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A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your
jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While
high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more
tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not
rely on neighboring teeth for support.
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Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may
forget you ever lost a tooth.
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Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures or
a Bridge |
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A
periodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis,
prevention, and treatment of periodontal diseases and in the
planning, placement, and maintenance of implants.
Bad breath, bleeding, or receding gums and bone loss that
are caused by oral bacteria, if left untreated, can lead to
tooth loss.
Approximately 75% of all Americans have some form of
periodontal disease, known by many as gum disease or
“pyorrhea.” |
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Before dental implant
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After dental implant
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Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better
solution to the problem of missing teeth. Click here for a full
list of Advantages
of Dental Implants Over Dentures or a Bridge (from the The
American Academy of Periodontology). |
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Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? |
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The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and
oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the
implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that
are free of periodontal disease. Click here for more information
on Are
You a Candidate for Dental Implants? (from the The
American Academy of Periodontology). |
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What Is Treatment Like? |
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This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and
your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult
with you to determine where and how your implant should be
placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of
implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan
tailored to meet your needs. Click for more information (from The American Academy of
Periodontology) about the
treatment options described below.
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Replacing
a Single Tooth If you are missing a
single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A
dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and
its root.
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Replacing
Several Teeth If you are missing
several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them.
Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth
and some of the roots.
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Replacing
All of Your Teeth If you are missing
all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or
full denture can replace them. Dental implants will
replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the
roots.
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Sinus
Augmentation A key to implant success
is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant
is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been
one of the most difficult areas to successfully place
dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and
quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus
augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the
sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of
dental implants.
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Ridge
Modification Deformities in the upper
or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which
to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum
is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect.
The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to
build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to
greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for
successful implants that can last for years to come.
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What Can I Expect After Treatment?
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As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral
care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your
own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your
implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still
apply!
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After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with you
and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic
follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant,
teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.
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Some of the implant
manufacturers used in our office are:
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Click on company logo above to see
their web site. |
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© Copyright 2003 - 2008 Dr. Charles Kaner, D.D.S.
Last Updated: 12/10/08.
Site Created by Lew Web
Designs.
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