The Science Behind Dental Implants

Those looking for dental implants should call our dental office for a consultation. We use dental implants as the best way to replace a missing tooth, or teeth. The idea behind a dental implant has been around for many years, by some historical estimates it has been around for centuries. Today, however, we have crossed into the realm of what may have been considered science fiction a few short years ago. When you have dental implants installed today, you are getting a device that will not only support a crown to look like your original tooth but will also feel and act like it is a natural part of your mouth. The bone and tissue will accept the implant like it was organic tissue, and all of this is due to bio-integration. The process starts by using a titanium base for the implant. Since titanium is the only metal we know that can undergo osseointegration, it can meld with the natural tissue.

With integration of dental implants being one of the key goals, we have focused very heavily on finding ways to smooth out this process. The use of a metal that is strong, light, resistant to corrosion, and is capable of osseointegration was just the first step. Implants today have a custom surface that is designed to increase its effectiveness, and also to speed up the bio-integration process. Some implants are etched with acid, others are blasted by grit while still others are coated with hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is found in bone and teeth and is known to promote osseointegration so that when the implant is inserted into the bone, your body believes that the hydroxyapatite-coated devices are actually a part of the bone. In addition to creating dental implants that are designed for bio-integration, we have to make sure to use the type of implant that your jawbone can support. This is heavily dependent on the condition of the bone, how much weight it can bear, and if it can support an implant.

Root-Form Dental Implants

Also known as endosteal implants, root form implants are the most commonly used form dental implants. They consist of a small cone-shaped implant which is directly inserted into the jaw bone underneath the gum tissue. An abutment is left exposed, to which a fake tooth is then attached. Typically these devices are a tiny titanium screw or nail, which makes it easier to insert them into the bone. It is critical to the success of these dental implants that the bone have the ability to provide security and stability, and hence, we look for a jaw bone that is strong and has sufficient density to support an implant.

Remus Frame Dental Implant

If however, the patient's jawbone cannot support a root form implant, we have the option of using a Remus Frame implant. This device is anchored a short distance away from the site of the fake tooth, usually in the back corner of the mouth by the wisdom teeth. A thin metal strip  is left exposed for the purpose of attaching a bridge or denture.

We can discuss the various option for dental implants after examining your teeth so schedule an appointment today.