Music feat Tooth

DEFINITION
By Mayo Clinic staff

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework.

How the surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. But all dental implant surgery occurs in stages and involves several procedures. The entire process can take many months.

Although most adults are candidates for the procedure, dental implant surgery is expensive and often not covered by insurance. Still, if you have difficulty eating or talking or simply want better looking teeth you may find that dental implant surgery is well worth the time and expense.


In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:
* Have one or more missing teeth
* Have a jawbone that's reached full growth
* Have adequate bone to secure the implants, or are able to have a bone graft
* Have healthy oral tissues
* Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing
* Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
* Want to improve your speech
* Are willing to commit several months to the process

RISKS
Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks. Problems are rare, though, and when they do occur they're usually minor and easily treated. Risks include:
* Infection at the implant site
* Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
* Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth,
gums, lips or chin
* Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of
your sinus cavities

HOW YOU PREPARE?
To start, you have a comprehensive dental exam. This may include taking dental X-rays and making models of your mouth. In addition, be sure to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements.

If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.

A treatment plan is tailored to your particular situation. This plan takes into account such factors as how many teeth must be replaced and the condition of your jawbone. This planning process may involve a variety of dental specialists, including:
* An oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and
treatment of injuries, diseases and other problems of the mouth, jaw and face
* A periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of
structures that support the teeth
* A prosthodontist, a dentist who specializes in making and fitting artificial
replacements for missing or damaged teeth

RESULT
Most dental implants are successful. Sometimes, however, the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. In that case, the implant is removed, the bone is cleaned up, and you can try the procedure again in a month or two.

You can help your dental work — and remaining natural teeth — last longer if you:
* Practice exceptional oral hygiene.
Just as with your natural teeth, implants, artificial teeth and gum tissue must be
kept clean. Specially designed brushes, such as an interdental brush that slides
between teeth, can help clean the nooks and crannies around teeth, gums and metal
abutments.
* See your dentist regularly.
Schedule dental checkups every six months to one year to ensure the health and
proper functioning of your implants.
* Avoid damaging habits.
Don't chew hard items, such as ice and hard candy, which can break your crowns —
or your natural teeth. Avoid tooth-staining tobacco and caffeine products. Get
treatment if you grind your teeth.

source: mayo clinic