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Dental implants are metal anchors placed in the jaw bone underneath
the gum tissue to support artificial teeth where natural teeth
are missing. Unlike other types of tooth replacements, such
as removable dentures or fixed bridges that are cemented to
remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed ("implanted")
into the jaw bone under the gum tissue. These implants are usually
made from a space-age metal called titanium, which is readily
accepted by the body, and artificial teeth that look like natural
teeth are then attached to the implants. Accepted by the American
Dental Association, dental implants have been used for many
years, and hundreds of thousands have been placed. Due to a
phenomenon known as "osteointegration" meaning that bone actually
attaches itself to the implant, these anchors provide a strong
foundation that allows people with missing teeth to chew efficiently
and comfortably.
Anyone who is missing teeth and can benefit from increased chewing
efficiency, and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate
for dental implants. Implants can be the solution when it has
become difficult or impossible to wear a removable denture.
Portions of the jaw that are missing due to an accident, disease,
or birth defect can often be reconstructed using implants.
You are a candidate if:
* you have enough jaw bone, and dense enough bone, to secure
the implants
* you do not have a disease or condition that interferes with
proper healing after implant surgery (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes,
or radiation/chemotherapy for treating cancer)
A discussion with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon and restorative
dentist (the dentist who will make your new teeth) will determine
if you are a candidate for dental implants. As a rule, age is
not a barrier to implant treatment if you are in good health.
In fact, thousands of people of all ages are turning to dental
implants to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or
all teeth. |
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