What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the latest and most advanced way to replace missing teeth. Invented in 1952 by Swedish surgeon Per-Ingevar Branemark, implants offer a long-lasting solution for restoring a beautiful, fully functional smile. Whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or even all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, dental implants provide an effective option.
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible post that is surgically placed into the jawbone through a minimally invasive procedure. Once the implant heals and integrates with the bone—through a process called osseointegration—it functions like the root of a natural tooth, supporting a crown or bridge. This healing process typically takes 3 to 6 months.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several advantages compared to traditional tooth replacement methods:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants come closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
- Longevity: With proper placement, good oral hygiene, and regular care, dental implants can last for many years.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are missing, which helps maintain facial contours.
- No Slipping: Unlike dentures, implants won’t slip or shift when eating or speaking.
- Comfort and Functionality: You can eat, speak, and taste food without restrictions—implants feel just like natural teeth.
- No Decay: Dental implants don’t decay, so cavities aren’t a concern.
- No Impact on Neighboring Teeth: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require the preparation or crowning of adjacent teeth.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants boast a long-term success rate of over 95%, according to clinical studies. For implants to be successful, sufficient bone must be present to support the post. If bone is lacking, a bone grafting procedure may be needed before placing the implant. Candidates for implants should also be free of gum disease and committed to maintaining good oral hygiene to ensure the longevity of the implant.
Treatment Planning for Dental Implants
Planning for dental implants involves using advanced scanning technology and software to carefully map out the entire process, both surgically and prosthetically. This ensures the treatment is precise from start to finish, with the final restoration in mind.
In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth is extracted, known as “immediate dental implant placement.” In other situations, it may be possible to place “same-day dental implants,” where a temporary crown or bridge is attached right away. However, complete healing and osseointegration must occur before the final restoration is placed.
Types of Dental Implants
Most dental implants are made from titanium, but there are also metal-free zirconia options available. Both materials are biocompatible and integrate well with the jaw’s hard and soft tissues. A single implant can support a crown to replace one tooth, while multiple implants can anchor a fixed bridge.
For patients missing all their upper or lower teeth, a full-arch implant-supported bridge may be recommended. Special implants can also offer additional support for removable overdentures or serve as anchorage devices in orthodontics, known as Transitional Anchorage Devices (TADs).
