Dental implants are widely believed to be the best solution for people who wish to replace one or more natural teeth. In addition to looking, feeling, and functioning just like natural, healthy teeth, they provide health benefits; made of biocompatible material, the implants fuse with the bone in the jaw and stimulate the continued health of the bone tissue. With proper care, dental implants can be a permanent solution for missing teeth.
In 1952, a scientist from Sweden named Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark discovered that titanium bonds powerfully with bone, making it an ideal material for medical uses. Since this discovery, titanium has played a vital role in the development of medical implants and is now commonly used for joint replacements, facial and cranial prosthetics, and dental implants. Titanium, which is neither toxic nor allergenic, has been shown to have no adverse effects on the body and a low risk of rejection. It is also resistant to corrosion, strong, and lightweight. This means that titanium dental implants have the potential to remain strong and stable for a lifetime.
Dental implants are made of two or three different parts: the dental implant post; the abutment, which can be built on to the implant post or attached after implant placement; and the dental restoration itself, like a dental crown or bridge. Titanium dental implant posts are surgically placed in the jawbone, and, as the bone around the implant heals, it fuses to the implant and creates a solid anchor to permanently support a dental restoration. Once the bone has fully healed and bonded with the implant, a process called osseointegration, the top of the implant post is exposed and the abutment, if needed, is attached. The gums are given a few weeks to heal around the base of the abutment, restoring the natural appearance of the gum line, and then the final dental restoration is set on the abutment. Implant-retained dental crowns can be custom-crafted to match the remaining natural teeth in contour and hue, and they rest in the gums just like natural teeth.
Designed to function just like natural teeth while also looking natural, dental implants mimic the roots of natural teeth and stimulate the bone tissue that surrounds them. Patients can eat a diverse array of foods, including crunchy vegetables and hard nuts, maintaining a balanced diet while exercising the tissues that support the teeth and working to keep them strong and healthy. Because their stability and durability are so important to their success, it is imperative to allow the implant posts adequate time to heal in order for osseointegration to succeed. This could take several months, and, in some cases, patients need additional treatments to prepare for dental implants, which adds to the healing time. Caring for your oral health is also a key part of implant success, and caring for implants is as convenient and easy as caring for natural teeth. Gum disease, which can arise due to poor oral hygiene, can lead to deterioration of the bone that supports the implant and cause the implant to fail, and preventing gum disease is part of the investment in dental implants. You and your dentist will discuss your aftercare recommendations as part of your dental implant treatment, and you’ll see your dentist regularly for checkups and to keep your implants clean and healthy.