IMPLANTOLOGY: Dental Implants

Dental implantology is a branch of modern dentistry, which discusses the replacement of missing teeth with artificial prostheses fixed to the jaws. During the last two decades, Indications for dental implants progressively changed from that of completely lacking teeth cases to partially edentulous ones, now presented in many dental offices. According to most patients having dental implants, despite the expensiveness of the treatment, it is worth the price.

Indications for implant treatment

Replacement of missing teeth and their supporting tissues with artificial teeth has always been an aspiration of humankind and a desperate challenge both for patients and dentists. In addition to functional problems, tooth loss can lead to some mental problems due to low self-assurance and flagging social activities, hence considerably affecting the quality of one’s life. New sophisticated treatment methods like implantology have enabled dentists to conduct treatments that were once considered not acquirable. A dental implant is the treatment of choice for the replacement of missing teeth with artificial prostheses fixed to the jawbone. Whereas implant treatment could often be an expedient substitute to conventional treatments, in certain cases, it is the first treatment of choice for the restoration of severe anatomical and functional problems, mainly in severe atrophic mandibles. During the last two decades, indications for dental implants have been progressively changing from that of completely lacking teeth cases to partially edentulous ones, which were concurrent with rapid technological advances in implant designs and materials.

Advantages of implants

Implants provide a number of advantages over other similar treatments. In addition to looking and functioning like normal teeth, dental implants replace a tooth without harming the neighboring teeth. A conventional bridge, the other common treatment for the loss of a tooth, requires that the neighboring teeth tp be cut to support the cemented bridge. A dental implant also preserves the bone. With a conventional bridge, the bone around the tooth begins to undergo resorption. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone, helping to keep it intact.

Moreover, an implant is more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a conventional bridge. Gums can regress around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unappealing smile. In addition, the cement fixing the bridge can wash out, allowing tooth decay. Therefore, in brief, the advantages of implants include:

·        Restore dental aesthetics

·        Restore lost dental function

·        Maintenance of space

·        Occlusal stability

·        Convenience

·        Bone preservation and prevention of disuse atrophy after tooth loss

The stages of implantology

This treatment consists of following stages:

·        Patient evaluation

·        Treatment planning

·        Placement of the implants

·        Integration phase

·        The restorative treatment

·        The maintenance phase   

First, the implant is embedded in the jaw. Over the next 8 to 24 weeks, the implant and the bone are fused together to form an anchor for the replacing tooth. During this period, a temporary tooth replacement option can be placed over the implant site. Frequently, a second step of the procedure is needed to expose the implant and attach a metal post called abutment that completes the base on which the new tooth will be placed. Gum will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks. Some implant systems (one-stage) use an implant, which already has the extension part attached. Finally, a crown will be made and attached to the abutment. After a short time, the patient will experience restored confidence and ability to masticate and speak.

Classification of Implants

Today, there are a multitude of materials, implants, and techniques available. Modern implants consist of an osseous part, which bonds to the bone, a transmucosal piece that interacts with the mucosa, and the restoration. The last part can be a crown or a bridge abutment, or anchors for dentures. The majority of designs are cylindrical, or root form in geometry and almost entirely endosseous. A great majority of modern root form dental implants are “threaded”. These implants are subdivided into several different types characterized by their materials, function, shape, and surfaces including:

·        Cylindrical or root form implants

·        Pin implants

·        Disc implants

·        Pterygoid implants

·        Blade-shape implants and the ramus frame

·        Trans-osteal implants

Summary

Recent studies have shown implant treatment to be highly dependable in properly selected patients. Under appropriate conditions, such as placement by a skillful dentist and attentive patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.