Overview dental implant basics, compare US, Mexico & Asia dental implant prices, understand procedures and quality by Dr. Christina Terrado Patient Adviser.
When someone tells you they are having a dental implant would you have any idea what it is or how it is done?
Let me keep it simple so you can explain it to your teenager after your umpteenth lecture to them about laying off the tooth destroying soda drinks.
First, Implant surgery is done in a dental clinic. But not by just any dentist.. A specialty dentist usually an orthodontist, oral surgeon or prosthodontist are licensed to perform this procedure. Now practice saying orthodontist and prosthodontist so you can say those words clearly - not like when your gums and tongue are full of novacaine.
Most know the orthodontist as the dentist who sets braces. A prosthodontist is not as commonly known. This specialist treats a variety of oral issues including cosmetic, maxillofacial, replacement of missing teeth and temporomandibular(tmj) disorder (say it again). They all have to study 3-4 more years beyond basic dental college. Implants are surgery.
The best dental implants are made of aircraft quality titanium metal screws, an abutment and crown. The finished result will look like and can function like real teeth. You can go back to eating apples, carrots, steaks and more with your implants. But to preserve your investment - treat them as they were your natural teeth - don’t crush ice, crack nuts or open bottle caps with them.