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How Does A Dental Implant Compare To A Real Tooth?
 Here at Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry, we are pleased to offer dental services to our patients which include sedation dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and dental implantation. Our dentist, Dr. Hallas, here in Escanaba, MI offer dental implants to our patients with damaged, decayed, or missing teeth.What is the History of Dental Implants?Understanding dental implant history is important in order to learn about the nature and function of dental implants today. The earliest recorded evidence of dental implants dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians. Archaeologists have discovered mummies with tooth replacements made from materials like shells and metals. While these early attempts were far from the sophisticated dental implants we have today, they demonstrate early human ingenuity in addressing tooth loss. In the 18th and 19th centuries, dental practitioners began experimenting with tooth transplantation. This involved removing teeth from one individual and inserting them into another person's mouth. Perhaps the most pivotal moment in the history of dental implants was the discovery of osseointegration. Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish physician and researcher, made this accidental discovery in the 1950s. While studying bone healing, Brånemark placed titanium screws in rabbit bone and found that they had fused with the bone, forming a strong bond. This groundbreaking finding laid the foundation for modern dental implantology. Types of Dental ImplantsToday, dental implants come in various types, each designed to address specific dental needs and patient situations. They are typically made out of titanium, due to the strength and durability of this material. Most patients tolerate titanium well, compared to some metal allergies patients can sometimes experience with other dental restorations. Implants can also be created using zirconia. The primary types of dental implants include endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants. Endosteal are the most common type of dental implants and are typically used for patients with sufficient bone density. Endosteal implants are inserted directly into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are used when a patient's jawbone lacks the necessary height or density to support endosteal implants. Instead of being placed in the bone, subperiosteal implants are positioned on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. This type of implant involves a metal framework that rests on the bone and supports the artificial teeth. Zygomatic implants are used the least often and are utilized when a patient has insufficient bone in the upper jaw, making traditional implants difficult to place. These implants anchor into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the maxillary bone. Zygomatic implants are a viable solution for patients who wish to avoid more complex bone grafting procedures. Mini implants, also known as small-diameter or narrow-diameter implants, are thinner than standard implants. They are often used in cases where space or bone density is limited. Mini implants are suitable for securing lower dentures, providing added stability and comfort. The choice of dental implant type depends on individual patient factors, including bone density, overall health, and specific treatment goals. A thorough assessment by our dentists is essential to determine the most suitable implant type and treatment plan for each patient's unique needs. How Implants Prevent Bone LossDental implants play a crucial role in preventing bone loss by mimicking the function of natural teeth. This prevention is primarily attributed to a process called osseointegration, when over time, the jawbone naturally fuses with the implant. This fusion creates a strong and stable foundation for the implant, similar to the way natural tooth roots are anchored in the bone. Dental implants help preserve both the height and width of the jawbone. Traditional dentures or bridges, which sit on top of the gums, do not provide the same mechanical stimulation as implants. Over time, they can lead to bone loss, resulting in a sunken facial appearance and a less stable foundation for the denture. Bone loss also quickly occurs with the loss of a tooth. The jawbone can deteriorate by as much as 25% in just one year after losing a single tooth. That is why it is so important to replace missing teeth, sooner than later. prevention of bone loss is most effective when dental implants are placed promptly after tooth extraction. If there is already significant bone loss, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required to restore bone density before implant placement. How a Dental Implant Compares to a Real ToothThere are many ways in which a dental implant resembles and functions just like one of your natural teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone to become a new tooth root. This makes them a permanent part of your oral structure, allowing you to have the same biting power and strength as your real teeth. You can bite into your favorite foods once again. Dental implants look natural. We create them to have the same shape, size, and color of the rest of your teeth, so they blend in with your smile. The maintenance for dental implants is the same as with the rest of your teeth. There are no special products, routines, or adhesives you need to purchase. You will simply brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once daily, as you should with your natural teeth. It is important to maintain your regular dental visits with us twice a year. Dental implants are permanent and long lasting, with up to a 98% success rate. Dental implants can last up to 25 years, so they are the best choice when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Dental Implants in EscanabaIf you're ready to explore the possibilities of dental implants, Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry and our doctors, Dr. Lasnoski and , welcome you to schedule a consultation appointment. We will perform a thorough dental examination and collect all of your medical and dental history before determining if you are a good candidate for dental implants and what type of tooth restoration option is the best for your particular situation. Give us a call today at (906) 212-4725. |
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