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What Are Dental
Implants? |
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A natural tooth consists
of a crown (the part you see above the gum), and the root (the part
hidden under the gum, within the jawbone).
It is the root that actually holds the natural tooth in
place.
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When a person is missing
a tooth, the dentist must decide how to re-create
the crown portion, and he must choose the best method to hold it in
place. Dental implants
were created for this purpose. |
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Dental implants are
metallic cylinders that are placed into the jawbone where original
teeth once existed.
These root-like cylinders are used to secure a replacement tooth in
place in a spot where a tooth is missing. Dental implants can also be used to secure loose teeth in place
by being installed alongside the loose teeth and anchoring to them with splinted crowns.
This will allow the loose teeth to function better and last
longer in the mouth.
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Dental implants are made
of various biomaterials.
Most commonly, a surgical metal called titanium is used, because it
is the most compatible with human biology.
They are surgically placed in the jawbone, right in the
dentist’s office, using a local anesthetic.
Approved and tested implant systems are very successful.
In fact, some have lasted more than 20 years with a better
than 90% success rate.
Patients who have good oral hygiene and take care of their new teeth
can enjoy implants that last a lifetime.
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