Tooth Implants – Why They Work
Tooth Implants have seen a major surge in popularity recently due to the remarkable improvements they’ve seen with regards to both success rate and degree of tooth-restorative function they offer. Although this medical and dental technology has had an extensive history, its efficacy has only grown over time; clinical studies have confirmed this. This article will explain why modern implants are so much more successful today and identify factors responsible for their success. Additionally, you’ll get an overview of the placement process along with illustrations of all components involved.
Early Evidence, High Recall
Excavations of a young Mayan woman dating back to the 1930’s have revealed the first evidence of Tooth Implants. Initially thought to be used for decorative purposes during burials in early Egypt, these implants are now believed to have had other purposes. In 1970, a Brazilian professor utilized radiography to prove the Tooth Implants made of seashells had been implanted by a Mayan woman before she passed away. X-rays revealed bone had grown around two implants near their location; although the Mayan culture is renowned for its achievements and innovations, few artifacts exist that are identical to what was created there. Thus, it remains uncertain why certain implants worked while others didn’t.
Experimentation Continued, But Results Unknown
The 19th century saw the most extensive experiments with dental implants. Unfortunately, even those that initially proved successful failed to last.
Uncovering Key Clues from a 20th Century Breakthrough
Dr. P.I. Branemark of Sweden first pioneered Tooth Implants during his research into bone regeneration and healing in the 1950s. After using optical chambers made of titanium to observe this process, it became too costly to reuse them since the bone had swollen around their screws. As a result, Branemark decided to explore other possibilities within implant dentistry; what results he observed inside patients’ mouths could better be observed clinically. Nowadays titanium implants remain essential components in joint replacements as well as prosthetics alike due to their superior performance characteristics.
After placing his initial titanium Tooth Implant in 1965, Branemark and his team coined the term osseointegration to describe the structural and functional relationship between natural bone and an artificial load-bearing implant. For years after placing that first titanium Tooth Implant, Branemark continued researching this subject; however it wasn’t until 1982 when he presented his findings at the Toronto Conference on Osseointegration in Clinical Dentistry that widespread acceptance of titanium Tooth Implants truly took hold.
What Can We Learn About Success?
We now understand that Tooth Implants’ success and osseointegration overall are determined by a number of factors. Here are some of the most crucial:
The implant material should be biocompatible. Titanium, for instance, is ideal as not only does it soothe the human body, but it’s also resistant to corrosion like stainless steel. Biocompatibility has both short- and long-term implications; research continues into biocompatible materials.
Dr. Alvin Strock in 1937 at Harvard University came up with the innovative screw-shaped implant, which has since been widely adopted and studied for its effectiveness. Additionally, further design research is ongoing today to continue refining this successful design pattern.
- The implant’s surface – This continues to be a top research focus when it comes to selecting which coatings and porosities should be used for optimal osseointegration and long-term success.
- When considering tooth implants, the condition of the donor bone tissue is key. Tooth implants only work if they’re taken by their owner and bone grafts or restorations may need to be done prior to implanting if host tissue is in poor condition.
The Implant Surgery Method
When and how the bone and surrounding tissue is surgically prepared for an implant is critical. Failure rates can be increased if there is excessive damage or disturbance of this connective tissue. Recent research has centered around how many steps are necessary in order to get optimal results.
Force and its effect on dental implants Research continues to explore how force (load) affects implant success. Direction of load is important and will vary depending on mouth position; excessive load can result in bone loss and decreased stability for the Tooth Implant. All aspects of loading – immediate, intermediate or delayed depending on circumstances – need to be explored more deeply for their impact on success rates.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, tooth implants have an impressive 95% success rate. However, this success rate depends on where in the mouth the implant is placed; other factors that could potentially influence results also need to be taken into account.
People with uncontrolled diabetes or smokers are particularly at risk. Your provider of Tooth implants will work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances, emphasizing the necessity of good oral hygiene both before and after the procedure.
