Restoring a Solid Foundation
When people lose permanent teeth due to accident, injury, disease or
extraction, dental implants can be a secure, functional replacement option.
They're superior to many other choices because they actually restore comfort
and appearance, yet remain functional for the long run. What's more, they
do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, thus maintaining the integrity
of your overall dental structures. Since they are permanently, surgically
anchored in the jawbone, implants' stability and permanence restore your
ability to speak and eat normally, prevent jaw bone loss, supply support
to facial musculature, and eliminate the inconveniences and discomforts
of ill-fitting prostheses. And after nearly 35 years of use, they have
a 90-95% proven success rate in appropriately chosen cases.
A Tooth Root Substitute
So what's an implant, anyhow? It's simply a small titanium post, inserted
surgically into the jawbone below the gum surface at the location of the
missing tooth. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation
onto which your restoration, or artificial teeth, are then attached and
shaped to match your existing teeth. The number of teeth you're missing
will determine the best kind of restoration for your case: one or two
missing teeth indicates a simple crown restoration; two or more missing
teeth require permanent fixed bridgework; a complete replacement set of
upper or lower teeth requires choosing between a removable vs. a fixed
prosthesis, which in turn determines how many implants per jaw are required.
Limiting factors may include poor general health; inadequate bone structure;
diseased gums; chronic health problems such as clenching, bruxism, or
systemic diseases; and unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Implant location also impacts their success: lower front jaw implants
may be up to 95% successful, while side or rear placements only 90% successful.
For more information on various types of implants and the related procedures,
please see the related Patient Library topics above.
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