Dr. Robert E. Henderson is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that can be placed in the jaws where a tooth is missing using a minor surgical procedure. After healing, a tooth is placed on the implant.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. Dental implants are the closest treatment we have to a real tooth. Traditionally, a tooth is replaced using a non-removal bridge. This involves placing a cap on the tooth in front and behind the missing tooth. An implant can accomplish the same thing but no work has to be done on adjacent teeth.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. My mother has had an implant for more than 15 years. The 5 year success rate for implants averages 95%. If implants can last for 5 years, then the belief is they will last much longer.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. There are various materials used in the manufacture of implants. The most common material is titanium. It is very biocompatible. In other words, less likely for the body to reject a foreign object.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Grown adults with adequate bone in the missing tooth area are candidates. Implants are generally not done on chidren or teens until it is determined they have completely stopped growing.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. Dental implants are placed following a minor surgical procedure that creates space in the jaw bone that allows the implant to be screwed or pressed into place.
Q. How to contact Dr. Henderson if we have further questions?
A. Dr. Henderson can be contacted at e-mail - contactus@RobertEHendersonDDS.com or by calling 915-833-0303.
