| What can
be done if I have missing teeth? |
| Missing teeth can
be replaced with predictable results using fixed bridges or
dental implants. Nothing makes a better impression than a bright
smile showing well shaped even teeth. Even subtle changes in
your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look,
feel and even on your social outlook. Dr. Ribaudo-Powell provides
several options for you to get an award winning smile. |
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| What are dental implants? |
| Dental implants are man-made
"tooth roots" crafted of lightweight titanium. Dental
implants are the newest and most permanent way to replace missing
teeth. Implants are basically man-made tooth roots that are
surgically placed into the jawbone. Once in place, these "roots"
can then be used to attach different type of teeth replacement-including
crowns, bridges or dentures. |
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| How successful is it? |
| Dental implants have a success
rate of approximately 95%, with best results coming from implants
at the front of the lower jaw. |
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| Can anyone have implants? |
| In most cases, anyone healthy
enough to undergo routine dental extractions or oral surgery
can be considered for an implant procedure. Patients suffering
from uncontrolled chronic diseases or systemic problems or behaviors
and heavy smokers may not be good candidates. |
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| Is the procedure painful? |
| With modern anesthesia,
you are unlikely to experience any pain during implant replacement.
Afterwards, discomfort will be based on the extent of your procedure.
Most patients tell us the benefits of their implants far outweigh
any discomfort they experience. |
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| How long will it take? |
| The implant procedure itself
may be brief. It can take place in a single visit to the surgeon's
office. This is followed by a healing period during which the
bonding of the dental implant to the jawbone takes place. Typically,
this requires from three to six months. Most patients use a
temporary bridge during this period. |
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| Is this an experimental
treatment? |
| No. This treatment has been
used for more than 35 years in Europe, and has become an integral
part of dental care in the United States and Canada over the
past 15 years. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of people have
had missing teeth successfully replaced by dental implants. |
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| What about cost? |
| While dental implants cost
more than traditional restorative dentistry, most patients consider
them to be an investment in their future. Not only do they feel
better about their physical appearance, they are able to eat
a healthy, well-balanced diet. Furthermore, once a tooth has
been replaced, it seldom requires further attention. The same
is not always true for conventional restorations. |
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| Will insurance pay for
dental implants? |
Although some insurance
plans will cover a portion of the cost of dental implants,
most will only pay for the procedure if you are replacing
a tooth lost as the result of an accident. Our office can
help you find out what your plan provides.
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