Dental implants have become the new standard of care in replacing missing teeth. In the past we would replace a missing tooth or teeth with a removable denture or a bridge (also known as a fixed denture). In order to make a bridge, a dentist must grind down the adjacent teeth on either side of the missing teeth so that bridge can be placed. Many patients realize that grinding down a tooth for the sake of replacing one is not considered healthy dentistry and we would get this question often; "Why do we have to touch the teeth adjacent to my missing tooth?" While bridges are still an option, the majority of patients prefer dental implants. The beauty of dental implant is the ability to replace a missing tooth without affecting otherwise healthy teeth.
Dental implants are made of titanium metal, the same material used in other prosthetic replacements such as hip or knee replacements. The lower part part of a dental implant is called the fixture. The fixture is surgically embedded in the jaw bone. After about 4 months of healing, the second part, or the abutment, is installed. The abutment part of the implant sticks out of the gums and is attached to the fixture by a screw. Soon thereafter, a crown can be made and fitted onto the abutment.
Not all missing teeth qualify for a dental implant. If a tooth has been lost for a long time, the bone in the area tends to shrink and sometimes necessitate a bone grafting procedure. A bone graft is also done to preserve a extraction area for future implant placement, again to prevent shrinking of bone. The dentist needs to do proper treatment planning including taking history, x-rays and study models.
Does it hurt? That is a common concern for patients considering dental implants. In most instances, putting a tooth in (dental implant) is less traumatic than taking a tooth out and therefore is less painful. It is done under local anesthesia and anxious patients may be further sedated further if preferred.
The success rate of implants is very high: 90-95%. Post operative care and general health of an individual including current medical conditions affects the percentage.