Dental Implant Basics | Resources and links to information on dental implants

- Consult with another specialist and discuss the treatment plan given by the previous specialist.

- Research for the specialist’s previous patients and the other specialists he works with. Call them and ask about how the specialist does his work.

- Determine whether this specialist is considered an “expert” in his field, and whether he is into a continuing education program to improve his practice.

- Look for a specialist who is confident, cautious and thorough in his work.

- Research the specialist’s background – whether he has a pending case regarding his dental practice.

- Ask straight away how many of these procedures this specialist has successfully done.

- Ask about the possibility of dental implant failure and what your alternatives are.

(source)

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To avoid problems with dental implants, a problem report prepared by Dr. Davidoff can be filled out by patients to assess whether they are in good hands. Here are things you should consider:

- Look for other people who have dental implants, ask them who did the operation and who made the implant, and how their implants are now.

- Look for qualified dentists/ADA specialist, and discuss your options. Make sure you are dealing only with certified specialists.

- Before going ahead with the treatment, ask for a written treatment plan, with all the important details, including all the fees, making sure there are no hidden charges.

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The standard diameters of dental implants range from 4 mm to 6 mm. The diameter ensures the implant’s strength. Recent developments have changed these standards. Mini-implants or small-diameter implants (SDIs) have diameters up to 1.8 mm. Mini-implants were originally meant for temporary support while the larger diameter implants are integrating into the bone, after which the mini-implants will be removed. However, dental practitioners found that the mini-implants could no longer be removed as they have already integrated into the bone during the interim service period.

Some of the advantages of SDIs are: fewer complications, no cutting or sutures, minimal swelling and postoperative pain, and in most cases, the entire procedure is completed in just one visit.

For more information on mini-implants / SDIs, check out the dental practitioners and specialists’ discussion on OsseoNews.com

Also visit the Academy of Mini Dental Implants

Other links:
dentaleconomics.com

Journal of the American Dental Association

British Dental Journal

(Image source)

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Once you have decided to undergo a dental implant treatment and your dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you will discuss the details with a team of specialists. Your dental history will be taken into account, an X-ray and complete oral examination will be done.

The surgical placement of implant into the bone is done with a local anesthetic. The gum and bones are allowed to heal for around four months for the implants to fuse into the bone, known as “osseointegration”. The next surgical procedure is the exposure of the top of the implant where a post or abutment is attached. The last procedure is the attachment of the artificial crown to the post. This may require several visits before it is completed.

(image source: www.dentalimplant.com )

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Statistics show that 69% of adults between 35 to 44 years have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, tooth decay or a failed root canal. By age 74, 26% of adults have lost all their permanent teeth.

(from www.aaoms.org )

Decades ago, patients who suffered from tooth loss only have dentures or fixed bridges as their alternative to restore their smile. However, removable dentures become uncomfortable when it produces clicking sounds while eating or speaking. It may also cause bone loss in the area where the tooth is missing. On the other hand, fixed bridges may damage adjacent teeth to which the bridge is attached, and gum disease may cause bridges to fail. Removable dentures and fixed bridges usually need occasional replacement to avoid gum diseases and other oral problems.

Now, a more permanent and healthy solution is placing dental implants in areas where permanent teeth used to reside. A titanium metal is implanted into the jaw bone where gums and bone grow into it, making it an integral part of the jaw, a process called “osseointegration”. It works like a real permanent tooth, avoiding the problems stated earlier. Patients that take good care of their implants and overall oral health can expect their new permanent teeth to last them a lifetime.

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A dental implant is composed of three parts: the titanium implant, the abutment or post, and the crown. The titanium implant is twisted into the jaw bone like a screw. A natural process called “osseointegration” takes place in a few months, where the jaw bone grows into the implant. The abutment is attached to the implant as a base for the crown. A prosthodontist makes and fits these materials for the patient. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon places the implant into the patient’s jaw. Implants may replace one or more teeth (image a), or the entire set, instead of using removable dentures. Several implants will be placed to firmly fix the artificial set of teeth (image b).

Image source: www.aaoms.org

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Failure of a dental implant, generally means the osseointegration process didn’t successfully go through. Osseointegration is the growth of bone to fill in the gap in between the cavity and dental implant to provide a stable yet firm foundation, Movement loosens the implant thus leading to failure. It can be remedied with another implant or a shift to a bridge might be in order. The dentist can also choose to use an implant with a thicker diameter which would only be possible if the bone structure allows it.
The two teeth at the sides are prepared via root canal, then filed down to provide an anchor for the bride that would cover the gap. This is however not a favored approach for today, teeth are preserved as much as they could and this too can fail or break easily in the right conditions.

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Image Source: dentalwebservices.com

Dental implants are natural-looking replacements for missing teeth that also gives the same function as the natural tooth root. These were also used to anchor other kinds of teeth restorations for patient satisfaction. A dental implant is a small but strong titanium post that serves as the root structure for a natural tooth. This is usually placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. After the bone has grown around an implant, it ( the implant) can now hold a bridge, crown or over-denture in the same way roots hold natural teeth in place. Titanium is very durable and has good tensile strength that is why implants can last a lifetime. They have the same needs as natural teeth such as brushing, flossing and periodic check ups.

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Image Source:www.phs-dental.org

In October 2008, the American Dental Association (ADA) will launch the ADA Vendor Showcase, where members and subscribers will receive special dental product offers, discounts and other services via email. A lot of the offerings are available only to ADA Vendor Showcase participants. This is a great opportunity for individuals and groups in the dental industry to get the latest information on products and services fro the exhibitors and companies participating in the event. With each email, a survey is attached that is linked to a manufacturer to gather input from participants, and in the long run help these companies improve their products and services. Thos who answer the survey have the opportunity to win freebies.

Participants will receive email messages thrice in a month for the entire year. The ADA’s privacy policy assures the participants that their contact information will be kept confidential and will not be passed on to a third party.

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by Chubs

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