A dental implant, is a surgically attached fixture that supports a dental prosthetic, like a bridge or a crown. Recently, modern technology has brought the dental implant a long way. A process called osseo-integration uses materials like titanium to bond directly to the bone. The prosthetic, whether it is a bridge or a crown, can be fixed or removable.
Patient Health and Success of the Implant
Health plays a vital role in the success of the procedure. A patient should have healthy bone and gingiva. The term “Gingiva” basically means the gums, the fleshy pink membrane that covers the roots of your teeth. These both can atrophy after tooth extractions. People with poor oral hygiene, who have diabetes, or who are heavy smokers are more susceptible to gum diseases like peri-implantitis. Diseases of the bones caused by steroid use, osteoporosis, decrease chances of success.
There are always risks of complications with any surgery, such as bleeding or nerve damage. Then there are post-operative complications, like infection. In patients with healthy bones and gums should have a success rate of about 95% for the implant and the prosthetic should last for 10 to 15 years.
Modern Day Dental Implants
There is a special type of prosthetic called a “facial prosthetic.” These are intended to correct deformities, such as from cancer treatment or deforming injuries. Implants need to be able to withstand the stress of every day use for a lifetime. The dental industry has developed a series of assessments for mechanical reliability.
To assist dental surgeons in placing implants, a model is made-usually from acrylic-to guide the optimum placement of the implants. A simulation in plaster can help determine the final position. A CT scan, also called a “CAT scan,” can now be loaded into special computer software that creates a simulation of the procedure.
Medication Risks
Sometimes dental surgeons will use medications to build the strength of the bones, called biophosphonate. These drugs can lead to higher chances of bone decay with routine oral surgery, but that risk is very low, as published by the AAOMS, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. If you live in Broomfield, dentists are available with expertise in this area.
Time to Heal
After surgery, the healing time varies. For the implant to stabilize, bone must grow to the surface of the implant. For a long time it was believed that a patient needed three to six months for this process to occur, but recent studies show that the patient’s bone density determines the healing time.
