In 1952 a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Branemark invented the Dental Implants. Today this is a very integral part of dentistry. It is a surgical fixture that is put into the jawbone. Over the span of a few months, it allowed the bone to fuse. To hold a replacement tooth or bridge, this “artificial tooth root” serves. Between the jawbone and dental implant, a process of fusion takes place which is known as “osseointegration”. Titanium is used in the making mostly dental implants. Without being recognized as a foreign object in our body, Titanium allows them to integrate with the bone. For dental implants, the success rate is close to 98% today.
Why dental implant is needed?
To replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth, dental implants can be used. When it comes to tooth replacement there are three options generally:
- A complete denture or Partial denture (Removable dental appliance)
- Cemented or Fixed
- dental bridge
- Dental Implant
The more affordable option for tooth replacement is Dentures. But because of the inconvenience of a removable appliance in the mouth, they are the least desirable. Dentures can affect one’s sensory experience and taste with food.
Implants do not affect surrounding natural teeth and are supported by bone only. These three factors are specifically for dental implants:
- Patient’s health
- Missing teeth location
- Cost
- Preference of patient
What are the types of Dental Implants?
There have been two different types of dental implants historically:
- Endosteal
- subperiosteal
An implant that is in the bone is referred to as Endosteal. An implant that rests on top of the jawbone under the gum tissue is referred to as Subperiosteal. As compared to endosteal dental implants subperiosteal implants are no longer in use today. This is due to their poor long-term results.
Before, during, and after dental implant surgery
The dental surgeon will visually examine the site in the mouth where a dental implants near me is being considered as well as look at the dental imaging studies, during the planning and consulting stage.
The patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the surgical area as well as any other sedatives necessary for comfort and anxiety, during all surgical dental implant procedure appointments. A tooth or tooth extraction is the first stage of oral surgery. The tooth will need to be extracted in order to prepare for the placement of a dental implant.
After the procedure to ensure that no infection exists and healing is taking place, follow-up appointments are necessary. The dental implant is tested to determine whether it was successfully taken up by the surrounding bone, after the required healing period. A prosthetic component is connected to the dental implant via a screw, once this has been confirmed.
What is the cost of a dental implant?
A single dental implant cost can vary depending on who is performing the procedure and in which region you are. For a single dental implant, a conservative cost estimate is $3,000-$4,500. The surgery for placement of an implant, the implant crown, and all the components are included in this cost.
