Dental implants are one of the options for replacing missing teeth. They are placed directly into the jawbone. By being placed in the bone, they hold false teeth in place the same way roots support natural teeth. As a result, implants are virtually indistinguishable from other natural teeth. The concept is not modern, although reliance on its titanium material might be. The concept is at least as old as Mayan civilization, as discoveries have demonstrated their use of tooth implants.
Dentures are the most removable remedy for missing teeth. They typically get put in and taken out daily. They are also the least expensive remedy. Bridges are fixed to adjacent healthy teeth, which are filed down to accommodate it. They can also be affixed to implants to avoid filing of healthy teeth. An implant is a metal rod, most commonly made of titanium. Titanium has been used since 1959, when an Italian doctor started this practice.
Dental implants tend to be stronger and more durable than the other two restorative alternatives. To improve efficacy of the other two methods, implants may be used in conjunction with them. One rod can support a crown to replace a missing tooth. But, a bridge can also be supported by it to make up for multiple teeth. And, it can be used in conjunction with dentures to improve their stability and reduce irritation of gum tissue.
The key to a successful implant is a successful osseointegration or fusion process. Osseointegration is the term describing the anchoring process. This term was given its name by a pioneer practitioner, Swedish doctor Per Ingvar Branemark. Over a period of several months, the jawbone fuses with the titanium rod. Then, dentures, crowns or bridges can be screwed or clipped onto the implant. An implant can support one or more false teeth. A few implants are usually sufficient to replace all the teeth in the jaw, if necessary.
This process can be initiated any time after adolescence or after bone growth is complete. Dentists will determine candidacy after careful evaluation of the physical condition and medical history. Smokers and those who take Immunosuppressant drugs have displayed a tendency for a higher failure rate. Certain medical conditions may require additional treatment. Adequate bone density and quantity is a prerequisite. In some cases, bone grafting or use of a synthetic bone may be prescribed to correct bone deficiency. But, it is up to the dentist to determine if the patient qualifies.
Procedural advancements, such as mini implants have increased the number of people who could be candidates for implantation. However, candidacy for implantation still varies. Whereas, a general or restorative dentist may perform the crown and bridge placement, prosthodontists often complete this crucial procedure. Oral surgeons and periodontists perform the actual surgical implanting procedure.
Recovery depends on various factors, including the number of procedures needed to complete treatment. Once the process is complete, the patient has the responsibility of maintaining diligent oral hygiene habits. Failure and infection can occur, if there is improper cleaning. There should be no smoking following the procedure. Follow up appointments are critical to monitor progress. After placement of false teeth, routine follow up appointments are needed for long term durability.
With proper maintenance, an implanted restoration can last for over 40 years. The cost of varies depending on different factors. Factors that impact the costs include type of implantation, professionals involved in implantation and restoration, location, materials used and insurance. Patients should be aware that there are over 60 different implant companies. This means, if implantation is done by one dentist but another is used for repair work, new dentist may not have similar experience with or access to what was used by his or her predecessor. .