Losing your teeth in an accident or losing them to tooth decay is no laughing matter. Many people with missing teeth are too embarrassed even to smile. But a relatively new procedure called dental implants can permanently repair your smile. Below, two clinical professors will discuss the options.
What is a dental implant?
GRAZIANO GIGLIO, DDS: It is basically a titanium screw placed into the jaw bone with a tooth anchored to it.
First, we make an osteotomy, which is a hole in the bone, and then it's screwed in. After a certain amount of healing, we place a tooth on top of it.
How far into the bone does the implant go?
GRAZIANO GIGLIO, DDS: It depends on the areas in the mouth, but there are some vital structures that we can't invade, such as the sinus or the mandibular nerve, since there are nerves inside the bone. We just have to avoid those. Sometimes a patient has to have bone replaced or augmented there prior to placing the implant.
What is that tooth made out of?
GRAZIANO GIGLIO, DDS: It could be made out of ceramic material which is aesthetic, or it could be made out of a metal with a ceramic on top of it.
When does a patient need this procedure?
GRAZIANO GIGLIO, DDS: Of course, an implant can be used in any situation where a patient is missing teeth. Implants were first developed for people who lost most or all of their teeth and until recently these people were condemned to wearing removal dentures, what people call "plates" for the rest of their lives.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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