DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants probably represent the most significant treatment option that has been introduced in the last 50 years in dentistry and oral & maxillofacial surgery. Dental implants have been placed since the 1980’s in the United States and have been very successful and frequently represent the best treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. A space is made in the jaw and the implants are placed into that space. An abutment is attached to the implant and then a crown is placed on top of that. The technology, treatment and placement of implants have been changing rapidly. With the advent of tissue engineering, that is to say bone grafting and manipulation of the soft tissue, it has been our experience that we are able to place implants in almost every patient who would want one.

Who needs dental implants?
Any patients who have missing teeth.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants?
The advantages of dental implants are that an implant is most similar to a natural tooth. Also the adjacent teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure. Studies have shown that the life span of the adjacent teeth when involved with the use of crown and bridgework may significantly compromise their life expectancy. Implants may decrease or help prevent the shrinkage of the jaw bone from tooth loss. They also help to preserve natural facial contours in appearance. They restore oral function in a manner that most closely resembles that of natural teeth.
|