Restoring Your Smile with Precision and Functionality
Dental implants were invented by Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish scientist, over 50 years ago. They were initially created to address the issue of loose-fitting dentures. However, advancements in engineering have expanded the applications of implants, allowing dentists to replace missing or lost teeth. Today, there are various implant techniques available, including single tooth replacement, anterior tooth replacement, posterior tooth replacement, multiple teeth replacement, and implant-retained and implant supported solutions.
Modern dental implants closely resemble the size and shape of a natural tooth, and they are just as strong. The implant, or artificial root, is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. It then undergoes a healing process where it integrates with the bone.
Once the healing is complete and the implant is securely attached to the jawbone, the patient returns to the dental office to have the new tooth fitted onto the implant. This final step typically takes three to eight months to complete.
Post-implant care is crucial
Proper oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining good dental health, and it becomes even more important when a patient has a dental implant. Neglecting to clean teeth and gums properly can lead to bacterial attacks on sensitive areas in the mouth, resulting in swollen gums and gradual recession of the jaw bones. This recession weakens implants and may eventually require their removal. To ensure the health of their teeth and implants, patients are advised to visit their dentists at least twice a year. With proper care, dental implants can last for decades.