Dental Implants

Main Thing

Dental implants are essentially substitutes for tooth roots. They are small posts, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone. These implants serve as the foundation for replacement teeth, restoring a person's ability to chew and their appearance.

The process of getting a dental implant involves several steps. First, the implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Then, a connector, known as an abutment, is placed on or built into the top of the dental implant. This abutment connects the implant to the replacement tooth. Finally, a crown, which is a custom-made replacement tooth, is attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant.

For example, consider a person who has lost a tooth due to an accident. They would go through this process to get a dental implant, which would restore the function and appearance of their missing tooth.

Terms

• Dental Implant - A small post, usually made of titanium, that serves as a substitute for the root of a tooth. Example: A dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth root.

• Abutment - A connector that is placed on, or built into, the top of the dental implant, connecting it to the replacement tooth. Example: The abutment connects the dental implant to the crown.

• Crown - A custom-made replacement tooth that is attached to the abutment. Example: The crown is the visible part of the dental implant that resembles a natural tooth.

An Analogy

Think of dental implants like a tree. The implant itself is like the root of the tree, firmly anchored in the ground (or in this case, the jawbone). The abutment is like the trunk of the tree, connecting the root to the branches. The crown is like the leaves and branches of the tree, visible above ground and serving a functional role.

A Main Misconception

A common misconception about dental implants is that they are only for older adults. However, dental implants can be a solution for anyone missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay, regardless of their age.

For instance, a young adult who lost a tooth due to a sports injury can also benefit from a dental implant.

The History

Dental implants have a long history, with evidence of their use dating back to ancient civilizations. Modern dental implants, made of titanium, were first introduced in the 1950s by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Since then, dental implants have evolved and improved, becoming a common and reliable solution for missing teeth.As Brånemark once said, "No patient should die with their teeth sitting in a glass of water."

Three Cases How to Use It Right Now

1. Case of Tooth Loss Due to Decay: John, a 45-year-old man, has lost a tooth due to severe decay. He opts for a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: improved oral health, restored ability to chew, and enhanced appearance.

2. Case of Tooth Loss Due to Injury: Sarah, a 30-year-old woman, loses a tooth in a biking accident. She chooses a dental implant as a long-term solution. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: prevention of bone loss in the jaw, restoration of her smile, and avoidance of issues with speech.

3. Case of Multiple Tooth Loss: Robert, a 60-year-old man, has lost several teeth over the years due to various reasons. He decides to get dental implants for a more permanent and comfortable solution than dentures. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: improved comfort, ease of eating, and better self-esteem.

Interesting Facts

1. Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%.

2. They are the only dental restoration option that preserves and stimulates natural bone, helping to stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss.

3. Dental implants are made of titanium, a material that is strong, light, and biocompatible, which means it is not rejected by the body.

4. The concept of dental implants goes back over 2000 years to the ancient Mayans who used pieces of shell as implants.

5. Modern dental implants have been used successfully for over 50 years.