Why Implants Are So Successful
If you are missing a tooth your dentist may have recommended a dental implant. While implant treatment is more invasive than a dental bridge it also provides more stability. Dental implants are a popular and successful treatment for one or more missing teeth. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) more than 5 million implants are placed every year in the United States. Implants can be used to replace a missing tooth, several missing teeth, or to support complete dentures. Implants tend to be so successful because they replace the root of your tooth.
How an Implant Replaces the Root
An implant consists of a small titanium post that acts as the root of your tooth. The post is surgically placed into your jawbone, and as the bone heals it grows around the root stabilizing it just as your original root. Titanium is biocompatible with the human body which means your body will not reject it or become ill because of it. The fact that the titanium post and jawbone osseointegrate (fuse together) to become one was happened on by accident by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon who was researching the healing of bone. He placed a small titanium post into bone and a few months later when he tried to remove it, it wouldn't budge!
Stability and More
Titanium (or other biocompatible materials) offer the same support as your original tooth root and therefore last a lifetime. Implant success rates are about 95 percent. Not only do they provide long-term stability because the implant is placed into the jawbone, it prevents the jawbone from deteriorating. The physiological stimulation provided when you bite down and chew is required to keep your jawbone healthy and strong. When you lose a root, this stimulation is eliminated and as a result your jawbone begins to die in that area. This can lead to other dental problems.