[Harp-L] Teeth implants

[Dennis Moriarty <yodennis@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dentures and implants are not exclusive. An implant is a largely  
permanent piece of composite metals and/or titanium that is drilled  
into the bone and as such acts as an artificial root for the tooth/ 
teeth appliance that is attached to the implant. This fixture/denture  
can be permanent (via cement) or removable. Either way the denture is  
attached to the implant once the healing/assimilating between the  
implant and the bone has been ascertained. There are variations on the  
implant procedure and material depending on the intended expenditure  
and outcome, i.e., a permanent denture attached to an implant- while  
more secure and natural feeling- is more expensive than a removable  
denture attached to the implant(s). Dentures per se are far far  
cheaper than implants with teeth attached but there is no comparison  
in the security obtained with implants. I have had a removable denture  
bridge and I have had implants implanted with a permanent bridge  
attached. While both required some time getting used to relative to  
playing without them the implants were far far far more easier to live  
with and after a while you adapt as Donny said. Whomever is having a  
harmonica instructor as a resource for their choice though is very  
very naive because at the end of the day a terrific dentist with  
abundant implant experience will create an appliance that will serve  
the patient best relative to playing the harp, chewing their food,  
smiling, and longevity. My best.  Dennis (I should have brushed as a  
kid) Moriarty
http://www.myspace.com/blowintheblues