Understanding Dental Implants

When someone looses a permanent tooth their chewing function is affected, which in turn can compromise jawbone strength and alignment of the other teeth. The alignment of the teeth establishes the pattern of our bite and influences the development of the muscles and bones of our entire head region including the jaw and neck.

It is for these reasons that dentists recommend tooth replacement. This can be achieved through bridges, full and partial dentures, and implants. Of all the choices, dental implants are the only method that adds strength and stability to the jaw by replacing the missing roots as well as the missing tooth. Teeth have three distinct regions: The hard outer shell called, the enamel, the softer inner tissue called, the dentin and the innermost pulp of a tooth which contains blood and lymphatic tissues, and nerves which rest in the roots of the teeth.

Dental implants resemble natural teeth to the extent that they have a root portion and an upper part that performs the same function as the dentin and enamel of natural teeth. Implant fixtures differ in size and always involve surgery to place it into the jawbone. A phase of osseointegration takes place after the surgery for three to six months, during which time the surrounding tissues bond to the anchor. If osseointegration fails, the process can be tried again, but after a period in which the bone is allowed to heal.

Dental statistics give a ninety-five percent success rate for implants in the lower jaw and a ninety percent success rate in the upper jaw. Dental implants are not suitable for everyone, and the eligibility of a patient for the procedure can only be determined by a qualified dentist or dental surgeon. The space available and the condition of the jaw bone are factors which influence the decision. Sometimes dental surgeons will suggest a "mini-implant" instead, which has a much smaller anchor and is just partially inserted into the jawbone. These are used to replace smaller teeth, or to support dentures or overdentures.

The patients who undergo implant placement should maintain a regular dental hygiene routine, because the soft tissues (gums) around the implants are as vulnerable to bacterial infection as those surrounding natural teeth.