Mark Peppard, DDS, MAGD - Mark Peppard, DDS MAGD
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root for a tooth, and it serves as the anchorage for oral prosthetic devices. The implant is actually placed in the bony areas of your jaw where a tooth or teeth were lost. If trauma or Periodontal Disease has destroyed bone in this area, a small amount of bone grafting material may be added to provide extra anchorage for the implant. The implant is made of Titanium, the same medical grade metal used for Total Knee and Hip replacements. Titanium is biologically compatible with your immune system, and your bone will actually grow and fuse with the implant. A Dental Implant provides a solid foundation and anchorage for crowns, bridges, partial dentures and can even act to anchor full dentures in place eliminating the need for sticky, gooey denture adhesives.
Why should a missing tooth/teeth be replaced?
A properly aligned set of teeth perform many critical functions for your overall health. The easiest function to understand is the simple act of chewing (mastication), which leads to proper digestion, nutrition and improved overall health. Many scientific studies have verified this knowledge. In elderly populations that have had to suffer from poorly fitting dentures, which often wind up in a drawer, dental implants placed to help anchor their dentures provide a solid and secure prosthesis, which studies have shown, promote the individual's overall weight gain. Improved blood studies verify that improved digestion and nutrition have occurred, because they can now confidently and efficiently masticate their food.
Teeth and their roots support the shape and strength of your jaw structure. Without teeth, jaw bone dissolves (resorbs) and your face, cheeks and lips collapse leading to wrinkles and aging cracks around the lips. Implants preserve jaw bone tissue! Furthermore, without teeth your lower jaw can be misaligned, leading to orthopedic distortion of the Tempero-mandibular Joint ("TMJ" Disease).
How do I care for my Dental Implants?
Usually, normal brushing and flossing is adequate. There are specially designed brushes your dentist will provide if necessary. Six month periodic checkups are highly advised in order to help maintain the tissue health! While bacteria will not decay Titanium, they still infect gum tissue and bone. Proper hygiene, whether Natural Teeth or Dental Implants is critical!
Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?
YOU ARE! Very rarely are there tissue diseases or behavior patterns which prevent the success of Dental Implants. As a consequence, implant placement is highly successful, achieving 95% success rates in the literature over the last 10-15 years. ANYONE, with missing teeth, who wants to improve their smile, improve the function of their teeth, prevent loss of their jaw bone tissue, and prevent the orthopedic breakdown of the Temporo-mandibular Joints should consider Dental Implants.
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