What
are dental implants and what can they do for me? |
Why
are dental implants successful? |
What
is the procedure like? |
Are
dental implants too expensive? |
Does
the treatment hurt? Am I going to be "toothless"
at any time? |
How
long it takes? |
Am
I too old for dental implants? |
What
will it feel after the treatment ends? |
How do I
take care of my dental implants?
|
When
can I start? |
|
What are dental implants and what can they
do for me?
Implants
are substitutes for teeth and they are today's best
alternative to your natural teeth. They offer you a
permanent or secure solution for replacing one or more
teeth. They are made of biocompatible materials, just
the same as hip implants or similar orthopedic devices,
and function as anchors or support for traditional forms
of dentistry, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. Many
of our patients will tell you that implants have changed
not only their smiles, their overall appearance but
also even their lives!
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¿Why are dental implants successful?
Implants,
as we know them today, have been in existence for at
least twenty-five years. For the last ten years, however,
success rates at many treatment centers are consistently
over 95% with proper personal and professional care.
Few forms of medical, orthopedic or dental treatment
have such high success rates.
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top |
What is the procedure like?
There are two phases to implant
dentistry:
First
phase:
Using
very accurate surgical techniques, an incision is
made in the gum tissues and implants are placed into
dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in
the jawbone. The gum tissues are then closed and the
healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from
3-6 months to ensure a strong base.
Second
phase :
Creating and fixing the new tooth or teeth to the
implant structure constitutes the second and final
phase. Implants can replace a single tooth,
several teeth or your dentures.
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Are dental implants too expensive?
Initially,
you might feel dental implants are expensive. However,
they represent a more permanent and natural solution
than dentures and partials. Thus, there is a greater
initial investment. They should last for years, particularly
if you have an "ideal" case. Independent surveys
of implant patients show that they felt the investment
was worth every penny and would do it again.
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Does the treatment hurt? Am I going to
be "toothless" at any time?
No,
as a matter of fact, many patients have said, that a
tooth extraction have been much worse than a dental
implant procedure. Now, you will never be without teeth.
We will make sure that in the interim period, you look
and feel very natural. Please contact
us here to obtain more details or call us at 2-153217
ó 4-005570 in Bogota - Colombia.
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top |
¿How long it takes?
Recent
advances by implant manufacturers are reducing the time
for initial implant procedures. Treatment for the simple
cases could take anywhere from 4-8 months, based on
where the implants are placed and the type of restoration
you desire. Do not compromise because your implants
and the new teeth that they support should last for
years.
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top |
Am I too old for dental implants?
Implant
patients can be in their early teens or be mature adults
in their seventies and eighties. Good health and adequate
bone are the most critical factors in evaluating implant
candidates.
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What will it feels after the treatment
ends?
Once
the entire procedure is complete and the final restorations
placed, they will actually feel or function
like your natural teeth!
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How do I take care of my dental implants?
Normal
routine home care and professional cleaning visits are
required. It is important to know that every 3-4 months,
you will need to have a routine cleaning and re-care
treatment and evaluation. An individualized program
will be designed for you to optimally care for your
new teeth.
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top |
When can I start?
As soon as we have all the necessary information and
team members in place to give you excellent short
term as well as life long care. Please contact
us here to obtain more details or call us at 2-153217
ó 4-005570 in Bogota - Colombia.
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top
|
Sources:
I.C.O.I, A.D.A, F.O.C. |