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Implants - Permanent Tooth Restoration

Permanent tooth restoration is now possible with the use of dental implants. Dental implants are permanently attached to the jaw and they look virtually the same as natural teeth in appearance and shape.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Permanent tooth restoration is a restorative prosthetic procedure that allows a patient to have a natural smile without the complications of dentures or bridges. Many people with dentures or bridges report that they eat foods that do not require extensive chewing or biting, or they avoid hard foods altogether and only eat soft food. With permanent tooth restoration, it is possible to eat a wide variety of foods, including foods that are hard or require chewing, like apples or carrots. In addition, like permanent teeth, it is no longer necessary to avoid foods with dramatic differences in temperature, like hot coffee or ice cream.

Dental implants look and feel very much like natural teeth . The dentist is able to match the replacement tooth color to surrounding teeth, which are shaped by taking imprints of the surrounding teeth.

For patients who have substantial and significant dental losses, dental implants can offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. In addition to replacing several teeth, mini-implants offer the flexibility to replace partial or smaller teeth.

Although permanent tooth replacement can be initially expensive, over the long run, it can be a very worthwhile investment. Unlike dentures , dental implants do not require frequent adjustment or replacement. Once they are implanted, they simply require good dental hygiene, such as regular brushing, flossing and dental exams that include cleaning by a dental hygienist.

Drawbacks of Dental Implants

The two primary drawbacks to permanent dental restoration are cost and length of time to complete the restoration. Because dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance , most patients will need to cover the costs associated with the surgery and implantation. Costs can start at several thousand dollars and go higher. Patients who will be paying for their dental restoration themselves should ask for a complete cost estimate that includes all expenses associated with the surgery, including materials and possible bone grafts.

Dental restoration is completed in a three-phase process of different procedures. These procedures occur over the course of several months. Therefore, it is important that patients considering permanent tooth restoration be aware of the extensive commitment needed to complete the entire process.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

Most states do not have regulations about requirements for cosmetic dentistry . However, the American College of Prosthodontestry provides a three year, post-doctoral education program that includes a four-part exam. Upon completion of their program, dentists are board-certified in dental restoration and prosthetic procedures.

Summary

Permanent tooth restoration offers many benefits to patients seeking a permanent solution to their dental tooth loss needs. Dental implants are extremely successful and are a significant investment in dental health, but look and appear like natural teeth. While dental implants may be expensive, in the long run, they may be more cost-effective for patients. Patients should consider the amount of time necessary to complete the entire implantation process.