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Dental
Implants
Did you
know that approximately
40 million Americans
have lost
one or more of their
permanent teeth? This
accounts for
about one-half of the
adult
population over the age
of 55! People
are now living longer
and
enjoying more active
lives and
those who lose their
teeth
at an early age can face
30 to 40
years of wearing
dentures.
This can cause serious
health and
nutritional problems,
especially for older
people.
Are
you self-conscious about
your smile? Are you
worried that others
may see the problems in
your mouth? Do you tend
to avoid
laughing in front of
others and eating
certain foods you enjoy
because you have a loose
denture? Do you feel
that you look older than
your age because you
have
a sunken-in facial
appearance due to tooth
loss? If so, you may
wish to
consider dental
implants.
Dental
implants
are
permanent
tooth
root
substitutes,
which
provide
an
anchor
for
artificial
replacement teeth,
dentures or
bridges. They are made
from a
space age metal called
titanium, which is
compatible with human
bone
and tissue. These
titanium
cylinders
are
placed
directly
into
the
jawbone
where
teeth
are
missing.
Later, small posts
called abutments are
attached to the
implants. These
posts protrude through
the gums and provide
anchorage for artificial
teeth.
WHO
CAN
HAVE
DENTAL
IMPLANTS?
Just
about anyone is a candidate
for dental implants!
If you are
healthy enough to have
a tooth extracted, you are
probably healthy enough to
have dental
implant placement.
Dr.
Falcone can help you to make
the determination if
implants are right
for you. A thorough
evaluation is necessary
prior to dental implant
placement. Dr. Falcone
and your restorative
dentist will evaluate your
specific needs by performing
the following:
- Dental
and medical health
assessment
- Lifestyle
assessment
- Oral
hygiene assessment
- Radiographic
evaluation
- Evaluation
of available jawbone
- Surgical
and restorative
examination
If
you
feel
that
dental
implants
are
right
for
you,
we will work closely
with you to formulate
a treatment plan, which will
satisfy your needs and works
within your
budget. After
your initial implant
consultation, we can discuss
fees and insurance
reimbursement.
Insurance coverage for
implant procedures is
varied, but we will be
happy to assist you
in obtaining the benefits to
which you are entitled.
Sometimes
patients
may
require
adjunctive
procedures
prior
to
implant
placement,
or
in conjunction to
implant placement due to a
lack of sufficient bone for
implant
placement. In
certain cases, bone-grafting
procedures may be indicated
to restore
bone that has been
lost. Also, sinus-lifting
procedures may be required
if the sinus
cavity is too low.
Dr.
Falcone
will
thoroughly
discuss
these
items
at
your
consultation
visit
along
with any
risks for these types of
procedures.
Most
times, dental implant
surgery is performed in Dr.
Falcone’s office. In
some cases, implants
are done in the hospital or
an ambulatory surgical
center. In any event, implants can be
placed with
local anesthesia or some
form of sedation depending
on your personal
needs.
Please
continue
to
the Dental
Implant
Procedure page for
further information.
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