subject: Measuring Dental Implant Stability [print this page] Dental implants are often necessary to replace missing teeth that have been lost due to infection, decay or injury. Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, as safe and effective placement requires healthy bone that has the proper height and thickness to support the implant. Those who are good candidates for dental implants must undergo surgery for the implant to be placed in the jaw, and then usually must wait for the area to heal and become stable enough to place the crown. Determining dental implant stability is extremely critical to deciding the proper time place the crown. Below, learn how dental implants work and the tools used to measure dental implant stability.
How Dental Implants Work:
Dental implants are devices placed into the jawbone to support crowns, bridges and dentures, and are used to replace missing teeth. Many people choose to get dental implants to improve their appearance, speech or nutrition, among many other reasons. The most common type of dental implant is a root-form implant made of titanium, which looks like a small screw and is placed directly into the jawbone. The bone eventually bonds with the implant, accepting the titanium as a part of the body. This process is called osseointegration. Before a crown is placed onto the implant, the implant must first be stable enough and the area healed.
Measuring Implant Stability:
Although dental implant designs and technology are constantly evolving, dental implant stability can still be difficult to determine. Certain dental stability instruments, such as the Ostell ISQ instrument, work to measure dental stability accurately using resonance frequency analysis. The ISQ (implant stability quotient) is the value used to measure implant stability. The higher the ISQ, the more stable the implant. Ostell instruments are used with a wireless SmartPeg that attaches to the implant and reports the ISQ value through magnetic stimulation. The results are quick and efficient, allowing for the final crown to be placed in as early as three weeks.
What to Expect:
When having a dental implant placed, understand that the process often requires several visits in order to evaluate your dental structure and history, receive the implant and place the crown. Dental X-rays and 3D imaging are usually used to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Surgery can be a two-step process, and patients who are nervous about dental surgery can ask about IV sedation, which can help you relax during the procedure for more effective results. Once your implants are placed, you'll have a new smile that looks and feels natural.
