Dental implants, commonly thought of as false teeth though this is not exactly true, have revolutionized dentistry.
Here are the basics about the devices.
Dental implants are actually artificial roots that hold individual teeth or groupings of them into place.
They resemble actual roots as opposed to older models that were more blade like or actual screws.
Unlike old-fashioned dental bridges, which set on top of the region and were attached by cement, these modern day implants are anchored permanently into the jawbone.
Artificial teeth have been around for eons.
In fact, archeologists have discovered ancient skeletons from 1,500 years ago that used shells in place of missing teeth.
The current devices on today's market are based on a discovery by a Swedish surgeon who discovered that titanium, which is used as the anchoring agent in today's models, would permanently bond to human bone.
Dental implants are formed from nearly pure titanium with trace amounts of other materials such as aluminum, carbon and iron.
They resemble a root or screw minus the screwing ridges.
Instead the surface is rough to allow for proper adherence.
General dentists are the practitioners who place these tooth root substitutes in patients' mouths, but they must have completed additional training in order to be certified to do so.
This certification is required by the governing body overseeing dentists which is called the General Dental Council.
Prior to surgery, the patient will undergo various tests and scans in order for the practitioner to set up the proper diagram for insertion.
The layout of the current teeth, the bite and the nerve pathways are all noted in these planning stages.
During the surgery, the recipient will be sedated with anesthetic in order to be comfortable during the procedure.
The process is done in stages.
The first stage will place the titanium root and then there will be a healing process.
The healing process can take approximately 3-6 months and is necessary in order for the results to settle in enough to begin the next stage.
After the healing, the restoration will be placed.
If there isn't enough healthy bone to attach these devices to, a bone graft may be necessary in order to have a successful outcome.
Time frames will vary depending on the individual needs of each patient.
Although the majority of implanting procedures are successful, there are still risks involved.
The success rate has been up to 95% for most patients and will depend on their oral health, the jaw bone strength and the dentist's expertise.
Some of the complications that may occur include infection and poor placement.
Increased risks of problems are a result of smoking, poor hygiene and diabetes.
Some people that have a problem with grinding their teeth may run into problems with this implanting technique, as well.
Dentistry has come a long way over the years.
It wasn't that long ago that patients simply pulled out each tooth that gave them grief.
Many people alive today still have memories of older relatives who routinely kept their dentures in jar by their bedside each night.
With the technology of dental implants, many have the opportunity to keep on smiling throughout their lives.