An Introduction To Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace both the form and the function of missing teeth. In the case of existing teeth, the tooth root holds the tooth in place. When a tooth has been lost due to infection, gum disease, an accident, or injury, a dental implant can be used in order to replace the tooth root and secure an artificial replacement for the tooth.
The actual dental implant is a metal screw designed to thread into the jawbone and allow for the attachment of a variety of prosthetic dental replacements. Most of the time, the implant is made of medical grade titanium or a titanium alloy. Titanium is used due to its excellent compatibility with human biology. Tens of thousands of dental implant procedures are performed every year.
History of Dental Implants
Forms of dental implant procedures have been performed for thousands of years. Egyptian mummies have been discovered with gold wire implants in their jawbones, and pre-Columbian skeletal remains have even shown dental implants made of semi-precious stones.
In Europe, ancient Roman soldiers have been found with iron dental implants. In the Middle East, remains have been unearthed exhibiting ivory dental implants dating back to the Middle Ages.
Modern dental implant logy was established in the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century, although the procedures popularity did not grow until the 1980's with the introduction of the titanium cylinder.
Uses of Modern Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used for a variety of replacement situations. The implants may be used to replace one single tooth, eliminating the need to grind down and alter adjacent teeth. On the other hand, they can be used to support replacement teeth for mouths which are entirely toothless.
Dental implants can be used as anchors to provide support for a fixed bridge, or to provide stability for a complete denture set, eliminating unsightly and bothersome moving and/or clicking associated with dentures.
The implants can even be used to support existing, yet loose teeth by being splinted with the dental implants.
Common Reasons for Tooth Loss
A few of the most common causes of tooth loss are infection, gum disease, injury, or accidents. When teeth are missing, it causes the remaining teeth to shift, rotate, and may cause them to become crooked. Spaces and gaps in the teeth can cause embarrassment, speech problems, and loss of self-esteem and confidence. An improper bite may also develop, making it difficult to chew food properly. Dental implants can help prevent or correct these problems.
An Introduction To Dental Implants - Part 2 Of 2
The Procedure A dental implant procedure is not a one visit process, typically taking several visits to one or more dental experts. As with any medical procedure, the first step is to find a qualified, skillful, and trustworthy surgeon to perform your dental implant procedure. Having a capable dentist can be the deciding factor of whether or not you will be pleased with the results.
First, the dentist will take x-rays of your mouth and perform a thorough oral examination. Typically, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ease any discomfort during the operation. A pilot hole is then bored into the jawbone, to allow for the placement of the implant. After the hole is drilled, the implant is inserted into position. The implant is left for around four months to fuse into the jawbone through a natural process known as Osseo integration.
After a few months, and when the implant has fused securely to the bone, the dentist will then attach the post to the implant. The post is the support for the synthetic replacement or replacements.
The last part of the procedure is known as the restorative phase. This is when the dentist will take impressions and create the necessary prosthesis that will attach to the implant or implants. This process normally take several visits in itself.
Qualified Dentists
You may find that you will have to see several different dentists in order to complete your dental implant procedure. Periodontists and oral surgeons are both qualified to perform the first part of the process, placing the implant or implants. If a periodontist or oral surgeon is used to complete the implant procedure, then a restorative dentist will be required to complete the process during the later visits.
Implantologists are qualified to perform the entire procedure themselves, from beginning to end.
Long-term Success
Overall, dental implant procedures have about a 90% success rate, and many last more than 20 years. With good oral hygiene, your dental implants can last you a lifetime. The success of your procedure also depends on the quality and quantity of bone available to the dental surgeon. The better the bone, and the more of it, the better the chances of a complete success.
The quality of the restorative prosthesis placed on top of the implant is also a major factor affecting the success of your procedure. If the design of the crown, over-dentures, or other prostheses are poorly constructed or poorly designed, the biting forces of the mouth will not be balanced and may cause complications in the future.
Who Does NOT Qualify for Dental Implants?
Some medical conditions or specific physical characteristics may make it impossible or dangerous to have a dental implant procedure performed. People who suffer from uncontrolled diabetes, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders, or bone marrow cancer should not consider getting dental implants. Also, those undergoing or who recently have undergone chemotherapy or other radiation therapy should avoid this procedure.
Some with certain physical characteristics such as insufficient or poor quality bone, low sinuses, or low nerve bundles may also not qualify for dental implant procedures.
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