About Implant Surgery

Introduction

One of the oldest forms of implant surgery does not involve breast, but teeth. The Maya Civilization was the first to do implants that involved the teeth. While on an excavating dig in 1931, archeologist found evidence of a mandible dating back to 600 AD. The mandible had three pieces of shell that were still implanted into the bone and were shaped like teeth. Dental practices have come a long way since then and today’s fake teeth look very much like the real thing. At first it was thought that the implants were done after death, but upon further review, it was found that they were placed before the person died. False teeth are not the same wooden teeth that George Washington had.

History

In today’s dental world with all of the technology getting implants is becoming the thing to do. If you have lost you teeth due to gum disease, it is quite possible to loose all of your teeth. Going to the dentist can help you decide which route you would like to go. Dentures used to be the normal for people that had to have all of their teeth taken out. With dentures, there is always the chance that they will not fit right and some people just do not like having them. While they do look like normal teeth, some people still complain that they can not eat all of the foods that they could with regular teeth. People also complain that they get little seeds and particles of food under the plates that hold the dentures in place. Many people do not want to take the time to go back to their dentist and have the dentures adjusted like they should. This can take a couple of visits as your jaw will shrink and heal.

Features

Having dental implant surgery can be done in one step or it can take two visits before it is completed. The dentist will first examine your jaw and bone density to make sure that it can support the implant or implants that you are having done. Not everyone is a candidate for the implant surgery. When you have your consultation with the dentist, he can further tell you what to expect and how many visits will be necessary. You will also be advised of what kind of anesthesia you have options for. Some dentists do offer sedation in place of having anesthesia. With the new implants being used, most people will not be able to tell the difference between natural teeth and the implants. After the dentist has decided what will be done during your implant surgery, you will have an appointment. First, your jaw has to be readied for the implant to be put into place. Some dentist will do the implant at the same time or some will make you wait until your next visit. Once you have your implant time, your healing begins. This can take anywhere from three months to a year. Some people can not handle having dental implants as the jaw where the hole was drilled will not heal right. This is called an Osseointegration and means the implant has failed.

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