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- $Unique_ID{BRK02401}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What Are Dental Implants and When Can They Be Used?}
- $Subject{tooth mouth dentures dental implant implants teeth titanium endosteal
- root substitute jawbone bridge special procedures procedure surgery operation
- operations jaw anchors screws cylinders blades}
- $Volume{P-11}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- What Are Dental Implants and When Can They Be Used?
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- QUESTION: I have just had a tooth removed from what was a perfect mouth. I
- hate the thought that I am now on the inevitable road to dentures. My friend
- told me I might avoid this, if I used a dental implant, but I know little
- about this. Could you please tell me what they are and if they can be used by
- anyone. Your information would be greatly appreciated.
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- ANSWER: Since dental implants are not an area of knowledge where I possess a
- great deal of information, I turned to a specialist in this technique for
- help. Dr. Linda Cruickshank, M.Ed., D.M.D. of Marshfield, Mass. is a member
- of the American Academy of Implant Surgery, and a graduate of the Harvard
- Medical School Implant Program. Her "consultation" provided the information
- contained in this answer to your question.
- Dental implants are the modern method for replacing missing teeth. They
- can prevent dentures from slipping, gaps showing from missing teeth, or
- premature loss of remaining teeth. Implants replace dentures and partials
- with bridges that have less bulk and a more esthetic appearance. Implants are
- permanent.
- Several types of implants are currently made from titanium and can be
- coated with special material to encourage bone growth. Of the many implants
- currently used, the most common is endosteal (in the bone). During the
- initial surgery, the dentist places the implants or anchors (screws,
- cylinders, or blades) into the jawbone. Screws or cylinders are the most
- common types of endosteal implants, but blades are used when the jawbone is
- narrow. The implant process takes from to three to nine months because of the
- time required for the jawbone and gums to grow around the implant and for the
- new teeth to be made. The patient usually resumes normal activity within 24
- hours of the surgical procedure.
- The implant is a root substitute. After the implant is placed into the
- jawbone, the marrow is induced to produce new bone tissue which grows to
- contact the implant surface. The implant thus becomes fixed to the bone and
- can withstand the forces of chewing, and becomes the attachment for permanent
- teeth. Indeed the implant functions just as a natural tooth, conserving the
- height and width of the bone. This healthy relationship is in marked contrast
- to the effects of a denture on the underlying gum and bone tissue.
- As a general rule, implants can be used for most anyone, providing their
- jawbone is high enough, wide enough and dense enough for the implant to fit.
- Bone grafts can be added if necessary. The tissue must not be infected at the
- time of placement. Some situations which may prevent the use of implants are:
- an out-of-control diabetic, an autoimmune deficiency, patients whose jaws have
- been irradiated in the area, or those who have conditions that retard or
- prevent the healing process.
- Implants can: replace a single tooth; eliminate a partial denture;
- stabilize a denture; retain and support a denture or support a complete
- bridge.
- Dr. Cruickshank cautions patients to obtain a second opinion if they are
- told they do not qualify for implants. A more knowledgeable practitioner may
- think otherwise. She also suggests requesting the educational and training
- background of the professional you consult, and inquiring about their
- experience in performing implants.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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