Dental implants have changed the face of dentistry over the last 25 years. What are dental implants? What is the history of dental implants? And how are they used to replace missing teeth? This section will give you an overview of the topic of dental implants, which you will need to follow in more detail in the additional sections.
As with most treatment procedures in dentistry today, dental implants not only involve scientific discovery, research and understanding, but also application in clinical practice. The practice of implant dentistry requires experience in planning, surgery and restoring teeth; It is as much about art and experience as it is about science. Clinica Doctores López will help you provide you with the knowledge you need to make the right decision in your dental aesthetics.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Let's start from the beginning: A dental implant is actually a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are fixed into the jaw bone and are not visible once surgically placed. They are used to secure crowns (the parts of teeth seen in the mouth), bridges or dentures by a variety of means. They are made from titanium, which is light, strong and biocompatible, meaning it is not rejected by the body. Titanium and titanium alloys are the most commonly used metals in both dental and other bone implants, such as orthopedic joint replacements. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device.
Titanium's special property of fusion with bone, called osseointegration (“osseo” – bone; “integration” – fusion or union with), is the biological basis of successful dental implants. That's because when teeth are lost, the bone that supports the teeth is lost as well. The placement of dental implants stabilizes the bone, preventing its loss. Along with replacing missing teeth, implants help maintain the shape and density of your jaw bones. This means they also support the facial skeleton and, indirectly, the soft tissue structures – gum tissues, cheeks and lips. Dental implants help you eat, chew, smile, speak and look completely natural. This functionality imparts social, psychological and physical well-being.
THE BIG QUESTION IS, ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME?
Generally speaking, if you have lost teeth you are a candidate for dental implants. It is important that you are in good health, however, as there are some conditions and illnesses that can affect you. For example, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, radiation to the jaw, smoking, alcoholism, or uncontrolled periodontal (gum) cancer can affect whether dental implants will fuse to the bone.
It is important to let your dental surgeon know everything about your health status (past and present), along with all medications you are taking, whether prescription, alternative (herbal) or over-the-counter.
Where and how implants are placed requires a detailed evaluation of your overall gnathic-stomato system (“stoma” – mouth; “gnathic” – jaws), in which the teeth function. This will require compiling records that include study models of the mouth and bite, and specialized radiographs (X-rays), which may include 3D scans known as computed tomography (CT) scans. Planning with the help of computer imaging ensures that dental implants can be placed in exactly the correct position in the bone.
