Dental implants are not new, but advanced technology and improved procedures now make us confident that we can get excellent long-term results. Many research studies have shown that modern implants, when carefully placed and restored, can last many years and even a lifetime. Today dental implants are made of materials such as titanium which has been used successfully for over 30 years as orthopedic knees and hip replacements. Dental implants are nonallergenic, and very compatible with body tissue. An improved knowledge of how to place implants without injuring tissue and how to increase the stability of the implants in the jaw bones has resulted in very gratifying success for hundreds of thousands of patients.
How can Implants be used?
Implants can be used to replace dentures, bridges or missing individual
teeth. Also, implants can be used to stabilize or replace teeth loosened
by periodontal disease or accidents. They can even be used as anchors
to help move and straighten other teeth with orthodontics. As you can
see, dental implants are quite versatile and helpfiil in many treatment
conditions.
Who can have Implants?
While dental implants are not appropriate treatment for every patient,
it is the rare person who cannot receive an implant. There are a variety
of sizes, shapes and types of implants and no single type is going
to be best for everyone. Each individual has unique oral anatomy, so
we use a variety of implant designs depending on the needs of the patient
and their particular dental condition.
What are the beneflts of dental
Implants?
The most obvious benefit is an increased ability to chew and function
with implant-supported teeth. In fact, it has been shown that while
people with dentures can only chew food with about 20% of the force
of their natural teeth, people with implants can chew with 85% to 95%
of the force of their natural teeth. But there can be many other benefits.
One common problem that denture wearers face is the lack of stability
of dentures, particularly lower dentures, as they are balanced on the
jawbone between the muscles of the cheek, lips and tongue. The insecurity
resulting from loose dentures can be eliminated by using implants to "anchor" dentures
or by making implant-supported teeth. For some people it is the discomfort
or bulkiness of removable dental appliances that is the major concern.
Implants can eliminate these problems also. The loss of teeth and the
supporting bone can cause significant changes in facial features.
Anyone with dentures knows how important the teeth, gums and jawbone are as support for the lips, cheeks and lower face. Loss of these important structures gives an appearance of premature aging and for many people causes emotional distress and a loss of self-esteem. Implant-supported teeth and dentures can slow down this aging process and help improve self esteem and the often-felt loss of intimacy. So, while functional benefits are the most obvious, cosmetic and emotional benefits are for many people as important as, or more important than, improved chewing.
How
successful are Implants?
While there are risks and concerns with any dental procedure, results
of implant treatment are quite predictable today. Each patient must
be evaluated individually by a dentist with experience in implantology.
The discipline of implantology is demanding, but extremely rewarding.
I have elected to concentrate my practice on implantology because of
the tremendous gratification of seeing so many of my patients so pleased
with their implants. Implants are here to stay and will continue to
improve the quality of life and help restore the oral health of millions
of people.
