Understanding Dental Implants

Apart from chewing food (mastication), Denver dentists know that a tooth plays an important role in maintaining the strength of the jaw and the alignment of the other remaining teeth so a missing tooth can impact many things. The alignment of the teeth is a major factor in a proper functioning bite and consequently affects the bones, joints and muscles in our head, neck and jaws.

It is for these reasons that Denver dentists recommend tooth replacement. This can be achieved through bridges, full and partial dentures, and implants. But, implants are the only method that can preserve jawbone integrity because the implant fixture restores both the tooth and the root.

The tough external covering of a tooth is known as the enamel, the soft middle area is known as the dentin, and the spongy innermost tissue in the roots is known as the pulp which holds the bone marrow, blood vessels and nerves. The root is fixed to the jawbone and tooth function sustains the strength and integrity of the surrounding bone.

Dental implants resemble natural teeth to the extent that they have a root portion and an upper part that performs the same function as the dentin and enamel of natural teeth. The size of implant fixture used depends on the size of the tooth being restored and is surgically inserted into the jawbone. A phase of osseointegration takes place after the surgery for three to six months, during which time the surrounding tissues bond to the anchor. If osseointegration fails, the process can be tried again, but after a period in which the bone is allowed to heal.

Once the anchor is settled into place a crown is set onto the fixture.

Dental statistics have shown that the implant procedure is successful in ninety-five percent of the cases in the upper jaw and ninety percent cases in the lower jaw. Most Denver dentists agree that the difference has something to do with lower bone being denser than the upper jaw areas, which make successful osseointegration more difficult.

Implants are not recommended in all circumstances to all patients. The final determination on treatment is made by the dentist or oral surgeon. The space available and the condition of the jaw bone are factors which influence the decision. One alternative is a “mini-implant” which is a significantly smaller anchor only partially submerged into the bone. Mini-implants are better suited to replacing smaller teeth or acting as anchors for dentures and overdentures.

The patients who undergo implant placement should maintain a regular dental hygiene routine, including following up with periodically with their Denver dentist, because the soft tissues (gums) around the implants are as vulnerable to bacterial infection as those surrounding natural teeth.