Archive for November, 2008

Reviewed by Brandie Self, Community Health Education Center Intern
A dental implant is one of the many options available when a person loses a tooth or teeth. Even though this option has been available for a long time, it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until the 1980s. However, dental implants are not a common procedure partly because many people are not aware of or do not understand the procedure. When a patient has a tooth that is beyond repair and decides to have a dental implant placed, the dentist will first remove the tooth. The next steps vary slightly, but generally, a titanium rod is placed to replace the root of the tooth. When that has healed, the patient will receive a crown that is placed on the rod to completely replace the lost tooth.
In A Patient’s Guide to Dental Implants, the authors first explain why we lose teeth and how to prevent this from happening. They also present a thorough description of periodontal (gum) disease and its different stages, which is a primary cause for losing teeth. The authors also present step by step information about the procedure and explain what to expect and what steps to take when talking to your dentist about dental implants, as well as how to care for the implants after they are placed.
This book is an great resource for anyone considering having a dental implant placed or even for those who have already had the procedure and have more questions.
Community Health Education Ctr RK667.I45 P38 2003 Non-circulating
To view this title or other health-related books visit the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). The CHEC is located on the ground floor of the VCUHS Gateway Building on the MCV campus.