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Implant
Dentistry
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Replacement of missing
one, several or all of the teeth with the help of dental implants
and fixed and removable restorations is one of the most important
advances in modern dentistry. They offer an excellent alternative
to uncomfortable removable partials or complete dentures. Implant
supported restorations offer the comfort, appearance, and function
of natural teeth.
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What Are Dental
Implants?
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The most commonly
used dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is surgically placed
into the upper or lower jawbone and serves as a root substitute
for a natural tooth. During a 4-6 month healing period the bone
will fuse to the implant and anchor it in the mouth. These anchors
provide a strong foundation for replacing single or multiple teeth.
Other types of implants are of various shapes and are used in compromised
situations where there is inadequate bone to place cylinder / root
form implants.
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For over 30 years
implants have resulted in beautiful smiles for patients. They result
in a more natural type of tooth replacement that can restore your
previous chewing ability, improve appearance, and renew self-confidence.
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The Surgical
Procedure
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The placement
of dental implants most often involves one or two surgical
procedures. First, implants are placed within the jawbone.
The implants remain at or below the surface of the gum for
a three to six month healing period and gradually fuse to
the jawbone. You can continue to wear your dentures or temporary
teeth during this period.
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After the implant
has fused to the bone or "osseointergrated", Dr. Patel performs
a minor procedure to uncover the implants. Many times that
procedure may not be even needed if the implants are placed
at the surface of the gum. Small posts are then attached to
the implants. These posts protrude through the gums and will
serve as anchors for the replacement of the teeth. The entire
procedure takes six to eight months. Most patients experience
very little disruption from their normal life patterns. Cases
that require bone grafting due to inadequate bone for implant
placement would require additional healing time.
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Dr. Patel has
extensive surgical and prosthetic training in implant dentistry
and has been involved in implant procedures (from Harvard University,
Boston) since 1989. He is a Diplomat of American Board of Oral Implantology and Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID),
Fellow of the American Academy
of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Fellow and Diplomat of International
Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). Dr. Patel has followed
AAID philosophy of multi modality approach in treating implant
patients and has training in several different types of Implants
such as Blade Implant, Subperiosteal implant, Ramus frame
implant and many more.
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Are Dental Implants for Me?
If you answer yes to any of the following
questions, dental implants may be a good choice for you:
Do
you wear a full or partial denture that causes you
pain when you eat?
Do you wear a full or partial denture that fits badly
and sometimes slips?
Are any of your remaining teeth becoming loose or
crooked?
Are you embarrassed about dentures or missing teeth
when you smile or laugh?
Do problems with a full or partial denture prevent
you from eating in public?
Does wearing dentures keep you from being socially
or physically active?
Do you need to replace a single tooth or multiple
teeth?
Are you willing to expend extra time on oral hygiene
for your dental implants?
Are you willing to follow up with regularly scheduled
dental checkups?
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