Dental Implant History

Dental Implants were first introduced in the 1970's, after an orthopaedic surgeon noticed that Titanium screws, which were being used in joint replacements, could not be unscrewed easily and seemed to be 'joined' to the bone. When this was later investigated, researchers found that bone cells actually grew right up to the surface of the titanium screws so intimately that it was as if the metal had become part of the bone structure. This idea was quickly translated and adopted by dentists to produce the first titanium dental implants. The high biocompatibility and safety of titanium make it the only material to date that has this unique ability to predictably 'integrate' into bone. Since the 1970's advances in manufacturing technology, coupled with a better understanding of the integration and evolution of clinical techniques, means that dental implants have a firm place in the field of dentistry and in most cases is the treatment of choice for missing teeth.

If you have a space or spaces in your mouth due to missing teeth, then replacing them is important, not only for appearance but also for function and the overall health of the remaining teeth, which my have come under increased stress from the extra bite forces they have to deal with. This may, in some cases lead to damage to those teeth and their gums.

Missing teeth at the front of the mouth affects your smile and most people find it difficult to smile as they are very self-conscious about their missing teeth. This has a huge impact on someone's self-esteem and confidence.

Dental Implants when placed by a suitably trained and qualified dentist, will give you back the appearance, function and self-confidence, whilst at the same time feeling as comfortable and natural as your own teeth.

'What is involved?'

Having a tooth or teeth replaced with dental implants requires careful planning and discussion with the Implant Dentist. You will need to have a thorough examination of the whole mouth and your medical history checked to confirm that you are suitable for this treatment and any pre-implant treatments required will be identified and carried out, such as hygiene, fillings etc.

Then x-rays and maybe CT scans will be used to measure the amount and position of bone that is available at the space where the implant(s) is/are required. Models and photographs will also be taken. If bone amount is adequate then implant placement can be planned. However, if there is insufficient bone present, then bone may need to be added and/or grown at the space first, using special surgical technqiues, to create enough for implant(s) to be placed.

The next stage involves surgery to place the titanuim implant into the jaw-bone at the space. This procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic (with or without you being sedated) but is no more painful than having a tooth extracted. The implant is then left to heal and 'integrate' with the bone for between 2 and 6 months, depending on your health and quality of bone.

After the integration period, the implant is fitted with components that allow a crown to be attached to it through the gum, giving the appearance of a natural looking tooth coming out of the gum and into normal function. Again these procedures are normally undertaken under simple local anaesthetic.

The final stage in this process is Maintenance. You will be given thorough instruction on how to look after your new implant tooth/teeth and the interval between which you must come and have it/them examined by the Implant Dentist. Normally this is at least once a year but seeing a hygienist on a regular basis is highly recommended to ensure the long-term health and survival of the implant(s).

At Revital Dental Care we are members of the main Professional Dental Implant organisation in the UK, the 'Association of Dental Implantology' and thus gives us access to cutting-edge research and training in the field of implant dentistry. Click on the logo below for a link to the website for more information.