Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. These anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for porcelain teeth or they can strengthen your denture.
Small posts called “abutments” are then attached to the implants, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable support for replacement teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration, which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are nothing new. They were invented in 1965 in Sweden. They entered the U.S. in the early 1980's. In the last 10-15 years, significant advances have propelled implants into the spotlight. When done correctly, they have a very high success rate. In fact, my own success rate with this procedure is 99.6%.
This seems like a very good substitute than false teeth but I guess its rather more painful isnt it?
Posted by: Tomo Chan | June 18, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Hi Tomo,
Bone actually has no nerve endings. If the procedure is done very skillfully, most of my patients experience very little pain.
In my own practice, whether I place one or twelve implants at the same time, the patient usually says they did not have much pain.
How well you heal, also has a lot to do with it. Your health is of paramount importance.
Intravenous steroids also help greatly and are given with the sedation.
Posted by: Dr. Amin | June 22, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Great post Dr. Amin, keep the education coming!
Posted by: Iverson Dental Laboratories | July 08, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Great posting. I have been interesting in learning more about dental implants and I will continue to reference your site in the future.
Posted by: Jessica | July 08, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Hello Doctor Amin,
I read this in your article but i am still not very clear.
I have braces right now with a fake tooth attatched to the braces. I am in highschool and my biggest concern is not having a tooth. After I get the braces off i am planning to get an implant. However, I heard that the process of having the rod in takes around 6 months to actually attatch the fake tooth on it. I cannot be with out a tooth for a day, let alone 6 months. What is an immidiate implant? is that just for temperary use or is it for permanent? Also, I have heard the option of having a fake tooth attatched to a retainer for the time waiting for the rod to be ready. I am in highschool and i don't want to be at the lunch table and just pull out my retainer with my front tooth on it to eat my sandwich. Are there any other options?
Your article was very helpful and now i feel like i know alot more about implants.
Posted by: Carli Smith | September 01, 2009 at 08:00 PM