Dental Implant is a "Root" device, usually made of titanium used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth.

Virtually all dental implants placed today are root-form endosseous implants, i.e. they appear similar to an actual tooth root and thus possess a "Root-Form" and are placed within the bone (endo - being the Greek prefix for "in" and osseous referring to "bone").

The bone of the jaw accepts and osseointegrates with the titanium post. Osseointegration refers to the fusion of the implant surface with the surrounding bone. Dental Implants will fuse with bone; however, they lack the periodontal ligament so they will feel slightly different from natural teeth during chewing.

TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

• Endosteal (In the Bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.

• Subperiosteal (On the Bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework's posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.

HEALING TIME

The amount of time required for an implant to become “Osseointegrated” is a hotly debated topic. Consequently the amount of time that practitioners allow the implant to heal before placing a restoration on it varies widely. In general, practitioners allow 2-6 months for healing but preliminary studies show that early loading of implant may not increase early or long term complications. 

Minimally invasive methods of early “Dental Implant” placement reduce the cost of installed implants and shorten the implant-prosthetic rehabilitation time to within 4-6 months. If the implant is loaded too soon, it is possible that the implant may move which results in failure.

For conventional implants, the subsequent time to heal, possibly graft and eventually place a new implant may take up to eighteen months. For this reason many are reluctant to push the envelope for healing.

ONE-STAGE, TWO-STAGE SURGERY

When an implant is placed either a “Healing Abutment”, which comes through the mucosa is placed or a cover screw which is flush with the surface of the Dental Implant is placed. When a cover screw is placed, the mucosa covers the implant while it integrates then a second surgery is completed to place the healing abutment.

Two-Stage Surgery is sometimes chosen when a concurrent bone graft is placed or surgery on the mucosa may be required for aesthetic reasons. The latter is usually important where an implant is placed in the "Aesthetic Zone". This allows more control over the healing and as a result the predictability of the final result. Some implants are one piece so that no healing abutment is required.

In carefully selected cases, patients can be implanted and restored in a single surgery, in a procedure labeled "Immediate Loading".

In such cases a provisional prosthetic tooth or crown is shaped to avoid the force of the bite transferring to the implant while it integrates with the bone.

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE LIKE?

This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

• Replacing a Single Tooth:

If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it and dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root. Your dental professional will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.

• Replacing Several Teeth:

If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them, dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots. Your dental professional will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.

• Replacing All of Your Teeth:

If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them, dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots. Your dental professional will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.

• Sinus Augmentation:

A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. Undergoing sinus lift surgery has been shown to greatly increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come. Many patients experience minimal discomfort during this procedure.

• Ridge Modification:

Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come so the Ridge modification can enhance your restorative success both esthetically and functionally.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

The ideal candidate for a "Dental Implant" is in good general and oral health. An adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

“Dental Implants” are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your “Dental Implant” team.

Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true.