What is a dental Implant?

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacement that are used to counter tooth loss. The process is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry  though it also falls into the category of cosmetic dentistry as well.

Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

Parts of Dental Implant

A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; the crown, that is fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance.

Many people who are missing a single tooth opt for a fixed bridge; but a bridge may require the cutting down of healthy adjacent teeth (as shown in the illustration below).

Further,  conventional dentures may contribute to the loss of bone in the area where teeth are missing. As illustration  (a) indicates, the presence of natural teeth preserves the jawbone. When a tooth is missing, as in illustration (b), the bone may erode and weaken until it may be necessary to graft bone to the area to strengthen for placement of dental implant. When a missing tooth is replaced by a dental implant, the fusion , or osseointegration, of the implant and bone provides stability, just as the natural tooth did.

Bone is maintained by the presence of natural teeth or implants (a). Bone loss occurs with the loss of teeth (b).

With overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.

Dental Implants vs. Conventional Dentures

Implants can be used to replace one missing tooth so that the replacement looks and feels natural (a). Also, two or more implants can serve as a stable support for the replacement of many teeth (b).

Many patients who have selected dental implants describe a quality of life that is much more comfortable and secure than the lifestyle endured by those with fixed bridges or removable denture. Dentures often make a person feel and look older than they are, cause embarrassment in social situation when they slip and click, and restrict the everyday pleasure of eating comfortably.

When they count benefits they enjoy as a result of their dental implants, patients say their implants eliminate the day-to-day frustration and discomfort of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restriction many denture wearers face. With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover the excitement of an active lifestyle shared with family and friends and the chance to speak clearly and comfortably with co-workers. For all these reasons, people with dental implants often say they feel better...they look better...they live better...

 What is mini Implant?

Mini implants are the implants smaller in diameter. They have diameter smaller than 3 mm. With the development of mini implants more people than ever before are finding themselves candidates for implants.

Are You Candidate for Dental Implants?

Whether you are a young, middle-aged or older adult; whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for you. With the exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages, even those with the following health concerns:

Existing Medical Conditions. If you can have routine dental treatment, you can generally have an implant placed. While precaution are advisable for certain conditions, patients with such chronic diseases as high blood pressure and diabetes are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment.

Gum Disease or Problem Teeth. Almost all implants placed in patients who have lost their teeth periodontal disease or decay have been successful.

Currently Wearing Partials or Dentures. Implants can replace removable bridges or dentures, or they can be used to stabilize and secure the denture, making it much more comfortable.

Smokers. Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of getting them.