What are dental implants?
It only takes one single unfortunate event for a tooth or multiple teeth to become irreparably cracked, damaged or lost. In fact, teeth can need replacing due to a whole host of factors: tooth decay, dental caries, a failed root canal treatment, certain medications (morphine, for example), periodontal disease and chronic illnesses such as Diabetes. Even your genetic heritage says volumes about your susceptibility to oral infection and oral diseases that can ultimately end in you losing one or more teeth. Dental implants offer a comprehensive and long-term teeth replacement solution to people of all ages and various states of oral health; even those that maintain meticulous oral hygiene may find themselves in need of replacing teeth! So, what exactly are these ingenious dental devices and how do they work?
Dental Implants: A Definition
Dental implants are essentially free-standing artificial ‘tooth roots’ made from the exceptionally strong, lightweight, non-corrosive and biologically inert metal titanium. The choice of titanium as the metal for which modern day dental implants are made from is an interesting one and originates from innovative work done in the 1950’s by Swedish professor, Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Together with his clinical research team, Professor Brånemark found that titanium displayed the unique property of being able to form a strong biological bond with bone tissue, a process termed ‘osseointegration’. In addition to this, titanium is incredibly strong, does not corrode and does not invoke a significant inflammatory response from our bodies, making it a perfect candidate to assume the role of an artificial tooth root.
The Procedure behind the Placement of Dental Implants
The procedure involved in inserting dental implants is fairly simple. The gum tissue or residual tooth socket is cleared of the old failing, unstable or broken down tooth root, if it still remains. Then, the titanium dental implant is inserted by one of our MALO Dental Implants surgeons into a surgically prepared socket in the jawbone at the site(s) of the missing teeth. Here, over the next few months, it will “fuse” or biologically bond with the underlying bone tissue. On many occasions however, while the ‘osseointegration process’ is occurring, a provisional crown or bridge can be immediately fitted onto the dental implant(s)so that you can go about your life without being self-conscious about your smile! Once osseointegration has successfully taken place, our Prosthodontist or your own dentist will affix the permanent (non-removable) tooth crown or a final bridge onto the dental implant or implants. This component is crafted from extremely durable ceramics and resin materials so that it is able to function like a natural healthy tooth or teeth while eating, speaking and smiling! Furthermore, this artificial crown is carefully fabricated to be virtually indistinguishable in shape, color and specific function from the tooth it is replacing, whether it be a molar, premolar, canine or incisor. The placement of dental implants not only leaves you with a fully restored and functional bite, but stunning oral aesthetics that will make you smile as well!
Dental Implants: Lasting a Lifetime
The incredible technology and expertise that goes into the fabrication of our dental restorations utilizing dental implants and advanced techniques enables the team at the MALO Dental Implants to provide patients with replacement teeth that can last decades and even a lifetime if looked after properly. Armed with all the confidence that goes with having a beautiful and healthy smile, dental implants allows you, our patient, to return to your life as if you never even lost a tooth or multiple teeth in the first place! Once again, eating and laughing with confidence.
