Dental Implant Guide

Educational model of implants

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.

What Are Dental Implants?

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.

Why Consider This Option?

Many individuals prefer these implants. They are natural looking and are permanent. They opt for this procedure for several reasons:

• Comfort
• Longevity
• Virtually painless
• Great stability when compared to other procedures
• Reliability
• Overall "natural" look

These are the key advantages to the process. The major drawback is the price tag. They cost more than dentures.

When To Use Implants

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 need to replace a single or multiple teeth while leaving the nearby teeth virtually unaffected
• To use instead of a partial denture
• To support a bridge
• To provide support for a denture
  

Implant Procedures

The procedure consists of three basic stages. These consist of:

• Implant or anchor portion which is embedded in the alveolar bone
• An abutment screw – this is used to connect the replacement tooth to the implant
• Abutment post or cylinder – this attaches the tooth restoration to the screw

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.

Choosing Implants

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.