Nov
Dental implant technology has come as a boon for millions of patients
around the world who suffer from missing teeth. Teeth may be lost due to
aging, disease, accident or injury, or in some cases, one or more teeth
may be missing from birth. In all such situations, the patient’s
general health, oral functionality and the physical appearance gets
compromised to some extent.
But over the last two decades, dental implants have created a
revolution in the field of restorative dentistry. Patients no longer
need to suffer the limitations arising from missing teeth, nor do they
need to go for cumbersome solutions such as removable dentures. Dental
implants are an efficient, effective and permanent solution to the
problem of missing teeth.
Dental implants restore the physical well-being of the patient.
The patient is able to eat and chew all kinds of foods naturally and the
complete normal functioning of the mouth is restored. The implant
eliminates the chance of infection and conserves the bone and tissue
just like a natural tooth.
For patients, the best part is that very soon they will totally
forget that they are using an implant. It replaces the natural tooth so
well that the patient adapts quickly to it. He does not feel conscious
about the implant, and performs and behaves very naturally with other
people. The consequent result is the restoration of the natural
self-confidence and self-esteem of the patient.
Even at an aesthetic level, the implants look and feel like the
other natural teeth. As a result, the person who is using the implants
does not feel awkward or self-conscious about his or her personality or
appearance. In effect, the dental implants help to improve the personal
relationships, social behavior and the professional work performance of
the person.
Mark A Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and started a dental practice in Monarch Beach, CA upon graduation. He has lectured nationally and internationally and is a member of various dental organizations. He was a part-time lecturer at UCLA and a member of the faculty group practice and was past assistant director of the UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry. He has served on the National Institute of Health/NIDCR (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research) Grant review Committee in Washington D.C. as well as on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice (Elsevier) and is currently serving on the DSMB (data safety management board) for the NPBRN (national practice-based research network.
