Individuals lose teeth for a variety of reasons, from gingivitis to injury. Many of the events that can lead to tooth loss lie outside of our control. Traditionally, those who lost teeth could correct the issues with only bridges or dentures. Unfortunately, both these options have serious drawbacks and do not prove permanent solutions. Dental implants, on the other hand, offer an anchor for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Through the process of osseointegration, the implant actually fuses with the bone of the jaw, creating a solid and permanent foundation for replacement teeth. Modern technology creates false teeth that match existing teeth according to both color and shape, making the implants virtually imperceptible, especially when compared to bridges and dentures. In addition, patients do not have to remove the teeth at any time and solid composition allows them to eat anything at any time without worrying about the integrity of the implant. Dentures may also impair an individual’s ability to speak, unlike implants. Bridges require dentists to alter nearby teeth, unlike implants.
Implants prove extremely durable. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. The success rate of implants has risen to 98 percent, making them a viable option for almost all patients, provided the patient has healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. The procedure causes only mild discomfort and requires only the use of local anesthetic. Most patients manage pain afterward with over-the-counter medications.
Each implant demands the formation of a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan. During the first stage of the process, the dentist implants a small titanium post in the bone beneath the missing tooth. Over time, the jaw heals around the post and fuses with the metal. This process takes between 8 and 12 weeks. After successful oseointegration, the dentist creates an imprint of the patient’s teeth to create a replacement that perfectly matches the patient’s bite. The replacement tooth attaches directly to the implant and functions like a natural tooth.
About the Author
A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Ben Spivey furthered his education at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. An leader in the field on dental implants, he attended the 2008 Camlog Implant International Congress, held in Basel, Switzerland. Dr. Ben Spivey has also completed training in cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry.
