A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement and is generally made of Titanium or Titanium alloy. In the last fifteen years, the knowledge about implants, and the frequency with which they are recommended have increased greatly.
Below you will find some basic information about implants. The great success rate of implants (over 90%) is due to a biological process called biointegration, through which bone adheres to the surface of the implant.
The implant is usually made of a biocompatible metal called titanium. Once the implant adheres to the bone, is can serve the function of an artificial root, and help hold one tooth, several teeth (with several implants) or a loose denture.
There are many types of implants, but I am only going to mention the four most frequently used, they are: Cylindrical (root form) Implants, Mini Implants, Blade Implants, Subperiosteal Implants
Cylindrical or Root Form Implants
The cylindrical or root form implants represent the majority of the implants used today due probably to the technique used to place and restore them. The procedure is as follows: The area is anesthetized and an incision is made to expose the bone where the implant will go.
The site is prepared with special instruments that allow a tight fit when the implant is introduced in the bone. The implant is covered and the gums sutured. The sutures come out in about a week.
These cylinders remain covered for a period of three to eight months, after which they are uncovered and checked to verify that they are fused to the bone and a post or attachment is connected that comes out through the gums and is used to attach the tooth or denture.
Mini Implants
Mini implants are a smaller or thinner version of the root form implants that were originally designed to be used for temporary support of dental work while the regular implants healed. Recently they have been advertised for more long term applications such as for holding a loose denture, or for replacing very small front teeth.
Blade Implants
The blade implants are used in cases where the bone is not wide enough for root form implants. The bone is prepared by making a slit instead of a round hole.
They are used more commonly in the area of the molars in the lower jaw.
Subperiosteal Implant
The subperiosteal implant is used in cases where the individual has lost a lot of the bone due to the extraction of the teeth, and does not have enough to place a blade or a cylinder. It is almost always done in the lower jaw.
The incision exposes a large area of bone and an impression is taken of the exposed bone (a technique involving a CAT-scan and computerized fabrication of a model of the jaw may be used if the patient want to avoid the bone impression surgery).
The implant is made in the laboratory, and it consists of a metal framework that is placed under the gums on top of the bone during a second surgery approximately one month after the first one. This implant is used to support a lower denture.
Implant for Single Tooth Replacement
Any person that has lost teeth or molars is a candidate. The only obstacle would be the amount of bone in the area of the proposed implant, but even if there is not enough bone, the surgeon can augment it with a graft.
Your physician may also contraindicate the procedure if you are in poor health.
Implants to Replace Several Teeth
Any person that has lost teeth or molars is a candidate. The only obstacle would be the amount of bone in the area of the proposed implant, but even if there is not enough bone, the surgeon can augment it with a graft.
Your physician may also contraindicate the procedure if you are in poor health.
Implants to Hold or Support a Denture
Any person that has lost teeth or molars is a candidate. The only obstacle would be the amount of bone in the area of the proposed implant, but even if there is not enough bone, the surgeon can augment it with a graft.
Your physician may also contraindicate the procedure if you are in poor health.
Here are some common questions about implants:
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentistry. He was formerly a dental assistant for a dentist Mission Viejo practice. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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