Implants
http://www.mynewsmile.com/missing.htm
Implants are another way to replace missing teeth. Good candidates for implants are a healthy, non-smokers with healthy gums and good bone density. Smoking and chronic diseases, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery.
An implant is a titanium cylinder that is inserted into the jaw bone like the root of a natural tooth. The procedure is done in three steps:
- The implant is surgically placed into the jaw. After six months of healing the bone fuses with the metal implant.
- Once healed, the implant is uncovered and an extension is attached.
- Once the extension is placed into the implant, a single tooth crown will be cemented onto the extension. Multiple implants can be placed to hold a fixed bridge or a full denture.
Advantages
Helps with prevention of bone loss which can happen after the losing one or more teeth.
Can hold one or more artificial teeth without needing support from other teeth as with bridges or partials.
Disadvantages
Requires longer treatment time than with bridges or dentures.
Can be expensive and is not always covered by insurance.