Dr. Jonathan Yahav Speaks on Implant Dentistry

Oct. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Every year dentists all over the United States are placing millions of implants. The development of implant dentistry over the last 40 years has proved to be crucial for the recreation of a missing tooth or group of teeth.  Implants are also helpful in the supporting of crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures. Patients are choosing to use implants to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or to support a full set of dentures.

A dental implant in and of itself is a “root” device used to support a given restoration. The purpose of the “root” implant is to resemble an actual tooth root. In order to recreate the root, a titanium post is placed within the initial pilot hole which has been drilled into the bone of the jaw. This post will not integrate with the jaw bone since it is composed of titanium (a strong, lightweight metal material) and several other materials that are able to be received by the surrounding bone. Once the post is integrated with the jaw bone, Osseointegration is able to take place. Osseointegration is the fusion of the implant surface “root” with the actual jaw bone. This fusion will now offer a support system strong enough to support dentures, bridges or a single tooth. This is a very important benefit for ensuring that the implant being received will fit securely and naturally into ones mouth.

Single Tooth - Single tooth implants require the replacement of the missing tooth’s roots as well as the placement of the new man-made tooth.

Implant-supported Bridge - Dental implants are used to support a bridge where several teeth may be missing. An implant-supported bridge will not require support from surrounding teeth.

Implant- supported Denture- If all the teeth are missing and implant-supported denture is used to replace them all as well as some of the missing roots where the teeth once were.

The Dental Implant Placement Process

   •   The process begins with the placement of the implant. This is the step in which the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. In order to do this the dentist must first drill a pilot hole in order to guide the titanium screw. Once the hole has been drilled it will then be widened in order to allow room for the placement of the new “root”. Once in place, gum tissue surrounding the implant will cover it along with a protective cover screw in order to give the site the ability to heal. During this process it is crucial that osseointegration takes place and that there is a functional connection between the living bone within ones jaw and the titanium screw being placed. After the surgery there may be swelling and/or tenderness, so pain medication is usually prescribed.
   •    The second step of the process is healing. It is crucial that the implant is given time to fuse with the bone that surrounds it. This fusion is what makes an implant so strong and long lasting. This process can take up to several months depending on the patient.
   •   The third and final step of the process is the placement of the prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth). The dentist will customizes a dental crown to replace the tooth. The dental crown is designed to correspond to the patient’s specific needs depending on size, shape, color and fit in order to blend naturally with surrounding teeth. The dental crown can take some time to create so it is common to be given a temporary crown, bridge or denture. Once the prosthesis is ready it is than attached securely and permanently to the implant post.
With careful treatment planning and good oral care, dental implants can provide a healthy, stable smile for a lifetime!
References:
DiMatteo, Allison. “Dental Implants: Consultation,Procedure, Recovery and Aftercare”. Consumer Guide         to Dentistry. 27 May 2006. Web.  6 Sept. 2011. http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/implants/.
American Dental Association. Dental Implants. Chicago: FSC, 2011. Print.