It used to be that if a person lost their own teeth, their only option was getting dentures or removable bridges, but that's changed now that dental implants are widely available. Implants have a real advantage -- the patient ends up with false teeth that look and feel nearly natural. However, they do cost more and the process of implanting them takes time. Here's how it's done. First, the patient undergoes oral surgery to have titanium cylinders put into the jaw bone. Then the gum is sutured up and the healing process begins. Over time the implants and the jaw bone actually mesh together so that four to six months later, permanent, or sometimes removable bridges can be fitted in the patient's mouth.
Usually an oral surgeon will perform that original procedure and then the patient will return to their own dentist for the rest of the care. If the thought of oral surgery makes you nervous, you may be interested to know that most patients report it's no worse than having a tooth pulled, and most are satisfied with the end results.
It used to be that if a person lost their own teeth, their only option was getting dentures or removable bridges, but that's changed now that dental implants are widely available. Implants have a real advantage -- the patient ends up with false teeth that look and feel nearly natural. However, they do cost more and the process of implanting them takes time. Here's how it's done. First, the patient undergoes oral surgery to have titanium cylinders put into the jaw bone. Then the gum is sutured up and the healing process begins. Over time the implants and the jaw bone actually mesh together so that four to six months later, permanent, or sometimes removable bridges can be fitted in the patient's mouth. Usually an oral surgeon will perform that original procedure and then the patient will return to their own dentist for the rest of the care. If the thought of oral surgery makes you nervous, you may be interested to know that most patients report it's no worse than having a tooth pulled, and most are satisfied with the end results.