aaah...What I wouldn't do to chew nuts again!!! (Part III)

Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay.

A lot of people do not replace these missing teeth leading to further dental and joint complications. Some replace them with removable prostheses and hate them. Others get fixed bridges done - which are great but they involve grinding away two adjacent teeth for support. 

So how are fixed teeth possible?

Dental Implants. They have revolutionized dental treatment.

Well - What are they?

Your natural tooth has a root (which lies hidden in the gum) and a crown which is what you see in the mouth. When you remove a tooth - the entire crown and root is removed, leaving nothing in the bone.
Naturally to fix a tooth we need something to support it on - we can't expect to sit pretty on the gum alone. Feviquick does have it limitations :)

So how do we recreate the tooth root? 

We place in a titanium insert into the bone. Let it heal and then fix a crown to that insert which acts as a root. 

Is this a new untested technique?

No - it's been around for more than 60 years - tried - tested and working successfully.

Is it safe? 

Absolutely, it is just the reverse of getting a tooth removed. Instead of removing - we are putting in. So if you are healthy enough to get a tooth removed - you are in all probability healthy enough to get it replaced with a dental implant.

Is it not a foreign body being put in? 

How will my body react? Titanium is a biocompatible material. Moreover when huge titanium implants are being inserted into knees everyday around the world with no issues - how will a tiny little screw 10 mm long cause any trouble?

How many teeth can I replace? 

As many as you need or want. Right from 1 tooth to 28 teeth can be replaced.

What is the success rate of implants?

Depending on bone quality and other factors different articles claim success rates of 90-97%.

What if my implants fail? 

Nothing. That is the best part. Failed implants don't mean any trouble. They can simply be removed and replaced at a later date. Not many treatments in dentistry are so reversible.

Don't struggle with removable dentures. Don't sit around with missing teeth and big gaps. Don't give up on your favorite foods for the lack of chewing efficiency.

Find a qualified dentist. Ask for dental implants.

Once you are done with the treatment you will kick yourself that you didn't get it done earlier.