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> What are the benefits of dental implants?
> How do I know if
dental implants will be an advantage for me?
> What are implants
made of?
> What is the treatment
like?
> What is the success
rate of dental implants?
> How long will the
implants last?
> What are the chances
for rejection?
> Do implants work
as well as natural teeth?
> How much do implants
cost?
> Does the procedure
hurt?
> Who provides dental
implants?
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What are the benefits of dental implants?
If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants
may be an option for you. Dental implants are man made
replacements for tooth roots. Implants support artificial
teeth like roots support teeth. Implants can provide
a firm, stable and non-removable support for artificial
teeth. One tooth, several teeth or all teeth can be
replaced by dental implants. Implants provide a method
for anchoring your lower or upper denture, for replacing
your partial or full denture with fixed bridgework or
for replacing a single missing tooth. Implant restorations
can improve your quality of life by eliminating the
frustrations associated with loose ill-fitting dentures
or removable bridgework.
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How do I know if dental implants will be an advantage
for me?
Most people are candidates for dental implants. Dental
implant surgery is usually an office procedure. If you
are frustrated with loose, ill-fitting dentures or partial
dentures, or you want an alternative to the replacement
of teeth, a thorough examination by a qualified dental
professional will help determine if you would be a good
candidate. This consultation is an excellent time to
discuss your concerns and the potential benefits dental
implants might offer for you.
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What are implants made of?
Most contemporary dental implants are made of titanium
or a titanium alloy. Some implants have special coatings
which increase their biocompatibility. These materials
are specially designed to be inert in living bone tissue.
The materials and techniques of dental implant surgery
have considerable research background. Currently, dental
implant treatment is as predictable as ever.
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What is the treatment like?
The exact steps involved with implant treatment will
vary based upon the type of implant chosen. Generally
there are several steps involved with all implants.
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What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implant treatment is as predictable as ever.
The exact success rate varies slightly depending upon
the location of the implant(s) in the mouth, the bone
structure in that area and the chosen form and design
of tooth replacement. However, success rates of properly
designed implant restorations typically are greater
than 90% and can be even greater for specific designs.
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How long will the implants last?
Some dental implants have been in function for more
than 25 years.
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What are the chances for rejection?
Dental implants are made of biocompatible materials
specifically designed to enhance their success. The
success rates for dental implant restorations typically
are greater than 90%.
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Do implants work as well as natural teeth?
Implants will never function as well as natural teeth,
but dental implants do function far better than removable
partial or complete dentures.
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How much do implants cost?
The cost of dental implant treatment can vary depending
upon the design of the tooth replacements and number
of dental implants used. Part of the consultation process
is to review options and associated costs.
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Does the procedure hurt?
In many cases, the pain associated with dental implant
treatment can be likened to a tooth extraction. Obviously,
the discomfort experienced can vary from person to person
and with various situations. However, most people can
use contemporary medication(s) to significantly reduce
the experienced discomfort.
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Who provides dental implants?
The process of dental implant treatment typically involves
several stages. The first stage is the surgical placement
of the dental implant into the bone of the jaw. The
second stage is the placement of the chosen type of
artificial teeth onto the dental implant(s).
The American Dental Association does not recognize
a specialty in dental implant treatment. While some
"general" dentists provide both stages of
implant treatment, most "general" dentist
do not. Typically, the surgical placement of dental
implant(s) is completed by a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon.
The restoration and placement of the artificial teeth
is completed by a restorative or "general"
dentist.
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