For years scientists studied the best methods and materials for replacing teeth. It wasn’t until the 1950s that doctors like Leonard Linkow and Per-Ingvar Branemark started experimenting with titanium to replace tooth roots. It’s taken thousands of years for tooth replacement to get to where it is today. However, many people don’t even realize how much easier it is to replace teeth via dental implants.
Today, dental implants in Inwood consist of three main components: an implant, abutment and restoration. Keep reading to learn how they make up the dental implant and how technology is making the process easier.
The Implant
The most important component of dental implants is the titanium post designed to integrate with existing bone. The use of titanium in the human body wasn’t discovered until the 1950s, and it wasn’t only dentists that would benefit. Today, any surgery that requires the use of internal components to support damaged bones uses titanium, including screws, nails, plates and any other parts necessary for maintaining structures inside the body. This is thanks to titanium’s anti-corrosive and biocompatible properties that work to reduce the risk of infection and rejection.
The Abutment
While dental crowns and bridge rely on other teeth to be stable, abutments keep restorations connected to the established implant. They’re also made of titanium and can come in both healing and permanent forms. Healing abutments (caps) are placed after surgery so surrounding gum tissue can heal around the implant properly. Once fully healed, the healing cap is replaced with a permanent abutment for the restoration to screw into.
The Restoration
While implant-retained crowns are among the most common restorations used for implants, it’s not the only type of restoration available. People who need to replace multiple teeth or even an entire arch can do so with implant-supported bridges and dentures. What’s even more convenient is the fact that bridges typically only require two implants to replace two or three teeth and dentures only require four to six implants to replace the entire arch.
Essential Dental Tools
The most common dental tools used for dental implants include dental mirrors, periodontal probes, surgical scissors, anesthetics, a motorized surgical handpiece and sterilized saline pump for irrigation. Each of these tools plays a crucial role in making sure your implant surgery is successful.
Advanced Dental Technology
The next time you’re considering dental implants, see if the dentist is utilizing these technologies that have been proven to make planning and performing implant surgery easier and more efficient.
- Digital Impression System – A handheld intraoral scanner that makes capturing images easier, including without gray putty impression material.
- 3D Cone Beam Scanner – Allows for 3D imaging for more precise surgical planning.
- Soft Tissue Laser – Allows for less invasive surgical intervention and less post-op healing after use.
Don’t get dental implants from just any dentist. Choose a dentist in Inwood with the right tools and expertise for a more successful outcome!
About the Author
Dr. Mark E. Lawton earned his DDS degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He’s also an active member of the Spears Study Club, which meets every month to discuss the latest advancements in dentistry. To learn more about his dental implant procedures or practice, you can contact him through his website.