Dental Implants
Tooth loss can be caused by many issues. Some of these include:
•Tooth decay
•Damaged root canals
•Gum disease
•Mouth injuries
•Age
•Irregular eating habits.
These issues can also cause secondary health issues such as malnutrition, bone loss, and even loss of facial features. Dental implants are an in-office procedure and are safe for anyone over the adolescent age.
First, X-rays and other scans will be taken of your mouth and teeth before beginning a procedure. The dentist will then evaluate your mouth, teeth and gums and measure bone density. They need to make sure there is enough bone structure to hold the implants beforehand. He or she will also need to evaluate and analyze the best place for the implant to go. Those patients that have insufficient bone density or structure will need to have "mini implants" put in. In addition, patients with other medical conditions, such as Diabetes or cancer, will need to undergo a different form of treatment. This is usually due to the type of medication the patient is on for these other conditions.
You may need to attend several appointments with your dentist before beginning the procedure. Your dentist will also need to assess your dental hygiene and eating habits, your dental history, as well as your reasoning for considering dental implants. An anesthetic is typically used during this procedure which mildly sedates the patient so he or she does not experience any pain or discomfort. All this is typically discussed during the patient's consultation prior to undergoing the procedure.
Although all this may seem like a lengthy, risky, and uncomfortable process, the end results are well worth it. Dental implants look like any ordinary tooth. The dental implant procedure is typically a one-day, sit-in procedure. Again, different circumstances may apply to those patients with other medical conditions. Best of all, you won't be subconscious to smile or talk anymore, and no one will be able to tell the difference between the dental implants and your real teeth!