What Are Dental Implants?

The history of implant dentistry dates back to 1950s when a group of Swedish researchers led by Dr. Per Ingvar Branemark observed the result of screwing titanium into live bone. They found that the titanium ultimately fused with the surrounding bone, a process which later became known as “osseointegration.” This exciting discovery led to further research and the ultimate development of titanium screws for use in restoring missing teeth.

Dental Implants are comprised of titanium cylinders which are placed into the jawbone in order to support replacement teeth. Dental implants have come along way since their early years. Following years of research and study, they have been carefully refined and now enjoy a very high success rate. In fact, some patients with Implant-supported teeth have now been living with them for over forty years! It’s no wonder that they’re a popular choice, with more than 1.7 million Dental Implants put in place in 2006.

Modern Dental Implants 

(Source:  American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons)

There are three parts which make up a dental implant designed to replace a single tooth. These include the titanium implant which is fused with the jawbone; the abutment which is placed over the area of the implant protruding from the gum line; and the crown which fits onto the abutment, creating a natural look. A Prosthodontist or restorative dentist creates the crown.

A fixed bridge is a popular choice for individuals missing a single tooth. However, this often requires that adjacent teeth be cut or filed down, which in turn can lead to the future loss of these otherwise healthy teeth. In fact, studies have found as much as a 30% failure rate among those teeth lying adjacent to fixed bridges and removable partial dentures. Furthermore, bridges often have to be replaced once or twice or even more over a lifetime, thus resulting in additional expenses.

Bone loss around the area of missing teeth can result in part from the presence of conventional dentures. The jawbone is preserved by the presence of natural teeth (see illustration a). However, the loss of a tooth can lead to the eventual erosion and weakening of the bone (see illustration b). When bone loss occurs, bone may need to be grafted to the area by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, otherwise the bone will not be strong enough to allow for the placement of a dental implant. Replacing missing teeth through implant dentistry, on the other hand, results in a processes known as osseointegration whereby the implant and bone fuse, thus providing the stability of a natural tooth.

Implant dentistry is also an option for individuals missing several teeth in the same area of the mouth. Depending on the amount of teeth missing, two or more dental implants can be put in place by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon and then the replacement teeth will be attached to the implants. Because your replacement teeth or dentures are tightly locked into the stable support of the implants, you won’t have to worry about slippage. Furthermore, this will help to prevent bone loss and improve overall function. In this way, implant dentistry can significantly enhance your lifestyle and increase your self-confidence.

Dental implants have become the best treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth. This is backed by nearly fifty years of clinical research and an overall success rate of about 95%.

Dental Implants vs. Conventional Dentures

Many patients who have undergone implant dentistry experience a better quality of life than they had with fixed bridges or removable dentures. They often describe feeling more comfortable and secure with their implants. Denture wearers are often plagued by the embarrassment caused by slipping or clicking dentures, and their diet is often restricted. Furthermore, dentures can make you look and feel older than you truly are.

The daily frustrations and discomforts associated with poorly fitting dentures can be no more with dental implants. Undergoing a quick, easy implant dentistry procedure will allow you to enjoy a healthier and more varied diet and renewed self-confidence. In fact, many patients find that dental implants allow them to rediscover a more active and exciting lifestyle shared with friends and family, along with the ability to speak with greater comfort, clarity and confidence with their co-workers. It’s no wonder that people with dental implants say the look better, feel better and live better.

For more information, visit the AAOMS website (http://www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php).