Nothing can take the place of a healthy set of teeth, but when disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, it's good to
know you have some options in restoring your smile.
For some people, dental implants offer a feel and look very similar to their own teeth.
Implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically placed beneath your gums. After placement, the implants fuse
to the bone of your jaw and act as artificial tooth roots. Replacement teeth - singularly or grouped on a bridge or
denture - are then mounted to the implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
One key advantage of teeth implants is that they fuse to the jawbone, offering stable support to artificial teeth. Dentures,
bridges or individual teeth mounted to the implants won't slip or shift in your mouth - an especially important benefit
when eating and speaking.
This secure fit also helps replacement teeth feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.
Some people may find the stability of implant-supported dentures to be more comfortable than removable dentures.
Can anyone have teeth implants?
Candidates need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant and they must commit to keeping
these structures healthy. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of
dental implants.
Because implant placement involves more than one oral surgery, candidates must be in overall good health.
Certain chronic diseases - like diabetes, osteoporosis or chronic sinus problems - may interfere with proper healing
and could prevent bone from attaching to the implant. Long-term medication use and certain behaviors, like smoking,
also may affect the stability of the implant over time.
What are dental implants made of?
The implant itself is made of metal - usually titanium as it has proven to be very compatible with bone and other
tissues. The surface of some implants are treated with a substance that helps them adhere to the bone. Just like
conventional crowns, bridges or dentures, the replacement teeth mounted on the implants are made of porcelain,
porcelain and metal, or polymer resin.
What else should I know about dental implants?
As with any medical or dental procedure, teeth implant placement is not always successful. You and your dentist should
discuss complications related to healing factors that could influence long-term retention of the implant.
Placing the implant and allowing the bone to fuse with the implant will take some time. The entire procedure can take
place over a few months and usually involves more than one surgical appointment. Your dentist may be able to make
a temporary bridge or denture that you can use during this healing period. Placement and adjustment of the artificial
teeth also may require more than one fitting.
Implant placement also can be costly, and some insurance carriers do not cover this procedure. When considering
dental implants, you should check with your insurer to determine how much of the cost will be covered under your
plan. If you prefer, you may contact our staff to discuss financing options in detail. For years we have been trying to
make a great looking partial that replaces several teeth at once. With today's new materials and high-technology, we
are able to provide you with partial dentures which are lightweight, durable and very esthetically pleasing. We design
our new partials to have clasps which are the same color as you teeth thus eliminating those unsightly metal clasps
that were common in partials of the past.
Call North Country Dental today to inquire further about the Dental-D Partial and how it will greatly enhance your
smile.
How to Care for Your Cosmetic Partial
Rinse your partial after every meal.
Clean your partial thoroughly at least once a day. As materials for partials may vary, consult with your dentist on
which cleaning methods and products are best suited for your particular partial. Never use alcohol, abrasive cleaners,
bleaches, whiteners or boiling water to clean or soak your partial, unless specified by the dentist.
While brushing your "other" teeth, pay special attention to cleaning the teeth that fit under the denture's clasps.
Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist
can demonstrate how to properly brush and clean between teeth.
Partial dentures normally should be worn at night. A partial can dry out and distort if left outside a moist environment.
Keep your partial immersed in soaking solution or water whenever you are not wearing it.
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the
fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Loose dentures
can cause various problems, including sores or infections.
Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by your dentist rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.
Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful
chemicals and should not be used on a denture.
If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, call North
Country Dental immediately. In many cases, we can make necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day.
