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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 3:05 pm
Source: National Health Directory Site: NHD Dental Implants What exactly is an implant? A natural tooth has a crown - the part which shows above the gumline, and a root - the anchor hidden below the gumline.
When a tooth is missing, a dental implant takes the place of the missing root and a prosthetic crown replaces the natural crown.
The Implant Procedure The implant procedure is the same whether one or all teeth are missing. In this example, there is only one missing lower tooth. For the purpose of demonstation we will assume the patient is healthy and is a candidate for this procedure.
Implant Site Preparation The gum tissue is opened to expose the bone area where the implant will be placed. In situations where there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be a recommended procedure.
Once healthy bone material has been established, a special drill is used to prepare the bone to receive the implant.
Placing the Implant After the bone has been prepared, the implant is placed and the tissue is sutured.
The Healing Process - Osseointegration The healing process takes three to six months. This is the amount of time it usually takes the implant to become part of the lower jaw, commonly refered to as osseointegration. The sutures are typically removed however, seven to fourteen days after surgery.
Attaching the Post When the gum tissue is ready, a special post is attached to the implant. It is the support for the new porcelain crown.
Today's technologies often include zirconium abutments attached to the implant post, to assure that the new porcelain tooth possesses translucency properties similar to a natural tooth.
Placing the Crown After impressions are taken a crown is made and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is then slipped over the post and cemented. The Completed Implant The final prosthetic crown appears as a natural tooth.
Applications of Implant Dentistry In many cases, dental implants are incorporated into an overall treatment plan that might focus on the replacement of several teeth. Some patients have the option of replacing each affected tooth with a new implant, depending upon the condition of bone material. Other treatment plans may recommend implants for anchoring bridges and dentures.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 10:02 pm
Source: Atlantic Dental Group Site: ADG Metallic Taste in Mouth Blood cells contain hemoglobin which carries oxygen. When blood breaks down, iron is released and causes a metallic taste in mouth. Bleeding can be from the gums, sinuses or nose. The taste can get especially bad when someone has post nasal drip and the dried blood sticks to the back of the throat. If bleeding gums are the cause there is often bad breath associated with the bad taste. Another uncommon reason for a metallic taste in mouth is due to small electric currents in the mouth. When two types of metals are used in two different dental fillings a battery can be created. Some believe that it's due to the mercury leakage from dental silver/mercury fillings. Many oral or IV medications such as thyroid medicine, penicillin, and lithium can give a metallic taste in mouth. When someone is allergic to a specific food, the food can often be detected even in extremely small amounts. Food allergies, such as with sulfur dioxide, can also cause this. Some gastrointestinal disorders can be aggravated by food allergies and cause burping, dry mouth, thirst, rectal itching and a metal taste. High protein diets can cause benign dietary ketosis. This has also been associated with a metal taste. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or cancer itself can cause a metallic taste in mouth. It has also been associated with B 12 deficiency, zinc deficiency, Bell's palsy, Strep throat and Sjogren's disease along with anything that causes dry mouth.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 10:04 pm
Source: WebMD Site: WebMD Metallic Taste in Mouth(dysgeusia) A metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by infections of the mouth or teeth, skin conditions that affect the mucous membranes in the mouth such as lichen planus, or other problems, such as Crohn's disease. A metallic taste also may be caused by a substance present in the mouth. Medications that are chewed, rather than swallowed, may cause a temporary metallic taste at the back of the tongue. Other medications, such as Flagyl, tetracycline, penicillamine, Biaxin, ethambutol, biguanides, or allopurinol, can cause a metallic taste because they get into the mouth through salivary secretions or directly from the blood. If you suspect a medication is the cause of the metallic taste, call the health professional who prescribed the medication to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medication, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue the medication.
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