Dental Implant Basics | Resources and links to information on dental implants

By: ReginPaul

Do you experience fear or paranoia that dental implants will not work for you? Do fear that you’ll be splurging a lot of money for something that you won’t be satisfied with? Then let’s take a look at how dental implant procedures can be successful.

Its success is not only dependent on the skill of the dentist or orthodontist, but also of other factors such as the person’s bone condition. A good oral hygiene can also deter the person from having “over all” dental implants (all teeth). People who have undergone this fantastic treatment have experienced relief and have lessened a large chunk of their burden from eating the food they missed when they were still toothless.

By: ReginPaul

Do you smoke? If yes, it would be best if you could stop now. We all know that smoking is dangerous to our health—it could lead to different kinds of diseases such as lung cancer, gangrene and emphysema among others. In fact, lung cancer alone takes up almost 22 percent of all cancer related deaths. Aside from these, different kinds of oral diseases may arise.

Those who will have their dental implants (in the future perhaps) and at the same time, smoke, can experience failed operations since cigarettes can cause oral complications. Experts advise that people who smoke should stop their vices now.

A successful dental implant procedure largely depends on the dentist’s skill in placing an implant, and the ability of the patient’s bone to integrate with the implant. Osteoporosis is associated with the bone’s decrease in mass and strength, making the bone more susceptible to fracture. The elderly, especially women after menopause, are more prone to osteoporosis. But dental implant is still a good option, the first step is to seek medical clearance for surgery. If the doctor allows an elderly to undergo surgery, then the dental implant specialist may proceed. Such patients are given longer time to heal after extractions and during the implant healing phase.

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If you’re considering dental tourism for your dental implant procedure, make sure you have not only a cheap operation / vacation, but a safe one as well. Research on the countries you plan to visit – its culture, the hotels or resorts, the medical facilities and experts available. Look for people who had a good dental tourism experience and ask for referrals.

In selecting the hospital or dental services provider, make sure these are accredited by the appropriate bodies, such as the Joint Commission International.

Do not travel alone. Always have someone with you to take care of your needs while you are recuperating. Although most dental procedures only make use of local anesthesia, small details such as how to go back to your hotel should no longer bother you.

See this site for more tips.

By: ReginPaul

Length, number, thread pattern, density, volume, and diameter are just some of the numerous implant requirements needed to be assessed right before the operation. Dentists should know everything about their patients because dental implants allow no room for error. There must be enough teeth bone before implant procedures are made. If the teeth bone is “short” or is not enough, there are other methods to be done first such as bone grafting or bone augmentation. If in case the patient is not eligible for dental implants, there are other dental procedures available such as veneers and bridging (or dentures maybe, your pick).

- Consult with another specialist and discuss the treatment plan given by the previous specialist.

- Research for the specialist’s previous patients and the other specialists he works with. Call them and ask about how the specialist does his work.

- Determine whether this specialist is considered an “expert” in his field, and whether he is into a continuing education program to improve his practice.

- Look for a specialist who is confident, cautious and thorough in his work.

- Research the specialist’s background – whether he has a pending case regarding his dental practice.

- Ask straight away how many of these procedures this specialist has successfully done.

- Ask about the possibility of dental implant failure and what your alternatives are.

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To avoid problems with dental implants, a problem report prepared by Dr. Davidoff can be filled out by patients to assess whether they are in good hands. Here are things you should consider:

- Look for other people who have dental implants, ask them who did the operation and who made the implant, and how their implants are now.

- Look for qualified dentists/ADA specialist, and discuss your options. Make sure you are dealing only with certified specialists.

- Before going ahead with the treatment, ask for a written treatment plan, with all the important details, including all the fees, making sure there are no hidden charges.

By: ReginPaul

What is Osseointegration? Does this treatment really work? What is the difference between the more common dental implant and this kind of therapy? Is it safe for the patients who wish to undergo this dental procedure? Let’s find out what Osseointegration is all about.

Osseointegration implant is another kind of dental implant that involves the placement of titanium screws in the gums for the crown to be coiled onto. Titanium is said to fuse with the bone when the osteoblasts develop (responsible for bone development). This kind of implant was discovered by Swedish Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark and has been the most used method for dental implants.

The percentage of successful implants is more than 90%. However, it is possible for an implant to fail to bond with the surrounding bone, even after bone grafting. For such cases, implants are removed and another implant may be placed. Some of the reasons for non-integration of implants to the bone are: surgical trauma, infection around the implant, smoking (which reduces the blood flow and slows down healing), unhealthy bone, and allergy to titanium which is a rare occurrence.

Usually, infection of the gums around the implant causes bone loss if not treated properly. Proper oral hygiene should be a priority to ensure a successful implant.

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The standard diameters of dental implants range from 4 mm to 6 mm. The diameter ensures the implant’s strength. Recent developments have changed these standards. Mini-implants or small-diameter implants (SDIs) have diameters up to 1.8 mm. Mini-implants were originally meant for temporary support while the larger diameter implants are integrating into the bone, after which the mini-implants will be removed. However, dental practitioners found that the mini-implants could no longer be removed as they have already integrated into the bone during the interim service period.

Some of the advantages of SDIs are: fewer complications, no cutting or sutures, minimal swelling and postoperative pain, and in most cases, the entire procedure is completed in just one visit.

For more information on mini-implants / SDIs, check out the dental practitioners and specialists’ discussion on OsseoNews.com

Also visit the Academy of Mini Dental Implants

Other links:
dentaleconomics.com

Journal of the American Dental Association

British Dental Journal

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