TMJ Headaches

TMJ Headaches by Patricia Woloch

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint (the jaw joint), and is also used to refer to Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, a painful disorder of this joint. One of the most common and painful of its symptoms is headaches, often thought of as migraines.

When we close our mouth and our teeth come together, that's referred to by dentists as our bite, and it's the result of the way our jaw joint operates. A bite can be well-aligned or poorly aligned. When it's misaligned the jaw muscles become strained trying to bring the teeth together properly, as we open and close our mouths so many thousands of times a day for eating, talking, swallowing, yawning, laughing etc.

What causes a misaligned bite?
Misaligned bites are caused by many varying factors. It can start in infancy, with airway obstrucition. Allergies that affect breathing, crooked teeth, or hereditary mouth conditions, or even a head injury which disrupts the jaw joint can all cause a poorly aligned bite.
TMJ Headaches Explained

1. Several large nerves, with many branches, run through the face, head, neck, and shoulder area. One is the trigeminal nerve, one of the large pairs of cranial nerves which run from the spinal cord, in between spinal vertebrae, and forward into face area. It gives the brain about 40% of its daily work and as its name implies, has three branches. Each branch has sub-branches.
2. When the jaw joint is misaligned, the muscles attached to it become tired and strained over the months and years, as they try to close the mouth correctly. They end up in perpetual spasm, never relaxing. This often leads to chronic teeth clenching or grinding, even at night during sleep. (This sometimes works the other way around too, where emotional stress causes teeth clenching, which eventually puts the jaw joint out of alignment.)
3. Perpetually tense jaw muscles create swelling and inflammation in the area, which puts pressure on the nerves. We feel this as pain. So whichever part of the nerve is being compressed, in the temple, neck, shoulder, etc., that's where we feel the pain.
4. TMJ therefore has a wide variety of symptoms, such as earaches, sore jaws, neck and should pain, and tingling in the fingers. The most painful and incapacitating symptom is headaches.
Why neuromuscular dentists can help
If you have been suffering from severe headaches, you may have visited several doctors trying to get them treated. You may have taken a variety of painkillers, but found that nothing eliminates this pain.

If your headaches are a symptom of TMJ, you need to see a neuromuscular dentist, one trained in treating not just teeth and gums, but also the jaw joint, along with its muscles, nerves, and ligaments. This is not training that the average dentist receives in dental school. It is post-graduate training, and relatively few dentists have completed it.

One neuromuscular dentist in the Los Angeles area is Dr. Joseph Henry. In explaining how he approaches patients with TMJ symptoms, he said:
I look at the relationship between the jaw joint, its muscles, and the position of the teeth. Misalignment in any of these has a direct effect on the whole system of opening and closing the jaw.

Finding your relaxed jaw position
The first step a neuromuscular dentist would take to determine whether your headaches were a TMJ symptom or not, would be to test, record, and measure your jaw movements. In this high-tech age, dentistry has moved right along with other professional fields in developing sophisticated equipment, using lasers and computers. The goal of testing and measuring your jaw movements is to find your relaxed, natural jaw position, your natural bite.
When the dentist has found your relaxed jaw position, the goal of your treatment is established, namely, to make this position permanent, thus abolishing the painful symptoms of misalignment.

Says Dr. Henry:
"A neuromuscular dentist can realign a patient's bite. Once the relaxed position is known, treatments can begin to make this relaxation permanent. We might create a custom orthotic for the patient to wear which will re-train those jaw muscles. We might plan some tooth re-shaping, or re-aligning, even a full orthodontic treatment if necessary. Each treatment is individual to that patient."

Headaches can be a thing of the past if you follow through with your visits to a neuromuscular dentist. You'll be smiling with relief and pleasure - especially if some of that dental treatment gave you a more even, brighter smile as well as pain relief!

About the Author
If you or a member of your family is suffering because of TMJ, contact Dr. Joseph J. Henry, DDS, of the Orange Center for Cosmetic Dentistry for more information and to set up an appointment.

Laser Dentistry: Science Fiction or the Future of Oral Health?

Laser Dentistry: Science Fiction or the Future of Oral Health? by James A. Wagner

Laser dentistry offers patients several important benefits, yet only about 5% of dental offices currently have the equipment to perform laser procedures. As patients realize the advantages of laser treatments in oral health as well as in cosmetic dentistry, the number of offices offering laser dentistry is sure to rise significantly.

Laser Dentistry Offers Important Benefits
Laser dentistry is often less painful and invasive than traditional methods. For example, a patient could opt for laser surgery to avoid anaesthesia during some procedures. Patients with cosmetic or oral health issues, especially those with low pain tolerance or a fear of dental procedures, may favour laser dentistry over surgery or other treatments.
Other benefits of laser dentistry include:

* Most dental procedures performed by laser do not necessitate the use of sutures, where traditional surgical methods would require them to control bleeding and promote healing.
* Lasers are precise; therefore, damage to the surrounding tissue is rare and usually minimal.
* The high-energy beam helps the blood to clot, resulting in less bleeding and discomfort. It also promotes cellular healing, leading to faster recovery times.
* The laser beam sterilizes the area the dentist is working on, which helps to prevent post-operative infection.

Dentists appreciate the accuracy, speed and control of laser treatments. They can perform more delicate or precise procedures quicker and with less patient discomfort. Because it is a relatively new technology, laser dentistry is improving and becoming more affordable every day. It is expected that as costs drop and demand increases, laser technology will soon be available in most dental offices

.
How Do Dental Lasers Work?
There are many different types of dental lasers, but all can be classified as one of two kinds: Hard or Soft Tissue Dental Lasers.

Hard Tissue Lasers are used to accurately cut or shave bones and teeth. They may be used to repair some types of fillings or to prepare teeth for bonding.

Soft Tissue Lasers penetrate soft tissues such as the gums. The laser actually cauterizes the affected nerves and blood vessels, promoting faster healing and reducing post-operative pain.
Other lasers are used to view the inside of teeth using Optical Coherence Tomography, or provide energy to help the cells heal. It is believed that lasers will soon replace the dentist's drill - once the technology is in place to allow the dentist to access the entire tooth without surgery or drilling, those invasive, painful procedures will become obsolete.

Laser Dentistry - Is It Right for Your Procedure?
Dental lasers are used in a number of different ways. Discuss your options with your dentist - if they do not use the technology, they may refer another dentist who does. Together, consider your pain tolerance, the dentist's experience using lasers to correct your problem, your expected recovery time and the anticipated results should you choose laser dentistry instead of traditional methods.

Laser dentistry is used to treat, diagnose or prevent the following oral health issues:
Detecting Cavities - A low-intensity laser beam can provide a reading of the by-products of tooth decay, allowing the dentist to determine when cavities are present.

Optical Coherence Tomography - This revolutionary technology permits the dentist to view the inside of the teeth or gums, a procedure which would have required invasive surgery or harmful x-rays before.

Temperature Sensitivity - The tubules responsible for tooth temperature sensitivity, located at the root, can be sealed with laser technology.

Tumour Removal - Dentists can use lasers to remove benign tumours inside the mouth. This is a relatively pain-free, sterile operation as the laser reduces bleeding, kills bacteria and negates the need for sutures.

Tooth Fillings - Laser treatment is not only easier at the time of the procedure, but could lead to better long-term results. When a laser is used to remove the decay, it kills the bacteria deep in the tooth, preventing future cavities.

Nerve Regeneration - Lasers are used by other health professionals, such as Chiropractors and Massage Therapists, to regenerate damaged nerves and blood vessels. Known as Photo-biomodulation, this technique is useful in treating oral scar tissue and soft tissue damaged by other procedures or conditions.

Soft Tissue Folds - Denture-wearers with improperly fitted teeth may develop soft tissue folds, a painful condition that is easily treated with laser therapy.
Muscle Attachment - Some infants and children suffer from a tightened or restricted frenulum, which can result in an inability to breastfeed or a speech impediment. Laser treatment is effective in treating this condition.

Laser treatment has quickly become a crucial component in any cosmetic dentistry, as well. It is used in:

Teeth Whitening - Dentists use low-intensity lasers to speed the bleaching process in cosmetic teeth whitening procedures.

Gum Reshaping/Crown Lengthening - Laser dentistry is effective in reshaping gum tissue when part of the healthy tooth structure is hidden by overdeveloped gums. This is also used to prepare teeth for restorative procedures.

Treating Cold Sores - Dentists use low-intensity lasers to reduce the pain, swelling and redness of cold sores.

Where to Find Laser Dentistry Services
As more dentists practice laser dentistry, new procedures are tested and perfected. Patients appreciate the reduced risk and recovery time of laser procedures and as more and more demand that this technology be used in their dental offices, dentists around the world are complying.

Choose a dentist trained in laser dentistry for your cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and oral health needs. Ask friends and relatives for referrals, or have the dentist you choose provide references you can contact. Depending on your oral and overall health histories, current problems and treatment expectations, laser treatment may be a viable option for you. Discuss recovery times, the need for anaesthesia and any other questions you have with your dentist.

About the Author
James A. Wagner is a freelance writer and medical researcher.
You can find more information on teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and general dental care by clicking on the following link. http://www.whiteteethanswers.com/

Dental Insurance Vs Dental Care Plan-Which One To Choose

Dental Insurance Vs Dental Care Plan-Which One To Choose by Kaushik Adhikary

Do you know that more than 100 million people in U.S. are unable to access to dental insurance plans as reported by Dental Health & Human Services. Its all just because of expensive dental insurance plan. A happy smile shows good disposition & sound inner health. I should say that healthy teeth is characteristic of success, prosperity and vitality.

I think, its meaningless here to talk about high cost of regular dental care and visiting to a dentist to cure an ailment. We are all aware of the necessity of maintaining a healthy teeth and gradual increasing of dentistry costs. Dental insurance normally covers the costs of routine dental care and all justified expenses of restoring process of accidental damaged teeth of the policy-holder to its normal state.

Dental insurance generally reimburses for general treatment like dentures, crowns, extractions, root canal work, bridges and other emergency treatment with some exclusions like cosmetic work, implants and braces. Dental insurance often gives discounts on dentistry costs. Selecting a dentist you can trust to, fast and easy approval process of your claim and other benefits that are so helpful and comforting when you are at the dental hospital or clinic.

But dental insurance literally fails to gain its desired popularity due to its high costing, ranges roughly from $200 per head to $1500 per family and non-coverage of preexisting conditions with long waiting period normally in between 12-24 months.

Dental care plans, on the other hand are more flexible and less expensive than dental insurance. Dental plans cover preexisting conditions having no waiting period and some excluded coverages, such as cleaning, braces etc. in dental insurance, are treated here.

A good alternative would be a discounted health-care services of a US based company(if are a U.S.A.resident) by paying specific monthly subscription as per their different product plans.It render services nation-wide through vast network of service providers like Sears,Pearl Vision,Walmart, CVS,K-Mart and other independent dentist & doctors.But..the company itself is not an insurance company nor it sales a insurance policy.You can check it out by login into....http://healthcareandmore.info/

About the Author
Kaushik Adhikary operates http://www.myinsuranceinsiderinfo.com/, a blog all about fresh and informative info on new trend of all categories of insurance field. He loves giving away Free Stuff and now giving away Free Memberships to his Newsletter. Your are not just going to believe what you'll get when you sign-up for the newsletter and its all absolutely free.

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance by William Brister

Dental insurance plans are not very common, as the medical needs for dental care can be quite unpredictable. Also, with premiums sometimes being higher than the dental coverage itself, the likelihood of opting for such a policy would be negligible. It would also serve unprofitable to the insurance company as they would lose money by spending more on benefits then receiving in premiums on every plan they write. However, some of the insurance plans that are offered by companies are called referral plans or buyer's club. Here, an individual pays a monthly fee to a third party in return for access to a list of dentists who have agreed to a reduced fee schedule. Payment for treatment is made from the patient directly to the dentist. The role of the third party is to get the individual to the dentist. The dentist receives no payment from the third party; only referrals of patients.

While some dental plans exclude treatment that is covered under the company's medical plan, others discourage necessary dental treatment such as sealant, pre-existing conditions, adult orthodontics etc. Some exclude treatment by family members. Patients must be aware of all the exclusions before going in for a dental insurance policy.

While choosing a dental insurance plan, ensure that your policy covers the care of your family as well. You should discuss your family's current and future dental needs with your dentist before deciding on your dental plan. The benefits of your dental plan coverage will be provided by the plan purchaser, often your employer or union, and by the third-party payers. Your dentist may not be able to answer specific questions about your dental benefit or predict what your level of coverage for a particular procedure will be. This is because insurance plans written by the same third-party payer or offered by the same employer may vary according to the contracts involved. Therefore, you should ask the plan purchaser or the third-party payer to answer your specific questions about coverage. Ensure that you and your dentist are aware of all the benefits and exclusions in advance of treatment.

Typically, if you and your spouse both have a dental benefit plan, you may get additional coverage from each other's programs besides your own individual benefit. However, the benefit derived from the two programs cannot exceed 100% of the dentist's charges for treatment. This if you have two or more potential sources of coverage, check the coordination of benefits for each plan to determine what is available.

It is important to know how your plan is designed, since this can significantly affect the plan's coverage and your personal expense. There are many ways to design a dental benefits plan. Although the individual features vary with every plan, the most common plans are as follows:
Direct Reimbursement Programs Usual, Customary and Reasonable Programs (UCR) Table or Schedule of Allowance Programs Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Capitation Programs Some of the top dental insurance companies offering great dental plans and insurance benefits are listed below:

About the Author
William Brister - http://www.insuranceproguide.com/ - Your Guide to Getting Insured

Discolored Teeth that Damage Your Smile are Simple to Whiten

Discolored Teeth that Damage Your Smile are Simple to Whiten by Jayden Adams

There are many causes for discolored teeth. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. And we have all seen how, during tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. But this is no longer something one has to live with.
"I think that everyone loves a bright white smile," Dr. Maddahi says, "and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours. Some people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily, cleaning between their teeth once a day and with a regular cleaning at the dentist office. But, when the choice is made to go beyond this to make the smile look brighter, I suggest in-office Zoom! whitening system."

There are other options such as at-home bleaching and whitening toothpastes. "Zoom!" is a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel and dentin. (Dentin is bone or calcified tissue that surrounds the pulp cavity of a tooth, it is the calcareous material harder and denser than bone that comprises the bulk of a tooth.)

"If I am treating the patient in the office, then we are most likely to get the most natural looking, bright white smile.", Dr. Maddahi further explains. "During chairside bleaching, we will either apply a protective gel to the gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. The bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light is used to enhance the action of the agent. The patient also uses additional product at home to maintain their pearly whites!"
The complete procedure takes less than two hours. The process begins with a preparation period followed by bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the tooth whitening session.) The Zoom! Light-activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.

By following some simple post-whitening care instructions, the teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel are recommended. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dentist.

Age, diet and environment are all factors that can make sparkling white teeth off-color or dull looking. But this isn't something you have to live with. Using cosmetic imaging, you can even be shown how white your teeth can become before the actual procedure is done.
Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles and superior dental health for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

About the Author
For more information on this article, go to:Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist or Smile MakeoversArticle written by Jean Ritter Dale Submission by Jayden Adams - Mediaology.

Dentures or Partials May be the Dental Solution You Need

Dentures or Partials May be the Dental Solution You Need by Patricia Woloch

If you have lost some or all of your teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, dentures (false teeth) can replace your missing teeth and give you back your smile. Replacing missing teeth with dentures will benefit both your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag and make a person look older. With dentures, wearers can enjoy food again and can speak much more clearly, two things often taken for granted until natural teeth are lost.

Advances in cosmetic dentistry have made many improvements in dentures. Dentures are now more natural-looking and much more comfortable than they used to be.
Dentures can be complete or partial; complete dentures cover your entire upper and lower jaw and partials replace one or a few teeth.

Complete Dentures
There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient's mouth after all the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed; this process may take several months. An immediate complete denture is put in the mouth as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. Your cosmetic dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaws during the preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.
With full dentures, as with your natural teeth, you must practice excellent oral hygiene. Brushing your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush before you insert your dentures is necessary.

Partial Dentures
If you are missing only a few teeth scattered over either arch (upper or lower teeth) or if you have a minimum of two teeth on both sides of the arch, then you can replace the missing teeth with a removable partial denture (RPD). Partial dentures are affectionately called "flippers" in the world of cosmetic dentistry.
A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces multiple missing teeth. A partial can be attached to the teeth with clasps or it can be attached with crowns and hidden clasps. Both types have a metal framework and plastic teeth and gum areas.
Dentures substantially accelerate the aging process of the face because the distance between your nose and your chin begins to decrease as natural teeth are extracted. The bone that formerly held your top natural teeth begins to retreat up toward your nose, and the bone that held your lower teeth goes down, allowing both the top and bottom false teeth to follow in the same directions.

Dentures do not last forever, and patients must return every two years for what is called a "reline." The longer you wear dentures, the more your gums change underneath the denture and the looser the dentures become. In order to restore the denture and to prevent flabby gum tissue under it, you should have the denture professionally relined every two years. Dentures typically need to be replaced every five to seven years.

About the Author
If you are considering partial or complete dentures to get back that smile and confidence you miss, please visit the website of the Colonial Dental Group serving cosmetic dentistry patients Glenview and the Northern Chicago area.

Cosmetic Gum Surgery - Restore The Brilliant Smile Of Your Youth

Cosmetic Gum Surgery - Restore The Brilliant Smile Of Your Youth by James Wagner

Surgery of any type (especially dental) sends chills up the spine. However, cosmetic gum surgery performed by a qualified cosmetic dentistry expert is relatively simple and can greatly improve the appearance of your smile.

Cosmetic surgery is mainly the solution to two types of problems: the "long tooth" look and the "gummy smile". Both of these conditions are usually caused by aging, gum disease or poor oral hygiene. They progressively grow worse with age. Cosmetic gum surgery can also help people with collapsed gums in the area of a missing tooth, blackened areas between implants, crowns or other teeth and tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums.
The "long tooth" look is caused by receding gums or a bad bite. As we age, our gums naturally shrink and recede. This can leave your teeth overexposed at the gum line.
The "gummy smile" is caused by excess gum tissue, which causes the teeth to appear too short. People with a gummy smile often feel self-conscious about the amount of gum tissue visible when they smile.

How is Cosmetic Gum Surgery Performed?

The two main types of cosmetic gum surgery, used to correct the long tooth look and the gummy smile, differ. The gummy smile corrective surgery reduces the excess gum and bone. The cosmetic dentist typically uses a laser to perform this type of surgery. A soft-tissue laser removes excess gum tissue while a specialized laser cuts away excess bone.
The procedure for correcting the long tooth look works in much the same way as a skin graft. Your cosmetic dentist removes healthy skin from the roof of the mouth and grafts it onto the gum line. The result is a natural looking, reinforced gum line.
Before undergoing any type of cosmetic gum surgery, discuss the procedure thoroughly with your cosmetic dentist. This procedure may be just one aspect of an overall plan with several components to improve your smile. Cosmetic gum surgery might be complimented with the use of veneers, bridges, crowns or other cosmetic dentistry treatments to get your smile looking its best. This might require more than one cosmetic dentist if all of the procedures are to be completed at once.

Will I Be Awake for This Procedure?

You need to discuss this question with your cosmetic dentist. There are two possibilities:
1. You may have the surgery done in a series of office visits. The cosmetic dentist will use a local anaesthetic each time to freeze the area of the gums they are working on. This is a good possibility with the laser surgery used to correct the gummy smile. Each visit could see more gum and bone tissue removed.
2. You might be given a general anaesthetic and have all of the work performed at once. This may be necessary if you are having grafting done from the roof of your mouth to correct a long tooth smile. If you require other work such as dental implants or preparation for veneers, have all of the work done while you under anaesthetic. There are risks every time you use a general anaesthetic so avoid having more than one done for dental work.

How Long Will It Take To Recover From Cosmetic Gum Surgery?

The speed of your recovery depends on your overall health and the extent of the surgical work. However, there are important steps you can take to aid in a healthy recover.
Have a responsible person accompany you to the appointment. This is necessary is you are having a general anesthetic, but also wise if you are being frozen and taking painkillers. Follow your cosmetic dentist's after-care instructions carefully. They will probably recommend that you use an antibacterial mouthwash for at least two weeks after the surgery to prevent infections. Ask the cosmetic dentist or their hygienist to demonstrate how you should brush your teeth until your gums are healed.

Plan on eating a liquid/soft diet for several days after the surgery. Soups, oatmeal, yogurt and other nutritious choices will keep you feeling strong, help you heal faster and shouldn't irritate the gums. Avoid spicy or acidic foods such as salsa, which could inflame your sensitive post-surgery gums.

How Much Will This Cost Me?

The cost of the surgery depends on the amount of work you are having done. If you need two or more cosmetic dentists to perform several procedures at once, expect the cost to be greater. General anaesthetic will also cost extra as it must be performed by a qualified anaesthesiologist.
As with any surgery, price should not be your primary consideration. Concentrate on finding the best qualified and most experienced cosmetic dentistry professionals to perform the work. View their portfolios, call their references and ask questions until you are satisfied that you know everything you need to know about the procedure.
Once you have your plan in place, work on funding the surgery. Some people have saved for the procedure, as it is a cosmetic issue that has greatly affected their self-confidence and they can't wait to have it done. Others might have suffered sudden damage or extreme tooth sensitivity that makes the surgery necessary but out of their price range. Work with your cosmetic dentist to find a solution through financing, payment plans, a loan or a line of credit.
Take care of your gums in the months and years after surgery by brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist for check-ups regularly. Work hard to prevent gingivitis and other periodontal diseases that may make it necessary to undergo gum surgery again in the future.

About the Author
James Wagner is a freelance writer and medical researcher. You can find more information here on teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and general dental care. http://www.whiteteethanswers.com/

Dental Implants - An Effective Solution For Tooth Loss

Dental Implants - An Effective Solution For Tooth Loss by James Wagner

When teeth are irreparably damaged or lost due to mouth trauma, aging or poor oral hygiene, cosmetic dentists often turn to dental implants as the ideal solution. There are other treatments available, such as bridges or dentures, but none appear as natural or work as effectively as implants.
The loss of a tooth can make a person self-conscious or embarrassed to smile or talk. Worse, it can affect dietary habits by causing a biting irregularity or gum pain. Dental implants offer a simple, permanent solution.
Dental Implants Similar in Appearance to Natural Teeth
Cosmetic dentists and patients alike prefer the appearance of dental implants to other treatments because when done properly, they are indistinguishable from your other teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will select a tooth shape and shade to match your natural teeth, while the implant holds it into the gum line just as the root of your tooth holds a natural tooth in place.
The technical term for a dental implant is osseointegrated implant, meaning that it holds the tooth in place by anchoring it to the bone. While this evokes fear in the hearts of many, especially those with a low pain tolerance, the procedure is actually quite simple.
Dental Implants Tolerated Well By Natural Bone
The dental implants that holds the tooth in place is constructed of titanium or titanium alloy. Over several years of testing, these materials have been proven to be tolerated well by your natural bone. This means that the implant will stay in place without causing damage or irritation to the jawbone.
The implant itself is cylindrical, much like a screw. There are different types available and your cosmetic dentist will choose the type that best suits your situation. The cosmetic or prosthetic dentist prepares your mouth by drilling a hole into the jawbone to house the implant. This requires great precision and should only be practiced by a licensed, experienced implant dentist.
If the implant is threaded, it is screwed into place. Conversely, it may be tapped in if it has a smooth surface. Once it is in place, a waiting period of three to six months begins. This time is known as osseointegration, and simply allows the implant to anchor itself within the bone. The implant is covered with a protective screw cap until the site has healed. During this period, you may wear dentures or a bridge over the implant to cover the missing tooth. After a few months, a temporary crown is attached to the implant to encourage the gums to grow naturally around the new tooth.
Putting - and Keeping - Your New Tooth in Place
Once the cosmetic dentist has confirmed the implant is stable, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent one that best matches the size, shape and colour of your natural teeth. Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry, with a 90% success rate in the upper jaw and 95% in the lower jaw after five years.
Dental implants sometimes fail because osseointegration did not occur. In that case, the site may become infected, or the implant may separate from the bone. If you are a smoker, your cosmetic dentist will recommend that you quit as smokers have higher dental implant failure rates. Because dental implants are expensive, it is worth it to stop smoking before having the procedure.
Poor oral hygiene can cause peri-implantitis, or gum infection around the new tooth. Brushing for at least two minutes three times a day, flossing and visiting your dentist every six months are important steps in ensuring the success of your dental implant.
Implant Options For People With Several Missing Teeth
Cosmetic dentists have created a number of uses for dental implants to improve the quality of a patient's smile when teeth are missing. For example, a patient missing all of their bottom teeth might be suitable for multiple implants. If the quality of their jawbone will not permit such extensive work, the cosmetic dentist might be able to use a technique known as an "overdenture"; two implants are used to hold a bottom denture in place. The denture is still taken out for cleaning, but the implants make it much more stable throughout the day.
This procedure can also be used on the upper jaw, although more implants are required to hold the denture in place because the upper jawbone is softer than the lower one.
Your cosmetic dentist might choose to use a combination of treatments to return your smile to its natural beauty. Better yet, it may look better than it ever has before! They could decide to use an implant to anchor a bridge, or to have a single implant replace two missing teeth. These are decisions that can only be made by a qualified prosthetic or cosmetic dentist after a careful review of your oral health, budget and anticipated results.
Maintaining Your Whitest, Brightest Smile After Dental Implants
Once your dental implants and permanent crowns are in place, it is crucial that you take good care of your natural teeth. Because the crowns will not stain and discolour as your natural teeth will, keep your real teeth looking their best.
Consult with your cosmetic dentist about using an at-home whitening treatment to keep your teeth as close to the crown colour as possible. Take good care of your gums by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist at the first sign of any gum irritation or tooth decay.
Your cosmetic dentist might recommend that you use a straw for drinking, even when you have coffee or tea, to prevent discolouration so you can avoid teeth whitening treatments. Whatever the course of action, do your part to ensure the success of your dental implants by maintaining good oral hygiene and cutting out bad habits that could affect their quality.

About the Author
James Wagner is a freelance writer and medical researcher. You can find more information here on teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and general dental care. http://www.whiteteethanswers.com/