Dental implants; what exactly are they? A dentist explains
A dental implant is known to professionals as an Endosteal dental implant it is a simple device that is used to permanently fix an artificial tooth or a set of teeth to the jaw bone. There are two types that are favoured; the screw and the cylinder. Both are fitted by either using screws to fix the plate into place or by drilling holes in the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gums and the plate is slide under the cut, fixed and then closed up with stitches. It then takes around three to six months for the fusion of the titanium implant plate to the bone, this is a natural process called Osseointergration. The best patient for this procedure is one with a wide strong jaw bone; a bone graft can be facilitated in cases where the bone isn’t so good. Once the Osseointergration has completed the dental surgeon will fit one or more abutments to the plate, these are titanium stakes that the artificial tooth will sit on. An orthodontist will make the teeth up using a material as hard as a natural tooth. This is coloured to a shade similar to the surrounding teeth, the tooth is then slotted onto the abutment and allowed to settle in with glue. The patient will have to adjust their chewing method to suit their new teeth. They can be cared for in the usual way, good oral hygiene is always essential in caring for our teeth and keeping them free from infections. Flossing and brushing is done as per usual and the removal of tartar will take place on your normal six monthly check ups. For all intents and purposes these teeth are just the same as your own natural teeth, and can be used in exactly the same way. They are a good substitute for dentures; many people don’t get on with dentures and find them cumbersome and uncomfortable. The treatment isn’t cheap in the short run, but considering they are permanent and need no special maintenance, they will work out good value for money in the long run. The research was started in Cambridge in the 1950s and the first successful fusion took place in Sweden in 1965, there are some other types of plate on the market, but these ones are the most popular with international surgeons. Consult your dentist in the first instance as a surgeon will need to carry out most of the work.