Implants for Cosmetic Dentistry

Just like in cosmetic surgery, implants are used in cosmetic dentistry.  Tooth loss is the common indication for dental implants.  Dental implants are fixtures that are screwed permanently into the jaw bone.  The implant can serve as an anchor for a false tooth or sometimes for a set of false teeth. Though implants can be placed anywhere, they are best placed at the lower jaw to replace front teeth.  Dental implants have several purposes.  They are not used to replace one tooth but can be used to replace even several teeth.  They can also be used to replace bridges and removable dentures.

Anyone who has a missing tooth or who has his or her entire set of teeth missing is a good candidate for dental implants as long as there is enough bone for the treatment site.  Bone will serve as a good attachment for the implants.  Sometimes, bone grafting is performed before the actual procedure for dental implants.  Dental implants are also a good alternative for anyone who has removable partial dentures.  Implants can last a lifetime because they are strong and durable.

Implants are placed with the use of anesthetics. This procedure is surgical; therefore, it is very important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon with the right modern equipments for your surgery.  Expect that you will be experiencing minor swelling after the procedure.  A small amount of discomfort is also expected just like with any other minor surgery.

The procedure for dental implants is simply placing an implant, usually titanium implant, into your jaw bone.  Bear in mind, healing period can last up to 6 months.  During this healing period, your bone will grow around the implant for a very strong support.  There are cases of implant rejection, but these cases are very minimal in occurrence.  A maximum of two weeks is expected for you to not to wear your dentures to allow healing.  Cosmetic dentists sometimes will give you a dental flipper.  A flipper is a false tooth used to take the place of the missing tooth before the permanent crown is placed.  This will be a temporary solution.

There are several implants that you and your cosmetic dentist can choose from.  Root form implants are screw type of implants.  These are the most common and are used where there is enough bone width and length.  After introduction of anesthetics, the cosmetic dentist will expose bone where to the implants will be placed. The area of bone exposed will depend on how many implants you will need.  The implants will then be placed and your gums will be closed with sutures.  A maximum of six months is allowed for total healing.  Another form of implant is the plate form implant.  Plate form implants are specially prescribed for patients with narrow jaw bones not suited for bone grafting and root form implants.  This implant is flat and shaped for a better fit into the narrow bone.  The procedure and healing time for plate form implants is same as for the root form implants.  Subperiosteal implants are for patients with not enough bone for root form implants and plate form implants.  The procedure for these implants requires several dental laboratory procedures for a custom-fit implant.