A dental implant can be used to replace a single tooth or a few missing teeth and the procedure for both is relatively the same. To use a dental implant the dentist must first remove whatever is left of the original tooth through extraction. Once this tooth is removed, the dentist will drill a pilot hole in the patients jawbone directly below where the original tooth was located. He will then insert a specialized metal screw into this pilot hole that will act as the anchor for the replacement tooth. This anchor will initially be below the gum line for a few months as it bonds with the jawbone in a process called Osseointegration. Once this bonding is complete, a mounting post is attached to the anchor that will protrude above the gum line and will act as the mounting for a crown. The dentist will prepare this crown as if he were attaching it to a normal tooth by making a clay impression of the patient’s mouth to use as a guide for the laboratory. Once the fabricated crown is ready, it is attached to the mounting post with dental adhesive and the repair is complete.

There are many advantages to using a dental implant to replace a missing tooth and the procedure has been used for years with a very impressive success rate with patients of all ages. The completed repair will closely mimic the original tooth and allow the patient to bite and chew as they would have normally. Also, because the dental implant is anchored to the jaw like a natural tooth, it presents a very secure solution. Unlike partial dentures that tend to shift when chewing, the dental implant is secure in its mounting.

The other advantage the dental implant has over competing solutions like a bridge is that it tends to stimulate the bone beneath the missing tooth while chewing. This will help reduce the absorption of the jawbone found in many other procedures. When other methods are employed to replace a missing tooth, they tend to sit above the gum line and if the bone below the repair is not stimulated, it starts to get thinner through absorption over time. This can change the patients jaw alignment and shift other teeth in their mouths. Since the dental implant is anchored to the jaw itself, it stimulates the bone like a regular tooth and helps avoid this bone absorption.

The dental implant can also be used to anchor a partial denture for patients as well. In this case, several smaller dental implants are placed in the patients jaw and the denture is modified to attach to these dental implants and is secured in place. The modern dental implant provides a great alternative to other methods of tooth replacement and might be the perfect solution for you.

Dentures are a very common solution for many patients and can help them replace lost teeth and regain their ability to smile and eat again normally. A denture can be used to replace a few teeth, or an entire set of upper or lower teeth. These dentures can be created to attach to other permanent teeth in the patients mouth, or in the case of a full denture, be held in the mouth as a complete set. Even though dentures are a reasonable solution for a group of lost teeth, they can take a little time to adjust to for many patients. They can initially feel awkward to many people and may affect their speech slightly. These minor inconveniences can be overcome in a short amount of time as you get used to the new dentures.

Another alternative for most patients are implants and these can be a great solution for replacing lost teeth. An implant consists of a metal screw that is actually attached to the patients jaw and protrudes through the gum line. A crown is then attached to the top of this mount and adhered in place with dental adhesive. Because the implant is secured to the jaw, this is viewed as a more permanent repair than dentures. Once in place, this new tooth will act just like the tooth it was created to replace for the patient. This technique can be used to repair a single missing tooth, or an entire set of teeth in some cases. Before the implant process begins, the dentist will X-ray the patient’s mouth to make sure there is adequate jawbone below the missing tooth to allow the implant a good foundation. They will then determine the best place to insert the implant to ensure the optimal outcome. The entire implant process will take several dentist visits over a few months to give the implant the proper time to adhere. Once the implant is in place, the dentist can fit the cap and the patient can enjoy the repair for many years to come.

These implants can also be used to help patients that wear dentures. A dentist can place several smaller implants in a patient’s mouth and use them for attaching the dentures in place. This still allows the patient to remove the dentures in the evening or for cleaning, but provides a more secure mounting when being used. The dentures need to be made to accommodate the attachment to the implants and this can either be done on a new set of dentures, or added to an existing set. This is a great way to help patient’s overcome the fear of loose dentures and really provides a secure mount.

Both of these solutions are great alternatives for patients that need to have missing teeth replaced. The choice between them is up to the patient and their dentist and both work fine for most patients.

Even though you have several options for the repair of a missing tooth, none of them are as effective or as long lasting as a dental implant. A dental implant will so closely replicate the actual look and feel of the original tooth that you might even forget you have one.

Another benefit to a dental implant over other solutions is that it helps prevent bone loss in your jaw. Studies have shown that once you lose a tooth, your body senses the loss and as a result the bone below the missing tooth starts to degrade. This is because the act of chewing stimulates the jawbone through the teeth and keeps it strong. This can be a problem for the other teeth surrounding the missing tooth as they can become loose as well. Even if the missing tooth is replaced with a denture or bridge, the jaw can still shrink because there is nothing above it that is connected to it. Using a dental implant that anchors to the jaw will provide this vital connection and stimulation for the jaw and help to keep it strong. The implant also helps with your gum health as well and will provide a tighter fit than a denture or bridge. Since the dental implant anchors directly to the jaw the artificial tooth above it moves less and there is less irritation to the gum as a result.

Placing a dental implant is a multi-visit procedure and will require a few steps to complete. The first thing the dentist does is to insert the anchor into a small hole he has formed in the jawbone. He will also take an impression of your mouth to have the crown created that will sit on top of the implant. Once the implant is placed, you need to wait for a few weeks to allow the implant to settle into the jawbone and fuse with the bone material. This ensures you a solid fit for the implant and will allow the crown to be placed securely. Once the implant has fused, the crown is then attached to the top of it with dental cement and the procedure is complete. Once set, the tooth will look and feel like your original tooth and will require the same level of dental hygiene as a normal tooth with brushing and flossing. This procedure is an excellent way to replace a tooth, or even an entire set of teeth for a patient and is just one more way that cosmetic dentistry is helping improve your dental health.

Unlike dentures and partials, dental implants are put right into your gums for a permanent placement. In other words, dental implants are pretty much there forever. For many reasons, as opposed to dentures, the obvious choice is dental implants. Costs of this procedure are the one deterrent for many people as they are more expensive and often not covered by traditional dental insurance. However, if you’re seriously interested in this new procedure, your dentist will be happy to discuss the dental implants costs with you.

There are many advantages to having dental implants. Costs of this procedure are often worth it to the individual once they’ve considered the advantages.

• Appearance- Dental implants are made to be fused to the bone so they’re permanent, which makes them feel and look like your natural teeth.

• Speech- So many times people with poor-fitting or loose dentures will slur their words. Because dental implants are permanent, patients feel free to speak without worrying about their teeth falling out.

• Comfort- Without the constant worry or concern of removing the dentures, the individual can feel comfortable whether they’re eating or talking.

• Eating- Not much will make eating less fun that having to worry about your dentures slipping or getting mixed with your food. Dental implants act like your normal teeth, allowing you to enjoy your food without pain and discomfort.

• Oral Health- Because dental implants are put in by themselves, there is no need to rely on adjoining teeth for support, which adds stress to these teeth.

• Self Esteem- Because dental implants look like your natural teeth, you’re going to smile more and feel more comfortable in general.

• Durability- Because of the way dental implants are permanent, there is no need for adhesives or constantly removing them for cleaning. With proper care, they’ll last a lifetime.

The two most common types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal. The most common method of dental implants is endosteal, which is in the bone. They are put into the jawbone with cylinders, screws or blades. You may have one or many implants in your mouth as each implant will have one or more teeth on it. Endosteal dental implants are usually the choice for patients with removable dentures ore bridges.

Subperiosteal dental implants are put on top of the jaw rather than in the bone. They have a framework of metal posts that protrude from the gum to hold the dental implants in place. Patients that most commonly choose this type of dental implants are those that have minimal height or cannot wear traditional dentures. When considering each of these dental implants, costs of each may play a part in the patient’s decision. Because most dental insurance’s don’t cover dental implants costs, many people can’t afford to get them as much as they’d like to have them.

One of the most common procedures for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an assembly that is designed to be attached to other healthy teeth in the patient’s mouth that are located near the missing tooth being replaced. This dental bridge is removable and can be used to replace most missing teeth for a patient. The advantage to the dental bridge being used to replace a missing tooth is that it is a fairly easy repair and can be done rather quickly. Because the dental bridge attaches firmly to other existing teeth, it provides a very sturdy repair that can support chewing and biting without shifting. The disadvantage to using a bridge to replace a missing tooth is that it does not stimulate the jawbone below the missing tooth. Studies have shown that when this stimulation is missing, the jawbone can shrink as it is reabsorbed by the body naturally. This can lead to other teeth shifting and the shape of the jaw changing as well over time, possibly altering the patients bite.

Another alternative to replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge is using a dental implant. These dental implants are attached to the patients jawbone and unlike the dental bridges, maintain the stimulation necessary for health bone growth. The dental implant can be used to replace a single tooth, or several teeth. The process starts with the extraction of whatever is left of the original tooth. The cosmetic dentist then inserts a metal screw into the patients jawbone directly beneath the location of the missing tooth. This screw is left alone for several months and allowed to bond with the jawbone. Once this fusing is complete a mounting post is attached to the screw and a crown is mounted to this mounting post. When completed, the dental implant gives the patient a repair that is as close as possible to the original tooth. The color and shape of the crown will perfectly mimic the original tooth and the patient can bite and chew on the dental implant as they would normally on any other tooth. The added advantage of the dental implant is that since it is attached directly to the jawbone, it is a very secure mount and will not move for the life of the patient. It also provides the critical stimulation of the jawbone that ensures there will be no bone loss. The dental implant can be used for most patients and the cosmetic dentist will do a series of X-rays before commencing the procedure to make sure the patient has sufficient bone structure below the missing tooth in which to anchor the implant. The entire procedure can take a few months to complete because the dental implant needs time to naturally fuse with the jawbone.

Either of these procedures might be right for you if you need to have a missing tooth replaced. The best course of action is to speak with your cosmetic dentist and follow his advice when making your selection.

Unlike dentures and partials, dental implants are put right into your gums for a permanent placement. In other words, dental implants are pretty much there forever. For many reasons, as opposed to dentures, the obvious choice is dental implants. Costs of this procedure are the one deterrent for many people as they are more expensive and often not covered by traditional dental insurance. However, if you’re seriously interested in this new procedure, your dentist will be happy to discuss the dental implants costs with you.

There are many advantages to having dental implants. Costs of this procedure are often worth it to the individual once they’ve considered the advantages.

• Appearance- Dental implants are made to be fused to the bone so they’re permanent, which makes them feel and look like your natural teeth.

• Speech- So many times people with poor-fitting or loose dentures will slur their words. Because dental implants are permanent, patients feel free to speak without worrying about their teeth falling out.

• Comfort- Without the constant worry or concern of removing the dentures, the individual can feel comfortable whether they’re eating or talking.

• Eating- Not much will make eating less fun that having to worry about your dentures slipping or getting mixed with your food. Dental implants act like your normal teeth, allowing you to enjoy your food without pain and discomfort.

• Oral Health- Because dental implants are put in by themselves, there is no need to rely on adjoining teeth for support, which adds stress to these teeth.

• Self Esteem- Because dental implants look like your natural teeth, you’re going to smile more and feel more comfortable in general.

• Durability- Because of the way dental implants are permanent, there is no need for adhesives or constantly removing them for cleaning. With proper care, they’ll last a lifetime.

The two most common types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal. The most common method of dental implants is endosteal, which is in the bone. They are put into the jawbone with cylinders, screws or blades. You may have one or many implants in your mouth as each implant will have one or more teeth on it. Endosteal dental implants are usually the choice for patients with removable dentures ore bridges.

Subperiosteal dental implants are put on top of the jaw rather than in the bone. They have a framework of metal posts that protrude from the gum to hold the dental implants in place. Patients that most commonly choose this type of dental implants are those that have minimal height or cannot wear traditional dentures. When considering each of these dental implants, costs of each may play a part in the patient’s decision. Because most dental insurance’s don’t cover dental implants costs, many people can’t afford to get them as much as they’d like to have them.