Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that were first developed half a century ago by a Swedish scientist named Per-Ingvar Branemark. Implants arose from the patient's need to secure loose-fitting dentures. Since the advent of the implant, engineering and enhancements to the implant have enabled dentists to expand the implant's usefulness, including the replacement of missing or lost teeth. Today, implant techniques provide a wide range of solutions including:
- Single Tooth Replacement
- Multiple Tooth Replacement
- Full Mouth Tooth Replacement
- Support and Anchorage for Upper or Lower Dentures
The implants we place and restore can be thought of as artificial tooth roots, because they mirror the size and shape of a patient's natural tooth. The implant or artificial root is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia, then allowed to heal and integrate with the bone. Once the healing process is completed and the jawbone is attached to the implant, the patient returns to the dental office where the implant is fitted with the new tooth. This process generally takes anywhere from three to eight months.
Implant As a Treatment Option
The trends these days is to move away from the use of traditional bridges in favor of implants. Many people have a missing tooth but have perfectly healthy teeth on either side of it. The common question is, “why destroy tooth structure of perfectly healthy adjacent teeth when an implant can solve the problem without touching those teeth?” That is a good question and is why we favor the implant treatment option whenever possible.
Post Implant Care
Although proper oral hygiene is always recommended for maintaining good dental health, it is especially important when a patient has received a dental implant. Bacteria can attack sensitive areas in the mouth when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, thus causing gums to swell and jaw bones to gradually recede. Recession of the jawbone will weaken implants and eventually make it necessary for the implant to be removed. Patients are advised to visit their dentists at least twice a year to ensure the health of their teeth and implants. Dental implants can last for decades when given proper care.
Before
Missing Front Tooth
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After
Dental Implant
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Patient is missing all his teeth.
Multiple dental implants are placed on upper and lower jaws.
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Before |
After
Single Dental Implant |