A dental implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth.
Virtually all dental implants placed today are root-form endosseous implants, i.e., they appear similar to an actual tooth root (and thus possess a "root-form") and are placed within the bone ). The bone of the jaw accepts and osseointegrates with the titanium post. Osseointegration refers to the fusion of the implant surface with the surrounding bone.
Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures.[1] They can also be used as anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement. The use of dental implants permits unidirectional tooth movement without reciprocal action.
What are Dental Implants ?
An implant is a man-made replacement of natural teeth which allow the person to return to fixed teeth. Dental implants are attempted for many decades in the 20th century.Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark was perhaps the most important figure in the advancement of implant dentistry
His significant break through, in the 1950s, was the discovery that bone can integrate with titanium components. Dental implants, which are simply small titanium cylinders placed into the jaw bone to support replacement teeth, which look and feels like a natural tooth. Worldwide 8,00,0000 patients have been treated since 1965 with dental implant reconstructions.
What are Benefits of Dental Implants ?
One of the most important benefits of dental implants is that they greatly improve the quality of your life.
Eat
Dentures can only deliver a small fraction of the biting force of natural teeth. With dental implants, patients can bite with forces close to that of natural teeth. Better chewing efficiency results in better digestion leading to improved health of patients.
Speak
One fear which denture wearers have is that of their dentures popping out of their mouths when they speak. Implant supported prostheses are retained firmly to the jaw, allowing patients to speak with confidence.
Look
Implant supported crowns and bridges can be made to look very natural, affording excellent aesthetics and this greatly enhances the patient’s smile.
Feel
Implant supported dentures can be fabricated with reduced extensions, so that patients feel less bulk in their mouths while wearing their prostheses. With dental implants you won’t have your dentures slipping and sliding in your mouth again.
Who is a candidate for Dental implants?
In general, anyone missing at least one tooth and healthy enough to undergo routine dental treatments, including tooth extraction, is probably able to undergo dental implant treatment. There are some medical conditions that warrant special consideration before placing dental implants. If you already wear dentures but are psychologically un comfortable with them (e.g. you lack confidence due to the appearance or poor fit of you false teeth) or find them physically difficult (e.g. you cannot taste food properly due to the dentures), you should consider implants. You are never too old to get dental implants.
Cost of Dental Implants ?
Interestingly, most people assume that dental implant treatment is more expensive than alternative methods of tooth replacement. In reality, Dental implants are more cost effective than other methods of tooth replacement like; RPD, Dentures and bridge works.
The basic reason for this cost differential is due to the effect that other treatments require extensive repairs, replacements, and procedures to preserve the integrity of facial structure and prevent additional tooth loss compare to dental implants.
Remember, the old saying that
“ It is better to invest one time than again and again”.
What is the Dental Implants Procedure?
The first step in the decision for dental implants is to make an appointment with qualified Oral Implantologist for an evaluation, medical and dental history, dental x-rays and possibly CT scan diagnostic casts for final planning for dental implants.
1. Before the procedure
Three teeth at back end of the mouth are missing. The only real replacement alternative is installing a fixed bridge. The bridge contains all teeth in one piece and is anchored on dental implants.
2. Installing the implants
First, the implants are installed. This is normally done in a single session. A temporary bridge may be placed at the same time, making it possible for you to function like normal almost immediately after leaving the dentist.
3. Attaching the bridge
The implants need to integrate with the jawbone before the permanent bridge is attached. This is normally done 1-2 months after the implant installation. The time will vary, depending on the teeth affected and the esthetical demands, nature of bone and general habits of a person.
4. End result
The new bridge will handle all the pressure that your strong, natural back teeth did. You will have a stable and secure solution that allows you to eat what you want.
What is Teeth-in–an-Hour Concept ?
Teeth-in-an-Hour is a revolutionary technique that uses a surgical template created from a CT scan to help place implants with the highest degree of safety and procedures.
Using Nobel Guide software CT scan is converted into 3D model of the patient’s jaw. Then the information is send to Nobel Biocare Sweden. Nobel Guide i.e. drilling template is grafted there and using this guide implants are placed more accurately than the conventional technique.
In few visits patient can get a new set of fixed teeth with minimum surgical intervention and pain, full chewing capacity that he or she can chew an apple the same day and leave the treatment room more satisfied, comfortable with beautiful teeth and with improved quality of life.
How long do the Dental Implants last ?
The simply answer to long-term success rate of dental implants are that dental implants can fail, but fortunately very in frequently.
Failure rates vary depending on the site in the mouth. The overall success rate is 95% as documented after long research. at the moment we can only say that the first patient who had dental implants placed in 1965 has his original implants in function today.
The best steps to take avoid encountering ailing or failing implants are to maintain meticulous oral hygiene, and evaluate the dental implants both clinically and radio graphically at frequent recall visits with your dentist.
