Bionic Teeth

The practice of using implants to replace missing teeth is catching on quickly. The growing popularity of this procedure is due to all of media cover implants have received over the last few years. Most of the patients I see seem to have some understanding of the use of implants and their benefits. It is probably the most important advancement in dentistry in the last twenty years, and still improving daily.

The most remarkable improvements are in the ease of placement and the predictability of patient outcome, which has been the major influence behind the movement of this procedure from the oral surgeon's office to general dentist's practice. Patients cautiously nod when I tell them that placing an implant is usually easier than removing a tooth- from both the dentist and patient's perspective. But in spite the patient's doubts about this statement almost every time the patient reports that they had very little pain afterwards, often needing no pain medication.

As the word spreads and people become better informed about implant, this procedure will become an even more popular. I have had several patients ask to have their fixed bridges replaced with implants, and other patients asking to forego the traditional root canal and crown procedures and just remove the tooth and place an implant (and many well-respected dentists are proposing this as well). Patients with dentures are having implants done more frequently as the procedure becomes more affordable.

I won't get into the technical aspects of implants in this column because there is plenty of information about the procedures on the internet. Basically, a small titanium cylinder is placed into the area and allowed to fuse with the bone over several months. In some instances there is no need to wait and the restoration can be immediately placed, these one day implants will be discussed at another time. The restoration of an implant after it has fuses with the bone is even less complicated than traditional crowns-and it involves NO DRILLING!

If you are not familiar with implants, you should learn more about them. Your general dentist can explain all of the pros and cons for your individual situation. Most dentists who do dental surgery are capable of placing implants, but it requires a large investment in equipment, supplies, and education. If your dentist does not place implants, they will be able to refer you to someone who does.