Implantology

Not surprisingly, it was the Mayans who first implemented the earliest known endosseousosseointegration, Professor Brånemark in 1965 placed the first titanium dental implant into a human patient. To this day, over 7 million Brånemark System dental implants have been used to restore smiles all over the world.  Additionally, this technology pioneered the use of titanium implants in other parts of the human body, including hip and knee replacements! implants, or implants embedded into bone. This practice dates back as far as 1,350 years prior to the famous Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark's work with a promising new metal alloy called "titanium". While excavating Mayan burial sites in 1931, archaeologists found a fragment of mandible (jawbone) dating from about 600 A.D. This mandible, considered to be that of a woman in her twenties, had tooth shaped pieces of seashell placed into the sockets of three missing lower teeth. For many years scientists believed these shells were implanted after the young woman's death in a manner also observed in ancient Egyptian civilizations. However, in 1970 a Brazilian academic, Professor Amadeo Bobbio, studied the mandible and took several radiographs (x-rays). Bobbio noticed compact bone formation around two of the implants, which indicated that the implants were actually placed while the young woman was still alive and her bone still actively growing. This discovery solidified the belief that healthy bone could potentially fuse with non-organic materials. Defining this process as osseointegration, Professor Brånemark in 1965 placed the first titanium dental implant into a human patient. To this day, over 7 million Brånemark System dental implants have been used to restore smiles all over the world. Additionally, this technology pioneered the use of titanium implants in other parts of the human body, including hip and knee replacements!

How it works

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement used in prosthetic dentistry. Unlike the Mayans, we are able to utilize several different types of dental implants depending on the specific needs of the patient. (Don't worry, no seashells!) The most widely accepted and successful implant option is the osseointegrated implant, discovered by the previously mentioned Swedish Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Once he discovered that the wonderous metal alloy titanium could be successfully incorporated into bone, the dental implant industry boomed.

We begin with a thorough assessment of the patient's medical and dental history, and a full examination of the mouth and missing tooth area. The clinical exam will also include x-rays. After evaluating the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan will be formulated. The dental implant(s) is then surgically placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. Once the titanium implant screw is placed into the jawbone, cells responsible for bone formation called osteoblasts grow on, around and into the rough surfaces of the implanted titanium root, basically fusing the metal with the healthy bone of the jaw. This allows a structural and functional connection to form between the living jawbone and the alloy implant. After a short period of healing (determined by the quantity and quality of of bone, as well as the type of implant placed), a  permanent crown is crafted, placed on the titanium replacement root, and secured, creating a natural-looking and highly functional "tooth" that will help maintain the integrity of your jaw because it has in fact become a part of your jaw. The titanium implant root can also be used to support a bridge or denture.

Keep in mind that for the dental implant procedure to be successful there must be adequate bone density in the jaw and the bone must be strong enough to support the implant. Additionally, the remaining natural teeth and supporting oral tissue near the implant site must be in good health. Of course, the lifestyle choices of the implant patient can affect success rates. In addition to the above mentioned requirements, the ideal implant recipient will have healthy eating habits, will not be a smoker or heavy drinker, and will have realistic expectations.  Studies indicate the 5 year success rate of dental implants to be between 75%-95%. Patients who smoke experience significantly lower success rates.

Also, placing an acceptable number of implants to restore all missing teeth is vital to the long-term success of this restorative procedure. To put it simply, the most costly mistake a patient can make is to have their implant fail because not enough implants are placed to support the remaining teeth. It is absolutely imperative that the patient be prepared physically, emotionally, and financially for a dental implant procedure to be successful.

A missing tooth … what's the big deal?

In addition to endangering the health, strength, and function of your jaw, when a tooth is missing the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to shift from their normal position. This gradual movement presents an obvious cosmetic problem.  However, the altered positions of these teeth can also result in severe bite problems, causing jaw pain, headaches, difficulty eating and swallowing, and loss of remaining teeth.

In short, missing teeth should be replaced in order to keep the remaining healthy teeth in their normal position without compromising their functional ability. If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want replacements that are as natural as possible. If dentures don't work for you, you may consider dental implants. Unlike dentures, implants are permanently anchored into the jawbone, giving you the look, feel and function of your natural teeth. And with dental implants, you get a perfect fit!