Show #428 Airing Sunday, 4/6/08
Are you missing out on a great smile due to missing teeth? Dental implants could be the solution. Here to plant the seed on the benefits of implants is Dr. Steven Marsh
Question: Dental implants have been around for 15-20 years. Why are they so "hot" now?
Answer: They’ve been around for some time, but now we have a new generation of implants that are very natural looking, and they are being used more often.
Question: What is a dental implant?
Answer: An implant, made of titanium, replaces the root of a missing tooth or teeth (can be used for singles or multiples). Abutments are built onto the titanium implant, and then caps are placed on the abutments.
Question: Won't a bridge do the same thing?
Answer: Yes, bridges can be used, but in some cases, implants are the better choice.
Bridges require support from the teeth on either side of the bridge. If there are a number of missing teeth, that support is lacking, so implants may be a better choice.
Sometimes people are born missing teeth, rather than the spaces being the results of decay. If there are no fillings on either of the side teeth, a bridge is not as favorable as implants.
Those who have worn partials may want implants not to deal with hooks and clasps anymore.
And finally, those with lower dentures may find discomfort if the denture is loose. 2-4 implants may be used to snap the dentures in place, providing a more comfortable fit.
Question: What is the success rate of implants?
Answer: 96%.
Question: You've brought pictures of some cases where you used dental implants. Let's take a look.
Answer: Here’s an example of multiple implants. First, you can see the implants in the bone, then the abutments built on them, and finally the complete implant.
Here is someone missing a side tooth.
Here is a missing front tooth, fixed with an implant. Veneers were also used on the surrounding teeth.
You can too have a beautiful smile. For more on implants, “plant” yourself by the phone and call the number that’s next. My thanks to Dr. Steven Marsh.
