A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium which looks like a screw or post and is both strong and light.
Have you been considering the dental implant procedure or do you still have some questions in your mind regarding the treatment? We will provide you with a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions about dental implants!
Dental implants were invented in Sweden around 40 years ago and are considered the standard care for replacement of missing teeth.
An implant is a surgical fixture that is placed onto the bone of the jaw and can fuse with the bone over time. Implants act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth and it also acts as a replacement for a single tooth or bridge.
Having an implant fused to the bone is the closest thing mimicking a natural tooth because it stands on its own without affecting the surrounding teeth, the fusion between the implant and the bone is called osseointegration and is extremely stable.
Most implants are made of titanium which allows them to integrate with the bone, without being recognized as a foreign body.
Over time, technology and science have progressed to greatly improve the outcomes of dental implant placement. According to The American Academy Of Implant Dentistry, the success rate of dental implants has been reported in scientific literature as 98%.
The major goal of replacing a patient's set of teeth is to restore the function and aesthetics of the individual. In general, there are 3 options for teeth replacement:
- Removable overdenture
- Fixed dental bridge
- Single dental implant
Each option depends on various factors. Some of which are:
- Location of missing tooth/teeth
- Quantity & quality of the jaw bone
- When the dental implant is to be placed
- The health of the patient
- Patient preference
There are so many advantages to choosing a dental implant for tooth replacement. One of the main reasons being that missing teeth can be replaced without affecting or altering the adjacent teeth. In addition, dental implants integrate into the bone structure, are very stable and have the look and feel of natural teeth.