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Dental implants have changed the way people eat and function. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look natural and feel secure, much like one’s own teeth. Patients who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat whatever they want, knowing that their teeth are functional and appear natural. They also have the self-confidence that their facial contours have been restored to their former appearance. Patients can once again eat, speak and smile with confidence and enjoy good oral health. Implants are small titanium posts that are inserted directly into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors take the place of missing tooth roots. The bone then bonds with the titanium posts thus creating a strong foundation on which to place natural looking, artificial replacement teeth.
One of the many benefits of implants is that they preserve facial structure and prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Dr Patterson has been using dental implants to replace teeth for over 30 years and has treated thousands of patients with implants. Most of those implants are still serving the patients after 10, 20, or 30 years.
Most of the time the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, the implants are surgically placed within the jawbone by Dr. Patterson and remain under the surface of the gums for three to six months while they gradually bond to the jawbone. Successful treatment with dental implants requires healthy bone that is capable of growing a tight attachment to the implant surface. (See section on bone health.) Temporary dentures are usually worn during this healing period, before your dentist prepares new replacement teeth.
Second, after the implant has bonded, Dr. Patterson will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will support artificial teeth. The posts are not visible when the final restorations are placed. This process will take between two to four months. Disruption in daily life is limited because a replacement tooth or teeth is always present until the artificial teeth are placed.
Due to advanced dental implant technology, single-stage implants can sometimes be provided that do not require a second procedure to uncover them. However, they do require a minimum of eight to twelve weeks for healing before the artificial teeth are placed.
Sometimes implants can be placed at the time the natural teeth are extracted even allowing, in certain cases, the placement of the implant with the crown already attached during one visit thus requiring less surgery. This procedure is referred to as “immediate loading,” which greatly simplifies the process. However, each patient must be thoroughly evaluated as to what procedure would be appropriate for him or her.
Zimmer Dental: www.dentalimplants4u.com
3i: www.biomet3i.com
Astratech: www.likenaturalteeth.com
Bicon: www.biconimplants.com
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