Dental implants have arrived

The earliest example of dental implants (sea shells) have been found in Mayan jawbones dating circa 600 A.D. However modern implant dentistry is credited to Dr.Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon who in the 1950's was conducting research on rabbits. One day he observed that titanium metal placed in the bone was not easily retrieved and consequently the bone had grown and adhered to the titanium surfaces (osseointegration). Dr. Branemark carried out further studies both in animal and human subjects and confirmed this phenomenon of osseointegration with regular consistency. In the past 40 years over 7 million Branemark type dental implants have been placed in people around the world.

Treatment planning for implants typically involves a CAT scan of the jaw (3-D x-ray imaging), review of one's medical history, digital photos and impressions of the teeth. In addition, all financial arrangements and payments are made prior to surgical dates.

The procedure of placing an implant has become systematic, easier and very successful. What was once performed by specialists is now possible in the hands of trained general dentists. Uncomplicated procedures are performed with local anesthetic in a relatively quick and clean, nonsurgical manner that is virtually pain free.

The success rate of implants, when followed over a 10 year study was averaging 85-95%.

Contraindications for implants may include:

• smoking
• severe gum disease
• uncontrolled diabetes
• severe clenching and grinding
• the use of Bisphosphonate drugs (which delay bone healing and cause implant failures)