A dental implant is one of the possibilities open to us when we lose teeth. Historically, the most common type of replacement teeth was dentures.
Over the centuries, the various substances comprising them included gold, wood, ox bones and even human teeth.
The problems concerning exact fit and practicality became a constant quandary. It was not until later that alternatives became possible.
Bridges and partial dentures continue to act as solutions. Yet, the naturalness and permanency of normal teeth remained elusive.
While veneers could hide defective teeth, a positive solution
to lost teeth was slow coming.
Enter Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark. In 1952, he discovered that titanium irreversibly binds to living tissue. This is osseointegration.
In doing so, he created the basis for what was to become dental implants.
Others took up his work and, in 1965, the first practical application took place.
It was the beginning of a new era in dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
Implants are an in-office dental procedure. The dentist and or his/her team will surgically place metal posts into the jawbone. These act to replace the root of a tooth and anchor the replacement tooth.
Many individuals prefer these implants. They are natural looking and are permanent. They opt for this procedure for several reasons:
These are the key advantages to the process. The major drawback is the price tag. They cost more than dentures.
This treatment is often preferred over such things as straight dentures or bridges. They are chosen in certain situations. Preference may rest on different factors including:
The procedure consists of three basic stages. These consist of:
Failures are relatively low. According to the The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the success rate of implants is 95%. This makes implants a positive choice for teeth replacement.
When it comes to making the right choice for a replacement tooth, it is a solution worth consideration.
Highly reliable and natural in appearance, they are ideal. There are few problems to worry about if the directions of the dental surgeon are followed closely.
If you got dental implants, tell us your experience. Are you happy with them? Have they made your life better? Help others who are in the process of getting implants.
What tips or insights would you give?
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Communicate your expectations for the best outcome
I need multiple implants. Because of the cost, I am doing it in stages, over time. I have high expectations for the result, they will look like I never …