This area of
Your Dental Implant Guide was created to better
answer the most common questions Your Dental Implant Guide. After reading through the
questions, visit the Implant Dentistry Glossary
to learn and understand "dental lingo" in simplified terms.
How do I find and choose a
doctor for my dental implant?
Finding a highly skilled
implant dentist can
be the difference between getting the smile you want and a serious disappointment. There
are many things to consider, from an implant dentist's credentials and continuing
education to their experience with the procedures you want performed. In
our Finding a Dentist section we've outlined all the things you need to consider,
including ways to verify a dentist's license, and some helpful ways on how to
find a highly skilled implant dentist. Start by visiting our Finding a Dentist section and
clicking on your state. Then click on the "Basic information about choosing an
implant dentist" link.
How are dental
implants actually placed?
There are usually two steps to dental implants, but there are "instant
load" implants that is only one step.
First, the actual implant placement is generally performed in your
doctor's office with local anesthesia. A light sedation can be used if
needed. Prior to this your Doctor will have confirmed you have enough
bone to sustain the implant. Using surgical techniques the implants are
placed into the jawbone for up to six months while the implant and bone
bond (osseointegration).
The second step involves the careful creation of the "replacement tooth"
or crown by an experienced dental lab. This is the "tooth part" that
will attach to the anchored implant in your jaw. Dental implants can be
the solution to replace a missing single tooth, several teeth or can be
used to anchor complete dentures.
How do I know what color
the crowns on my implants should be?
Usually, the answer is to whiten your natural
teeth to either the level of whiteness you want or to the brightest they can be. Your
implant dentist will then have the crown made to that color. Some say
the match should be to the white of your eyes. Teeth are of course not
monochromatic, so typically more than one color is used to create a very natural look.
This color variation is critical in avoiding fake or artificial looking teeth. It is the
internal contrast of colors that help create vitality. The internal play of light on the
porcelain in the restoration helps to create this vitality. Surface texture is also very
important, and helps to break up light reflections and make the implants look more natural.
What should a dentistry
treatment plan look like?
Many people have mentioned that it would be
helpful to see what a dentistry treatment plan might look like. This will give
you a good idea of the analysis and solutions you'll receive from a
respected dentist. Click here to see an example of a dentistry treatment plan.
Some plans will include many procedures
depending on the over all goals of the patient.
What causes dulling and
discoloration of teeth?
Your dental implant crown or pontic, will be created to match your
natural teeth. You may whiten your teeth beforehand and have your
implant crown match that new color. But either way it's good to
understand why teeth will discolor.
Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Tooth
dullness or staining is an indication that whitening should be considered. Smokers and
those who drink coffee and/or tea on a regular basis accelerate the discoloration and
require cleaning more often. This is among the most common reasons for teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening is
usually the first solution to try due to its lower cost.
What options
are there for missing
teeth?
Dental implants are quickly becoming the solution for a missing tooth.
While dental bridges are designed to replace missing teeth as well, they
affect adjacent teeth and usually require two crowns on otherwise
healthy teeth. Often a dentist will recommend an Implant to fill in the
space. In the Procedures section I have included information on dental
crowns, caps and bridges so you can make an informed decision.
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