What Are Implants?

An implant is a method of replacing a tooth lost from the dentition (dentition - your set of teeth!) as a result of disease (eg. decay, gum disease, etc) or trauma (eg. being hit in the face!). Implants seek to replace missing teeth by emulating a tooth. That is , an implant, usually a titanium screw or post, is placed within the jaw bone - just like the roots of a normal tooth - and a porcelain or gold crown is placed on top of the implant.

Implants, if successful, provide a very strong restoration that is far superior to dentures or bridges. However, having an implant means that you would be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations.Which, by the way, is something that we all should be doing regardless ... no?

The diagram up top shows a typical "screw" type implant with a porcelain crown placed as a replacement for the lost tooth. As you can see a dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. Initially, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone. After a period of 3-6 months, depending upon certain factors, the dentist taps a post or abutment into the implant. The post projects through the gum and provides support for a porcelain crown or removable denture.

As our lifespan increases, the need for some type of permanent dental replacement system becomes very important to our overall health. Dentures and removable bridges have obvious problems: they are loose and unstable. Implants can provide people with dental replacements that are both functional and aesthetic.

Who does implants?

Implants are usually a cooperative effort, between the restorative (or cosmetic) dentist and an oral surgeon or periodontist. However, specially trained general practitioners can also place implants and the subsequent crown on the tooth for you. It really depends on who you see and what he or she is willing to do. You can find a list of dentists and specialists that do implants if you visit . This site is a great database of health information and professionals.

Does it hurt to have dental implants placed?

The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant is done under a local or general anaesthetic and is generally not at all painful. When the anesthesia wears off about three or four hours later, you might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant problems. Some patients do have varying degrees of pain or discomfort which may last for several days. Swelling and black & blueing may also develope.

Implant types

Currently two types are currently employed:

• most commonly implants with a "screw" thread.
• more recently implants that have a "roughened" surface instead of threads.