Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Robert Aledort on Dental Implants
Dr. Robert Aledort is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Because of their benefits, dental implants are the preferred method of tooth replacement. Implants are very small "posts" that replace missing tooth roots. They constitute the foundation to replace teeth with ones that look and function like your own.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. Dental implants are the closest possible replacement to natural teeth with the added benefit that they can’t decay.
• They restore the form and function of the missing tooth without the necessity of having to drill any adjacent teeth (as with a fixed bridge).
• By providing a strong and stable foundation, implants help preserve the bone in the jaw around them (if the bone is not used it "melts" away - like losing muscle when you don’t work out).
• The implant acts like the tooth root you lost and adds strength and support; versus removable partials and dentures which rely on (and may weaken) adjacent teeth or the ridge and can accelerate bone loss.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Dental implants are designed to last forever. Of course, they require the same care and maintenance (i.e., brushing, flossing and regular dental visits) as your natural teeth.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Most dental implants are made of titanium, which is a metal that is highly biocompatible with our bone. There are other materials out there, but at Dental Associates we prefer to use titanium since it is the material which long term data shows excellent success rates.
Q. Who is a candidate for dental implants?
A. If you are in good general health, have good oral hygiene, and have sufficient amount of good quality bone, you are a good candidate. The best way to find out is to have a thorough clinical and radiographic examination in the dental office.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. The placement of dental implants involves a minor surgical procedure which is done in the dental office using the same local anesthetics you would receive for a filling. If the patient requests or requires, the procedure can be performed using sedation – IV or oral – also in the office. A small site is prepared in the jaw where the implant is inserted. Then the tissues are closed and the implant is allowed to heal for a period which varies from 1 to 6 months. Sometimes a minor secondary procedure is performed to uncover the implant, after which a crown is fabricated and placed.
Q. How long does it take?
A. From start to finish, the entire process can take several months, due to the healing time for the implant. The actual implant placement takes approximately 1 hour. Follow-up appointments (e.g., healing checkup and crown preparation) are from a few minutes to half an hour.
Q. How to contact Dr. Aledort if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
36 Padanaram Road (Route 37)
(across the street from our pediatric / orthodontic office)
Danbury, CT 06811
Tel: (203) 748-5717
Fax: (203) 748-4105
Email: ace7birdie@aol.com,thom@dentalassociates.us
Website: www.dentalassociates.us
