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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is an implant? |
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An implant is a man-made replacement for the
natural tooth root which allows a person to return
to non-removable teeth or a more secure dental
restoration. It is not a transplant which would
be taken from another individual. There are
several types of dental implants of which the
doctor will select the most suited for your needs
and general dental condition. |
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How is an implant inserted? |
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Although there are many types of implants, the
types can be divided into two basic groups.
1.
Those
that are inserted INTO the bone.
2.
Those
that are placed OVER the bone.
In both instances, the implants are
placed UNDER the gum tissue and extend into the
mouth. |
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How do implants affect your chewing efficiency? |
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For purposes of comparison, let us assume that the
patient with all of their own natural teeth in a
healthy, well-maintained, functionally accurate
condition can chew at 100 percent efficiency.
However, with every tooth lost, efficiency
decreases. How much decrease there will be is
dependent upon whether or not the teeth are
replaced and in what manner. Ultimately, if a
person reaches the point where they have no teeth,
and are using properly fitted dentures on an
adequate bony ridge, a chewing efficiency of
perhaps 15 to 18 percent may be achieved. If the
ridges are not adequate, the percentage decreases
to as low as 5 percent. With implants and
non-removable bridgework, or well supported tooth
replacement methods, a person may get back to as
high as 85 percent compared with what they had
with their natural teeth, depending on the number
of natural teeth present and their condition.
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Can implants be rejected? |
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Implants are made of biologically compatible
materials which have undergone extensive testing
over a period of 4 decades. Since these materials
are largely metals, such as titanium, and
Vitallium alloy, and have never been living
tissue, there is no likelihood of causing an
antigen-antibody response which could cause
rejection similar to that which sometimes occurs
with heart and kidney transplants. |
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Will insurance pay for implants? |
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Some dental procedures and portions of implant
surgeries are covered by dental insurance
policies. The majority of the cost for implant
treatment, however, is not covered by most
insurances. Our office personnel will assist you
in obtaining these benefits. |
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Is it expensive? |
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Implant procedures, which vary in complexity and
extent depending on the patient’s dental condition
and requirements, can involve a significant
investment. A survey of 350 patients after
completion of their implant treatment revealed
that no only was it worth the investment, but that
they would happily do it again.
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