Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements used to
counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized as a form of
prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, though it also falls
into the category of cosmetic dentistryas well. Although you have a
number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth,
none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as
implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical
choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the
teeth and supporting structures.
People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to
smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth
loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead
to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the
nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may
provide a simple remedy with proven results. Dental implants are
stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts
(bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to
tooth loss.
Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other
restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a
single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single
missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support adental
bridgefor the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be
used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue
irritation. Procedural advancements, including the development of
narrower “mini” implants, mean that more people than ever before
are finding themselves candidates for implantation.
However, candidacy for implantation still varies, meaning that
yourdentistmay determine that you should opt for an alternative
restoration. Keep in mind, too, that dentists do not need a
specific license by law in order to perform implant dentistry. A
general or restorative dentist may perform the crown and bridge
placement that is associated with implant restoration. However,
prosthodontists are the specialists who often complete this crucial
procedure. Periodontists and oral surgeons perform the implant
surgical procedure itself. Today's dental implants are virtually
indistinguishable from other teeth. This appearance is aided in
part by the structural and functional connection between the dental
implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a
single sitting but require a period of osseointegration.
Osseointegration is the process by which direct anchorage of a
dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs. Osseointegrated
implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental
implant. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to
six months to anchor and heal, at which point your dentist can
complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. Once the
implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be
attached and the process is done. If osseointegration does not
occur, the implant will fail.
Dental implants are among the most successful procedures
indentistry. There is no guarantee that an implant procedure will
be successful, but studies have shown a five-year success rate of
95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. The
success rate for upper jaw implants is slightly lower because the
upper jaw (especially the posterior section) is less dense than the
lower jaw, making successful implantation and osseointegration
potentially more difficult to achieve. Lower posterior implantation
has the highest success rate for all dental implants. Dental
implants may fail for a number of reasons. The cause is often
related to a failure in the osseointegration process. For example,
if the implant is placed in a poor position, osseointegration may
not take place. Dental implants may break or become infected (like
natural teeth) and crowns may become loose. If you are a smoker who
is considering a dental implant, your dentist will likely advise
you to give up smoking before undergoing the process because
smokers face a higher risk of implant failure. Since the procedure
can be extremely expensive, you risk wasting your money on dental
implants if you do not give up the habit. On the plus side, dental
implants are not susceptible to the formation of cavities. Still,
poor oral hygiene can lead to the development of peri-implantitis
around dental implants.