental implants are stable and will not shift, loosen or require pastes or glues to keep them in place.
A Good Dental Implant Candidate
The best candidate for dental implants is in good general oral health and has healthy gum tissues. You must have a jawbone that will adequately support and fuse with the implant. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and mouth before any procedure to be sure you are physically prepared to undergo your chosen procedure.
It is important that you discuss your oral health, the procedure and your dentist's experience and training during your consultation. A good candidate for dental implants understands all aspects of the procedure and has reasonable expectations. To learn more about dental implants, please visit the website of Dr. Michael Iott and Associates