What are dental implants?

Dental Implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. Dental implants are actually small titanium anchors shaped like screws that are placed into the jawbone. Although dental implants have been used in the United States and Europe for more than thirty years, the recent technological advancements in the titanium metal and surgical techniques have dramatically improved the implant success rate. In general, the success rate of dental implants is around 95%.

Dental implants can provide non-removable tooth replacements in the toothless jaw. They can provide support for a full denture, making it more secure and comfortable or they can assist in the replacement of a single tooth without the need to alter adjacent natural teeth (figure 1 and 2).

How are dental implants placed?

The total implant process is a technically exacting procedure. The evaluation to determine if the patient is a good candidate for a dental implant may include a series of radiographs (x-rays), the construction of cast molds, or the fabrication of a template that will be used to help position the implant.

Once the area for implant placement has been determined (figure 3), the next step is the surgical placement. After the site is prepared, the implant fixture is screwed or pressed into the jawbone (figure 4). The implant will then go through a process called osseointegration, where the bone will actually grow around the implant at the cellular level. This period, when the implant and the bone integrate, can take anywhere from three to six months depending on the quality of the bone and where the implant is placed. Following the appropriate healing period the top of the implant fixture is exposed and the new tooth prosthesis is attached (figure 5).

How long will dental implants last?

If cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. After treatment is completed, implants are similar to teeth in that they require the same, if not better home care. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are essential to the long term success of the implant.

Losing one or more teeth can certainly be a traumatic experience with devastating functional and psychological implications. Today, dental implants can once again return the patient to the level of comfort, confidence and well being that they once had.