For individuals who wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be an effective long-term solution. Implants provide greater structural support and have shown great durability. Implants serve as the artificial root to which new teeth are bonded. They are typically constructed of titanium, a strong and safe material that effectively attaches to bone. The procedure to insert dental implants typically involves three steps: the implant insertion stage, osseointegration (the period of healing for the jawbone), and the attachment of restoration or new tooth.

Types of Implants
The most popular form of implant is the Root Implant. This type of implant is very effective and mirrors the size and shape of a patient’s natural tooth. Many times, this implant will be as strong structurally as the original tooth’s root. Once the dentist applies the local anesthesia, he or she makes an incision in the gum in order to gain access to the jawbone. The bone is then prepared and the implant inserted into the jawbone with care and precision. Finally, the dentist stitches the gum and prescribes the appropriate medication. During the osseointegration step which lasts anywhere from three to eight months, the jawbone firmly attaches itself to the implant. Once the osseointegration is completed, the patient returns to the dental office where the implant is fitted with the new tooth.

Another form of implant is the Plate Form Implant. This implant is ideal in situations where the jawbone is not wide enough to properly support a Root Implant. The Plate form implant is long and thin, unlike the Root Implant, and anchors into thin jawbones. Once the dentist applies the local anesthesia, he or she makes an incision in the gumline in order to gain access to the jawbone. The bone is then prepared and the implant is inserted into the jawbone with care and precision. The dentist then sutures the gums and prescribes the appropriate medication. In certain cases, Plate Implants are immediately fitted with the restoration without waiting for the osseointegration period.

The last type of implant is the Subperiosteal Implant. These implants are utilized when the jawbone has receded to the point where it no longer supports a permanent implant. These implants are placed on top of the bone and imbedded in the gums, but not in the jawbone as with other types of implants. The dentist applies a local anesthesia and makes a mold of the mouth and jawbone. From this impression, a dental lab constructs implants to custom fit the patient’s jaw. On the second visit to the dentist, the dentist exposes the jawbone and inserts the implant on top of it. Over the next month the gums grow up and around the implant. This same type of implant can sometimes be performed in a single procedure with the use of an initial CAT scan of the gumline and jawbone.

Health Concerns
As with any surgery, complications are rare, but can include infection, slight damage to nerves, and mild discomfort. Although very unlikely, infection of the gums or jawbone is a possibility and is treated through medication and/or antibiotics. Surgery to the upper or lower jawbone can result in mild nerve damage. Nerve damage typically subsides in several weeks, but can persist for longer periods of time. As the jawbone heals, patients may experience some discomfort, which can be tempered through medication. Discomfort usually subsides within 7-10 days.

Proper Maintenance
Although patients should always practice proper dental hygiene, this is especially true once a dental implant has been put into place. When teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, bacteria can attack sensitive areas, causing the gums to swell and the jawbone to gradually recede. Enough recession of the jawbone can weaken dental implants and eventually necessitate their removal. Patients should visit their dentist’s office at least twice a year in order to insure the health of your teeth and your implant. Following an implant operation, smoking should be avoided, as it impairs the gum and jawbone’s ability to heal. Given the proper care, dental implants could last 25 years or longer.