Hashemian Blog: Dental Implants

I've had a dental implant for over two years now. Many years ago one of my molars got a bad cavity and it was in need of attention. For a few years I lived with a filling. Then it got deteriorated to the point that it required a root canal and a crown. Root canals aren't as scary as some people imagine. They're just an annoying procedure with a long Novocain hangover. I've had a couple done and can't recall having a horrible experience. The trick is to have them done by someone who has the proficiency. A few years passed and the crown dislodged. Turns out the molar had become too rotten to provide a base for that crown and I was finally forced to have it pulled altogether. I had three options at that time. Get a bridge, get an implant, or live with the gap.

I chose the easiest and cheapest option. I just left it empty. I was warned that having that gap in my teeth would cause the other teeth to close in to fill in the empty space, resulting in more trouble later on with crooked teeth and other gaps opening, so I resolved to get it fixed as soon as I was mentally and financially ready. Six years passed and during a visit at an oral surgeon's office to have an impacted wisdom tooth pulled, I decided that it was time to get the gap filled with an implant. Luckily, during that long period my surrounding teeth had maintained their position and hadn't leaned in to fill the empty spot. There was also the risk of bone loss in that area, making it difficult to install the implant, but again, fortunately, my jaw bone apparently hadn't been affected too negatively. And so after the agony of having my wisdom tooth pulled out in pieces, the surgeon screwed in the titanium base for the implant. The procedure involved drills, ratchets, and wrenches; I felt like I was in a machine shop being worked on by a mechanic. Robocop would have been proud. A few months later, with the screw base tightly bound to my jaw bone, I finally received the crown and once again I had a full set of teeth.

Dental implants, if installed right, are truly a miracle of modern medicine. They work and feel just like natural teeth and in some respects they are even better as they are supposed to last a lifetime without the risk of cavities. As long as proper care is taken to keep them clean, one wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Except that last weekend, while eating, I suddenly felt the crown being tossed around in my mouth. The cement had deteriorated and the crown had come loose. I wrapped the crown in a napkin and went about my weekend with the implant's base exposed, an unnatural looking peg sticking out of my gum.

Going to the dentist today to have the crown reset, I inquired about the reason why the supposed permanent fixture had come loose. The answer was that my dentist had opted to use temporary cement instead of the permanent kind. That would make the removal much easier should there ever be a need to work in the area to correct possible problems. The downside was that during the two-day weekend period the gum tissue had grown around the base causing a painful pinch when the crown was positioned on top. It sure felt uncomfortable when I saw the dentist sticking what appeared to be a razor blade in my mouth to remove the excess gum. A few cuts here and there and the crown was back in its place with another gob of temporary cement. It was ready for service immediately.

As far I know, dental implants aren't suited for everyone. Apparently they require strong jaw bones for anchoring with enough distance from nerves and other parts to avoid damage to one's face. They are also expensive and receive little or no coverage from many insurance plans. But if you are a suitable candidate to receive one, they may be worth a look. Just make sure it's done by a skilled oral surgeon.
dental implants,dentists,oral surgeons,teeth,tooth decay,cavities,root canal,crowns
<Dental Implants>

// posted by rh

11 comments

11 Comments:

By Anthony, at 18/9/07 7:07 AM

Dental Implants in Los Angeles
Dental implants enable dentists to create healthy, attractive smiles in an innovative way. Used to replace one or more missing teeth, implants are another alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. And, because they maintain bone mass, dental implants can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth. A dental implant restoration consists of a bio-compatible titanium screw and post topped by a crown bridge or denture.
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By Anonymous, at 23/4/08 12:27 PM

Dental Implants are simply man-made substitutions for the root structure of the teeth. With a solid structure in place, the Dental Implant can allow for crowns of veneers to be placed so you can achieve an attractive and more natural looking smile. There are many reasons to choose a Dental Implant over a fixed bridge or a removable partial denture that includes a higher success rate, less risk to surrounding teeth, no unsightly hooks or clasps, no need for adhesive and more. Best of all, Dental Implants have a 97% success rate and are designed to last a lifetime.
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By shaun, at 5/6/08 12:15 AM

* Dental implants look, feel, and function much like your own teeth, offering a more attractive and more functional tooth replacement option that can help to boost your overall confidence.
* Implants integrate into the structure of your jaw bone, preventing the bone loss and gum recession that may occur with bridgework and dentures, or when teeth remain missing for an extended period of time.
* Unlike a bridge, implants do not require alteration of neighboring teeth, meaning that the implants allow you to protect more of your natural teeth.
* When compared with dentures, implants do not require pastes, glues, or cleaning solutions and do not click or wobble when you talk, smile, or eat.
* Implants can be used to anchor a bridge or support full or partial dentures, increasing the comfort and usability of these devices.

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By shaun, at 5/6/08 12:20 AM

I forgot to mention you'll enjoy an artificial tooth or set of teeth that look and feel just like the real thing, and the people you meet simply won't be able to tell the difference, increasing your assurance in social settings.

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By Dr. Fazel, at 2/8/08 8:17 AM

Scottsdale Dental Implants
Dental implants replicate the structure of your natural teeth and provide a stable support system for replacement teeth or dentures.

By justin, at 8/12/08 10:22 PM

dental implants help to replace the missing teeth and the replacing teeth work as a natural teeth. but the key in dental implant is to have it by a experienced dentist. i recently had a dental implant for my front missing tooth and it wasn't painful and now i do not feel like i have an artificial tooth.

By cosmetic dentist in san diego, at 21/5/09 2:02 AM

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement and is used in prosthetic dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. I think in time i also undergo in this kind of procedure.

by: florence

By David, at 26/6/09 6:54 PM

Dental implants are the best option of replicating natural teeth.
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By David, at 26/6/09 6:56 PM

Another advantage of implants is that they are hygienic and easily cleaned using floss, unlike a brigde where food can get trapped underneath.
Dentist Vaughan

By Rocky, at 7/7/09 1:59 AM

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.ABOUT MORE : http://www.manipalcureandcare.com/wellness/general_dentistry.aspx

By garydrew01, at 18/11/09 7:39 PM

Dental implants, crown and bridges is really good for a tooth which is already yellowish or can't be fixed anymore by any dental procedures. It is an artificial tooth root that could be a replacement for the tooth. When having dental implants you should go to a specialist dentist or Crown and Bridge Specialist.