TITANIUM  IMPLANTS

Dental implants, offer permanent relief for many people suffering from tooth loss. Dental implants consist of the positioning of a titanium implant in the interior of the maxillary bone or the jaw bone, by means of surgery.  On the titanium base, a crown is then placed.  This alternative solution solves the loss of one or more teeth and offers the best option against other temporary or less stable prosthesis, removable or fixed.  Tooth loss can be caused by infections, accidents or negligence and although it may seem to be only a matter of appearance, eating and speaking may be compromised.Low self esteem and other psychological problems may also manifest making dental implants a permanent solution for tooth loss.

HISTORICAL REVIEW OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

In 1962, Swedish Professor Branemark’s experiments with bone marrow and a camera made of titanium used in his research, resulted in the discovery that titanium has the adaptability to adhere to bone, called bio-compatibility.Later, several experiments were developed that culminated in the design of titanium implants in a screw like form.  These experiments were performed for ten years before implantation in humans.  For more than fifty years dental implants have been successfully used to eliminate uncomfortable partials and dentures.As of date, many companies are dedicated to the production of this instrument. 

PROCEDURE

With the latest dental implants, the patient can see the new tooth replacement almost immediately in normal conditions and with little or no pain.  Most patients are candidates for immediate load implant technology, allowing implant and tooth replacement on the same day.  The results are so precise that in the end, you are not able to see the slightest difference between the natural teeth and those implanted.  Each case is different therefore, the process can be longer for some people than others. Ten years ago, if the patient did not have sufficient bone in the area where the implant was needed, dental implants were not possible.  Today with de-mineralized bone grafts, human or bovine, implants are possible with the reconstruction of grafting.  The time process of integrating the new bone varies with each patient.  Usually this process does not exceed three months in the inferior arch and six months in the superior arch.  Then the permanent crowns or prosthesis is made to each individuals shape and color.

ADVANTAGES TO DENTAL IMPLANTS

Several options exist to replace a tooth, but dental implants are considered to be the best achievement of science in this sense.  Dental implants can last a life time with proper maintenance care.  More importantly eating, speaking and self esteem make a patients life normal again.

CONTRAINDICATIONS