Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a number of procedures, perhaps the best known being dental

implants. How do dental implants work?

Before the procedure begins, the dentist assesses the health of the patient and particularly any
medications the patient may be on that might affect the process of osseointegration as well as
the health of the tissues in the mouth. The degree of pressure that may be placed on the
cosmetic dental implant and appliance is also examined. Powerful force is created by the jaw
during chewing and deciding on and preparing for the arrangement and number of of cosmetic
dental implants is crucial to the durability of the prosthetics.

Poorly supported appliances are at greater risk of failing over time. Computed tomography,
along with CAD/CAM simulations and surgical guides known as stents are used to help the
dentist plan the optimal placement of the cosmetic dental implant. Healthy bone and gums are
crucial to the success of osseointegration and the long-term durability of implants. If bone or
gums arent in ideal health, the dentist may use sinus lifts, gingival grafts or other procedures to
improve the bone or gums in order to increase the odds of successful implant. The most
common situation where this may be needed is in cases where bone has atrophied after earlier
tooth extraction.

The method the dentist uses to attach the prosthetic to the cosmetic dental implant depend
upon whether the prosthetic is intended to be fixed in place and immovable, or whether the
prosthetic will be able to be removed and replaced. In both types of procedures, a supporting
piece, called an abutment, is attached to the implant device. If the prosthetic is not intended to
be removable, the prosthetic is attached to the abutment using either cement or screws. If a
removable prosthetic is desired, a matching adaptor is used to secure the prosthetic to the
abutment.

The risks and potential complications of placing cosmetic dental implants fall into three
categories. There are surgical risks like excessive bleeding and nerve injury, and post-surgical
risks like infection and osseointegration failure that occur in the first few months. There are also
potential long-term complications like peri-implantitis and failure of the implant. In patients with
healthy tissue where the implant integrates well and the hardware is appropriate for the
biomechanical load, success rates are 93-98% with expected life span for the hardware from
10-15 years.

For more information regarding cosmetic dental procedures, visit:
http://www.brightondentalsd.com/procedures/cosmetic-dentistry/