Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Truth About Dental Implants

There are three (not serious) main questions, when you understand that you need a dental implant procedure:

1. How much dental implant cost?
2. What are main dental implant prices?
3. Can I get free dental implant? Actually, dentures implant procedure is one of the most expensive things you can do at dentists office.

In the past, dentists would try to keep or replace teeth with treatments such as root canals, bridges, and fixed or removable dentures. Unfortunately, a significant number of root canal treated teeth fail, bridges require that healthy adjacent teeth be cut down and removable dentures can often be unstable and require the use of sticky adhesives. Dental implants are a solution to these problems, and many of the concerns associated with natural teeth are eliminated, including dental decay.

A Single-Tooth Implant

Single-tooth implants can be used in people who are missing one or more teeth. An tooth implant is surgically placed in an opening that is made by your dentist in the jawbone. After the implant integrates (attaches) to your bone, it acts as a new "root" for the crown that will be replacing your missing tooth. A crown (cap), which is made to look like a natural tooth, is attached to the implant and fills the space left in the mouth by the missing tooth.

For this procedure to work, there must be enough bone in the jaw, and the bone has to be strong enough to hold and support the tooth implant. If there is not enough bone, be may need to be added with a procedure called bone augmentation. In addition, natural teeth and supporting tissues near where the implant will be placed must be in good health.

There are plenty of reasons to replace a missing tooth. A gap between your teeth, if obvious when you smile or speak, is a cosmetic concern.

Depending on their location, some missing teeth may affect your speech. A missing molar might not be noticeable when you talk or smile, but its absence can affect chewing.

When a tooth is missing, the biting force on the remaining teeth begins to change. As the bite changes to compensate for the lost tooth, there is a risk of extra pressure on and discomfort in the jaw joints. If a missing tooth is not replaced, the surrounding teeth can shift. Harmful plaque and tartar can collect in new hard-to-reach places created by the shifting teeth. Over time, this may lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is one option for replacing a tooth. Implants are manufactured devices that are placed surgically in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as anchors for replacement teeth. Implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body.

An implant-restored tooth consists of several parts.

* The implant, which is made of titanium, is placed in the upper or lower jawbone.
* The abutment can be made of titanium, gold or porcelain. It is attached to the implant with a screw. This part connects the implant to the crown.
* The restoration (the part that looks like a tooth) is a crown, usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM), but also could be an all-metal or all-porcelain crown. The crown is attached either to the abutment or directly to the implant. It can be screwed or cemented onto the abutment. If the crown is screwed to the abutment, the screw hole will be covered with restorative material such as tooth-colored filling material (composite).

An implant looks and feels like a natural tooth. It fits securely when you chew and speak. A single-tooth implant is a free-standing unit and does not involve treatment to the adjacent teeth. With a dental implant, the surrounding teeth can remain untouched if they are healthy, and their strength and integrity may be maintained. The implant can stabilize your bite and help prevent problems with the jaw.

What Happens During the Tooth Implant Procedure?

Treatment generally is a three-part process that takes several months. Your dentist may provide the treatment, or you may be referred to a specialist - such as a periodontist, a prosthodontistor an oral and maxillofacial surgeon - for all or part of the treatment.

In the first step, the dentist surgically places the implant in the jaw, with the top of the implant slightly above the top of the bone. A screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissue and other debris from entering.

The gum then is secured over the implant, where it will remain covered for approximately three to six months while the implant fuses with the bone, a process called "Osseo integration. "There may be some swelling and/or tenderness for a few days after the surgery, so pain medication usually is prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. A diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup often is recommended during the healing process.

In the second step, the implant is uncovered and the dentist attaches an extension, called a "post," to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post. Once healing is complete, the implant and post will serve as the foundation for the new tooth.

In the final step, the dentist makes a custom artificial tooth, called a "dental crown," of a size, shape, color and fit that will blend with the other teeth. Once completed, the crown is attached to the implant post.

And now, maybe most important part.

We'll try to answer if dental implants are good choice for you.

* If you are missing a tooth, or teeth you could be an ideal candidate for implants, especially if your smile reveals missing teeth!
* If you are uncomfortable with the way your dentures fit. Loose dentures can cause sore gums because of friction or food trapped under the bridgework.
* Loose teeth from gum disease may need support.
* Dental implants can give you a new base to support new teeth to function and feel like natural teeth.

In these instances, dental implants can help.

Success and failure rates for dental implant procedure.

Dental implant success is related to operator skill, quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, and also to the patient's oral hygiene. Various studies have found the 5 year success rate of implants to be between 75-95%. Patients who smoke experience significantly poorer success rates.

Failure of a dental implant is usually related to failure to osseointegrate correctly. A dental implant is considered to be a failure if it is lost, mobile or shows peri-implant bone loss of greater than one mm in the first year after implanting and greater than 0.2mm a year after that.

Dental implants are not susceptible to dental caries but they can develop a periodontal condition called peri-implantitis where correct oral hygiene routines have not been followed. Risk of failure is increased in smokers. For this reason implants are frequently placed only after a patient has stopped smoking as the treatment is very expensive. More rarely, an implant may fail because of poor positioning at the time of surgery, or may be overloaded initially causing failure to integrate.

Does it very hurt to have dental implants placed?

The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant is done under local anesthesia and is generally not at all painful. When the anesthesia wears off about three or four hours later, you might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant problems.

In cases where there is prolonged pain, you should see your dentist right away. Prolonged pain is not a good sign with dental implants and although it does not always mean failure, the cause of the pain should be determined as soon as possible. If an implant is not properly integrating into the adjacent bone or if an infection develops, the implant may have to be removed.

What are the alternatives to implants?

The alternatives to implants are dentures or bridges. On the other hand, you may choose to simply accept the space where a tooth is missing.

A denture usually includes a metal and/or plastic base carrying plastic or porcelain artificial teeth. It is a removable replacement for a few missing teeth (partial denture) or a whole set of teeth (complete dentures). Dentures are very common but they can become loose, making it difficult to eat and speak. One or more implants can be fitted to help support and retain a denture.

A bridge consists of artificial teeth cemented onto adjacent natural teeth. If a fixed bridge were to be used, your dentist would cut down the adjacent teeth (the second molar and the second bicuspid) and fit a three unit fixed bridge over those two teeth.

The missing tooth would be called a pontic and it would be effectively replaced by the three unit bridge. If your dentist were to use an implant with a crown on it, he would place an implant in the site of the original first molar. He could do this immediately or at some date after the first molar was removed. There is no time limit here. The implant will take about 3 months to connect with the bone and then at that time, your dentist can construct a single crown on the implant to replace the missing first molar.

The cost of each one of these procedures varies from office to office, but a three unit fixed bridge costs about the same as an implant and a crown. The actual decision to do one over the other rests with you and your dentist. One technique is not inherently better than the other and each depends upon how you present and your dentist's skills.

How much dental implant cost?

There are no established fees, of course, dental implant procedures can start even from $800 (dental tourism countries) to $4,000 (at top end dentists US), but it can go beyond.

Alexandr Bo is editor of WorlDental.org -- Your Dental Health We write, post and ask dentists from all around the world about secrets of dental care and teeth treatment. On WorlDental.org you can find a place for dental tourism for make affordable dental works abroad.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Bo

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement procedures. Gone are the days when patients were forced to simply wear unsightly or uncomfortable caps, crowns or dentures. Often insecure and artificial looking, these solutions left people unable to talk and eat with confidence. Dental implants minimize the risks associated with crowns and caps, while maximizing the rewards by producing natural looking, healthy and most of all safer teeth that let recipients smile with conviction.

Dental implants are essentially artificial teeth that that are placed within the jaw. Although they are typically more aesthetically pleasing that the alternatives like crowns or dentures, the real reason many people are turning to dental implants to replace their missing teeth boils down to safety. Implants are a safer, more tooth-friendly procedure that has little to no adverse effect on neighboring teeth or gums.

When a patient elects to insert a bridge in support of missing or decayed teeth, adjacent teeth are usually altered to support the procedure. Over time this leads to gum and dental erosion. With implants, the replacement tooth looks virtually identical to the real thing, and the patient suffers nothing in terms of later tooth decay.

Today there are two dental implant procedures that most periodontists employ:

Endosteal is the most common procedure. Here, various types of screws, cylinders or blades are selected for insertion directly into the jawbone, with each implant holding one or more prosthetic teeth.

Subperiosteal is a less common alternative that is used for patients who are unable to wear dentures and have minimal bone height. The implants are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework inserted into gums.

Dental implants typically have a very high success rate, but typically require a patient that is in good overall health. Since we are dealing with invasive surgery, candidates who experience advanced gum disease or weak jaw bones may not be approved for the procedure. But for those that do qualify, they can expect a healthy, natural-looking smile that will, provided they continue with proper dental hygiene, last for years to come.

Locations offering dental implant surgery are located all across the country, particularly in the Northeast (New York, New Jersey and Boston), Nevada (Las Vegas and Summerlin), Los Angeles as well as various locations in Canada.

Dental Implants Info provides comprehensive information on the procedure and cost of standard and mini dental implants, and focuses on the Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York regions. Dental Implants Info is the sister site of Rhinoplasty Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith

Sunday, January 24, 2010

About Dental Implants? Tijuana Mexico

Dentist In Mexico



Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement procedures. Gone are the days when patients were forced to simply wear unsightly or uncomfortable caps, crowns or dentures. Often insecure and artificial looking, these solutions left people unable to talk and eat with confidence. Dental implants minimize the risks associated with crowns and caps, while maximizing the rewards by producing natural looking, healthy and most of all safer teeth that let recipients smile with conviction.

Dental implants are essentially artificial teeth that that are placed within the jaw. Although they are typically more aesthetically pleasing that the alternatives like crowns or dentures, the real reason many people are turning to dental implants to replace their missing teeth boils down to safety. Implants are a safer, more tooth-friendly procedure that has little to no adverse effect on neighboring teeth or gums.

When a patient elects to insert a bridge in support of missing or decayed teeth, adjacent teeth are usually altered to support the procedure. Over time this leads to gum and dental erosion. With implants, the replacement tooth looks virtually identical to the real thing, and the patient suffers nothing in terms of later tooth decay.

Today there are two dental implant procedures that most periodontists employ:

Endosteal is the most common procedure. Here, various types of screws, cylinders or blades are selected for insertion directly into the jawbone, with each implant holding one or more prosthetic teeth.

Subperiosteal is a less common alternative that is used for patients who are unable to wear dentures and have minimal bone height. The implants are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework inserted into gums.

Dental implants typically have a very high success rate, but typically require a patient that is in good overall health. Since we are dealing with invasive surgery, candidates who experience advanced gum disease or weak jaw bones may not be approved for the procedure. But for those that do qualify, they can expect a healthy, natural-looking smile that will, provided they continue with proper dental hygiene, last for years to come.

Locations offering dental implant surgery are located all across the country, particularly in the Northeast (New York, New Jersey and Boston), Nevada (Las Vegas and Summerlin), Los Angeles as well as various locations in Canada but cost much less in Tijuana for Dental Implants

Dental Implants Info provides comprehensive information on the procedure and cost of standard and mini dental implants, and focuses on the Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York regions. Dental Implants Info is the sister site of Rhinoplasty Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith

Cosmetic Dentist Tijuana

Monday, January 4, 2010

Why Get Dental Implants?

There is much talk about dental implants. Getting a dental implant can be expensive. If you need more than one tooth done, it is double expensive, so the question comes - why get dental implants. This article will look at the options, and benefits. Join me as we take a look.

For many people the loss of teeth is a natural process of age. Naturally many people will lose teeth due to wear and tear. This is a natural phenomenon and though we can do things to prolong them, it is part of life.

What will many people do in this situation? They will go forward with dentures. It is very cost effective and allows the person to chew and get by. However, it is not the best solution.

Dentures don't look good, are inconvenient, and really make people feel old. There are also the awkward situations when they can fall out when you are eating and have guest round.

Do people need to go through such hassles? Do people need to go around with missing teeth? The answer luckily is no!

There are many solutions, by far the best today comes in the form of dental implants. This is a technology which has improved though it is not new.

In the Mayan civilization, it has been found that they had dental implants, though not how we have them today. Today the technology has improved.

Dental implants allow you to have what looks like real teeth, feel like real teeth, and no one will notice unless you tell them! Now this is a solution which is allowing people to smile with confidence. There is no need for gaps in the mouth due to missing teeth, and there is no need for people to have the awkward situations of having dentures drop out, such as at a party!

The question is whether it is really worth it? The answer is a big yes. The last paragraph details the possible problems associated with missing teeth, and you just don't have to go through such problems.

The dental implants use some amazing technology. Titanium parts are joined to the jaw bone, making for a very strong base. Then the tooth is attached on top.

The dental implant feels like a real tooth, and thanks to the titanium parts, you can rest assured that you have a tooth implant that will last for decades. There is more great things that happen with a dental implant, and that is that when you need a replacement tooth, it is easy for them to attach a new tooth without all the hassle.

This happens thanks to getting the titanium parts that act as the root of the tooth. The question of whether it is worth getting done is fully answered in this last few paragraphs. The verdict is in, for natural looking and feeling teeth, nothing can compare like a dental implant.

Discover the cost of dental implants. Visit cost dental implants and find the information you need to get dental implants. http://www.costdentalimplants.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Reddingworth

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

You Too Can Now Afford New Dentures

Are you in need of dentures? Has eating your food been become a chore? Do you miss the foods that you use to be able to eat or just being able to eat like your everyone else? Have you avoided buying dentures because there are just too expensive and felt guilty because you would be putting yourself ahead of the rest of the family? Well my friend, there may be a way that you can get this taken care of without breaking your bank. Are you interested in learning more? Let me explain...

Out-of-pocket costs for everyday dental care are through the roof. The cost of new dentures alone is usually around $1252, depending on the area of the country that you live. That figure is based on the Phoenix, Arizona area and also I got a similar quote from the Denver, Colorado area. Most working people with families don't have $1252 laying around to get their upper dentures replaced with. As a matter of fact, $1252 is a monthly income for many people. However, there may be a way that you can get something done.

What I'm referring to is called a dental discount plan, also sometimes referred to as discount dental plans. These dental plans are not insurance, they are simply a discounted fee that is provided by a network of dentists for payment in full at the time of your visit. This is how it works. You pay a small fee in order to become a member of the dental plan. These fees are as low as $80 per year for an individual and as low as $150 per year for an entire family. After paying your membership fee you will be able to visit a dentist within one to three business days. You can then make an appointment to see your new dentist.

At your initial visit your dentist will want to do a thorough checkup, including x-rays in order to find out everything that is wrong with your mouth. This will be pretty simple to do if you're missing all of your upper or lower teeth, or have no teeth at all. You and your dentist will consult at this time and your dentist will let you know what you need to have done and how much is going to cost. You determine what you can afford and you pay the dentist the discounted rate at the time of your visit.

The savings from these plans can be anywhere from 10% to 60%. The cost of upper dentures alone is over $500 savings just by having the dental discount card. You'll also receive savings on any of the dental procedures that you need to have done for the entire year for yourself and/or your family, depending on which plan you choose to go with. I highly recommend that you get more information about dental discount plans if you are in need of dentures.

Do Dental Discount Plans Really Save You Money or is Dental Insurance The Way To Go? Find Out The REAL Truth by Visiting Discount-Dental.net or by clicking on Affordable Dentures. Joe Stewart is a former Life And Health Insurance Agent that now works for himself by providing solid, expert information to consumers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Stewart

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Why to Get Dental Implants

A dental implant is also called a tooth implant and definitely has a lot of advantages. It is an artificial tooth root and it is fixed into the jaw bone through a small surgical procedure. Its main function is to form a base in order to hold a replacement tooth or a denture. Most of the time the artificial root is just titanium screw. When it is surgically anchored in the bone, it fuses biologically with the living bone and helps to build up a foundation on which the bridge or crown can be attached.

A dental implant is extremely advantageous because this is the only way that a replacement tooth can be fixed securely into the jawbone. People with dental implants do not require removable dentures at all, and the dental implant helps to build up a sort of denture self-confidence due to the stability that it provides. The patient automatically experiences an improvement in speech, improvement in his chewing function and has a better appearance overall.

With a complete set of teeth, speech improvement occurs immediately. Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth. Now you can show your teeth with a healthy smile and all this makes you feel more confident and it raises your self-esteem. Since the chewing function improves, digestion improves as well. Dental implants are a permanent feature, and cannot be taken out and cleaned. Therefore you should take good care of them, just as you take care of all your teeth. No extra care is needed, and you may not be able to distinguish later between your teeth and the implants.

If your teeth require construction of a bridge, the adjacent teeth are normally a form of support for it. But if you have a dental implant, the adjacent teeth are spared the involvement and the result is a preservation of valuable tooth tissue.

Undoubtedly your overall oral health will improve with dental implants. A missing tooth for a long time can cause a host of problems like gum disease, shifting of teeth and sometimes even jaw disorders. A dental implant is better than a denture, not only because it remains as a strong foundation for a lifetime, but also because there are no hassles regarding cleaning of the dentures where several pastes and glues are used to keep the denture in place.

The level of comfort for the patient is of utmost importance. If a patient wears dentures, it is possible that comfort may be lacking. On the other hand a dental implant also replaces the missing tooth, but does not affect the surrounding teeth and looks just like the original one.

Dr. Kathuria's Multispeciality Dental Clinic, in Delhi, India, offering world class dental implants.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Puneet_Kathuria

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Why Implants Are Better Than Dentures

Anyone who has worn dentures knows just how bad they can be. Being foreign to the mouth, dentures can irritate the gums and cause pain. They have a tendency to wobble or slip while you are talking, eating or laughing.

What's more, dentures won't prevent the jawbone from shrinking which normally occurs when teeth are lost. This changes a person's appearance and can greatly affect one's social life.

With dental implants (artificial teeth which are anchored to the jawbone with tiny screws), these problems are eliminated. You can eat anything, speak better and look great.

Unlike dentures, dental implants look and feel like real teeth. They also prevent the erosion of the jawbone, making them a viable alternative to dentures.

"Many people have periodontal disease - the reason why they have missing teeth. Compounding the problem is the fact that very few people have access to quality dental care because of a severe lack of dentists in many parts of the world," according to Dr. Joseph D. Lim, a member of the Philippine Dental Association, former associate dean and presently a faculty of the University of the East College of Dentistry in Manila, and honorary fellow/member of the Asian Oral Implant Academy and the Japan College of Oral Implantologists.

"These 'dental cripples' cannot tolerate dentures because they are uncomfortable and inconvenient, Dental implants can help these people lead normal lives again just as they have helped over a million people worldwide," he added.

Indeed, dental implants have made life better for many people thanks to the services that implantologists like Lim provide.

"These people are doing a good job in advancing this new technology and changing the face of dentistry. I have learned a lot from them and my patients will certain benefit from this as well," said Dr. Ana Maria A. Lorenzana, former president of the Olongapo Dental Society in Manila.

"I look forward to the day when oral implantology will be included in the curriculum of dental schools here. We cannot ignore advances in dentistry," added Dr. Oscar B. Villaluz, former dean of Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines.

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Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Bell