There comes a time when virtually everyone requires a visit to the dentist for care that goes beyond a checkup and routine cleaning. Issues for most may range from cavities to complex diseases, while others find themselves in hospital emergency rooms for treatment of injuries that resulted in the loss of multiple teeth.
In fact, millions of Americans are missing most or all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Fortunately, even a brief consultation with a periodontist or a cursory review of an implant dentistry magazine comforts patients with the knowledge that options have rapidly advanced beyond standard dentures.
Implant dentistry improves the quality of life for patients physically and emotionally. The procedure does away with most of the common insecurities associated with wearing bridges or dentures, such as slippage and chewing certain foods.
Titanium has become the gold standard of successful dental implant procedures these days. Usage of that material in a post fused with the bone as well as advances in drill technology can translate into a long-term success rate as high as 97 percent.
Implant dentistry magazine articles and dental care providers do caution prospective patients that a diagnosis of illnesses including diabetes or liver disease may preclude them from being candidates for implants. On the other hand, the relatively common problem of insufficient bone density within the gums can be overcome through a variety of bone-grafting procedures.
Though some oral surgeons advertise same-day service with subsequent tweaks, success is less certain because it does not allow the post to fully fuse (“osseointegration”) with the bone before the process is completed with placement of the crown. That becomes more of a consideration when multiple teeth are being replaced and dual implants are required to stabilize the prosthetic, implant dentistry magazine research papers acknowledge.
If you think a dental implant might be an appropriate solution, start with a visit to your dentist. He or she can refer you to a specialist who’ll assess your condition and recommend options.
