subject: Dental Implants...what Are They And What They For? [print this page] Dental implants are a tooth replacement system usually consisting of a titanium. They are implanted by a dentist or surgeon to support the new tooth, or teeth. Although they are not natural they work like normal teeth. They just feel a bit different when you use them for chewing your food, or when you brush them.
So lets talk about the history behind it. Yes, something that wed usually assume to be new science actually dates back to about 600 AD. Implants have been found in Maya burial sites dating back that far. The implant was found to be that of a woman in their twenties in the sockets of missing incisors.
Experiments were conducted on bunnies by Cambridge University in the 1950's that propelled the technology even further. It was found that titanium could bind itself to the natural teeth, thus allowing a more permanent repair. I don't prefer cruel animal testing but I appreciate their sacrifice for this worthy find.
The first human to volunteer to recieve this new type of implant happened in 1965 by a Dentist by the name of Per-Ingvar Brnemark, who went on to publish and document studies on how he achieved this. He continued his work until 1978 independently, then became a partner with a Swedish company. Together they went on, eventually marketing the product.
Ti-6Al-4V can be used as a substitution for titanium, but usually non commercial; pure titanium is used. It is polished and turned into a screw.
The procedure is broken down into three to seven steps in most cases. This is done by choosing a small drill and then progressing to a larger one until the desired hole has been achieved. Usually a drill with a regulated speed is used, although somethimes it is done by hand with an osteomones. The practitioner must use special care to not damage any of the bones further, and the success rates are good. Seventy five percent of procedure are successfull.
Before you go ahead with this procedure you need to meet with your dentist to determine if you have solid enough bone, and it is strong and 'present' enough to drill in. In the event that you do not meet the criteria there are bone grafting options available as well. The down side to this of course, is additional surgery and recouperation. If you have a real need for a new tooth, this may be a small price to pay.
So now you have the facts, and the decision is then left to you and your dentist. Do you need dental work done? If so, are dental implants right for you?
