Individual and Family Discount Dental Plans, Affordable
Dental Care Starting at $79.95 a Year!

JoinAffiliate ProgramContact Us

Enter your 5-digit ZIP code for a summary of dental plans available in your area, complete with dental savings information and nearby participating dentists.

For Individuals and FamiliesFor Businesses and GroupsFor DentistsOther Discount PlansInformation and HelpMembers AreaSearch
 DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > Dental > Thinkg About Dental Implants

Thinkg About Dental Implants?

Basic Information for Anyone Considering a Dental Implant.
Visit a Dentist in your Area for Additional Information on Dental Implants

Updated: 1/24/2008 4:00:36 PM
 
 
 
 
A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement or an artificial tooth that is used to treat tooth loss. Dental Implants are natural-looking dental fixtures that can be inserted into the upper as well as the lower jaws.
 
Tooth decay is one of the foremost reasons, which lead to eventual tooth loss. Other reasons may include normal deterioration, periodontitis or any kind of gum disease as well as root canal failure.
 
Tooth loss often results in irregularities that make it difficult for the individual to eat or speak. A dental implant is one among the various kinds of treatments that successfully treats tooth loss. Dental Implants are, in fact, considered to be more effective than traditional fillings and dental bridges. This is because they are not dependent upon the surrounding teeth for sustaining them.
 
Some of the main advantages of dental implants are that unlike dentures they check bone loss and prevent the gums from receding, since a dental implant is incorporated into the very structure of the bone. Unlike a denture or a dental bridge, when a dental implant is inserted, the surrounding teeth are left without any modifications done to them. Therefore, the neighboring teeth are not altered at all, once a dental implant is inserted. Dental Implants also offer better support and a higher rate of stability than removable dentures or fixed dental bridges. Dental implants have proven efficient in such cases where they are used along with other restorative procedures like bridges and dentures.
 
Treatment for a dental implant is performed by a qualified surgeon or periodontist who first drills a precision hole, also called an osteotomy, into the jawbone and the dental fixture is then placed there. In the flapless procedure, the dentist needs to remove a small portion of the gingival tissue just above the drilling site where the implant is then inserted. This is followed by the addition of a crown. This surgery is performed usually under local anesthesia. One or multiple implants can be done in a single surgery. The patient will then need some time to heal from the surgery and several months should be given when the jawbone goes through the process of Osseointegration. This process helps the implant to bond with the jawbone.
 
There are a number of complementary procedures that may have to be followed before or after the implant. These include sinus lifting and bone grafting. 
 
Who should use dental implants?
 
Implants can be done on healthy gums only, since they need a solid base to get effective results. Therefore, an individual with healthy gums can go in for a dental implant. People with heavy drinking and smoking habits, however, should avoid this treatment, since they will likely encounter problems healing. Smoking and alcohol use inhibit the body’s natural healing abilities. Other individuals with diseases like diabetes are not ideal candidates either. Good oral health is a prerequisite and the jawbone needs to be strong in order to hold the implant together. There must be a complete analysis done by your dentist. A CT scan gives details about bone density and the shape of the jaw is required before the implant is inserted. After the implant is done, it must be cared for properly. Complications can be avoided by continuing regular visits to your dental office.
 
Please consult a dentist for additional information about dental implants and the treatment options that work best for your case. Click here to find a dentist in your area. Enter your ZIP code below to find a money-saving discount dental plan available near you.

© 2008 DentalPlans.com, Inc.


Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today!
> Find my dentist
> Find a ZIP code
     

 
 

Affordable Dental Care from DentalPlans.com

 
Additional Articles
Survey: Full effect of recession on dent...
Alternate dental care treatment for rece...
More research called for on link between...
Poor dental health gives clues to other ...
Minnesota dentists warn cuts will preven...
People may have a higher risk of arthrit...
Ohio poor may lose state dental insuranc...
Advocates fight for dental care to be pa...
Rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease lin...
Braces screening for kids promotes denta...
Video games to train those who provide d...
Technology may help make dental care mor...
Dental care of the future - plasma to ki...
West Virginia initiative provides free d...
New material for dental care may blunt a...
California budget battle could decide de...
Beauty queen dentist offers cosmetic den...
North Carolina may slash dental care bud...
Survey: Dental health coverage important...
Proper dental care in conflict with many...

Search Plans & Dentists - F.A.Q.'s - Tell a Friend About Us - Bookmark This Page - Receive Our Newsletter - Return to Home Page 

Add to Google MSN Dental
 Add Dental
 To My Yahoo Subscribe with Pluck RSS reader    Subscribe with Bloglines   Subscribe in NewsGator Online Dental
 News Feed

BBBOnLine Reliability Seal Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Report Abuse - Site Map - States
Find Dental Insurance Alternatives - Dental Insurance Decisions
Planes Dentales - Testimonials - DPRxCard.com - DP Goes Green -
Compare Discount Dental Plans & Dental Insurance  
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization, 8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan, Program or discount plan organization.

1999-2009 DentalPlans.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patents Pending.