Generations of advancing ingenuity within the dental industry has given rise to an array of measures which can permanently restore the functionality and aesthetic of almost any smile. Celebrated as the best thing since natural teeth, dental implants are fully capable of replacing teeth which have been broken, infected, or extracted.
Dental implants have a longstanding history, deeply intertwined to the importance of the human smile. The modern implant was first installed successfully in 1965, yet the concept of replacing missing teeth has been a practice for thousands of years. It’s safe to say these ancient materials and methods utilized millennia ago wouldn’t pass today’s professional grade standards, as some cultures even utilized bamboo stalks in an attempt to restore the full function of their jaw.
It goes to show; the necessity of an implant is undeniable to the human smile, and thanks to the modern world of dentistry, they remain safer and more efficient than ever before.
We’ve Moved on From Bamboo
The focal point of a dental implant is its very foundation, a post crafted from the most durable material known to humanity- titanium! This stalwart substance is so durable that NASA utilizes it in the construction of its various spacecraft.
This post is carefully crafted and then drilled into the jawbone, permanently securing it into the foundation of a patient’s jaw. To secure a reliable anchor, the patient must maintain enough jaw bone density to withstand this significant step- if not, further measures such as bone grafting may be performed if feasible.
Trusting the Process
Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves with all this focus on materials. To better comprehend what an implant is, and the purpose it serves, it’s crucial to understand its implementation process.
This impressive procedure consists of crucial steps to ensure the implants not only look aesthetically pleasing, but are capable of merging into the very fabric of the smile. Remember, a dental professional must first extract a damaged or infected tooth before this process may be attempted. As this is a common occurrence, it increases the timeframe of this procedure- but rest assured, a permanent and durable new tooth is worth the wait!
Assessment
The first step is always a consultation, allowing a professional to properly investigate the state of your smile and ensure implants are the right approach. This stage is met with detailed x-rays and a 3d cone-beam CT scan of the jaw, giving the professional a firm understanding of the state of your oral anatomy and ensuring your bone density can withstand an implant. Following this, an impression or scan of your teeth is completed, painting an accurate blueprint for the implant!
Insertion
Once the patient and materials are ready, an anesthetic is administered to the target area, numbing it from pain and allowing the installation to begin. The dentist drills a small hole into the gums and surrounding jawbone for the placement of the titanium post. Designed similarly to a screw, the post contains threads which permanently bind it into the jaw.
The abutment follows afterwards, which is screwed onto the previously now established post. This serves the function of a connector, allowing the soon to come artificial tooth to attach properly while assisting in reforming the gums.
Lastly, the artificial tooth is set into place. This crown (or bridge, if multiple implants are needed), is curated from high quality and durable materials which will never decay over time and look and feel virtually identical to natural teeth.
This process is bullet proof, boasting a near perfect success rate for millions of patients across the globe and is a far cry from the methods of our ancestors!
If you seek to learn more about dental implants, or believe they may be a successful solution for your smile, please book an appointment with our talented team members today! Our office specializes in a variety of dental procedures, and implants are one of them!
