Dentists and Implantation Technology

Dentists have been installing false teeth for eons. There have been arrays of methods and materials for these artificial choppers. Materials such as seashells were used over a thousand years ago. Archaeological digs have turned up skeletons with appropriately sized seashells positioned along human skeletal jawbones. In more recent centuries, mouthfuls of false teeth were common place. Preventative maintenance and treatment of dental disease were not nearly as advanced as they are today. When teeth became problematic, they were simply pulled out. Even the first president of the United States of America had wooden choppers. Over the years, gold, ivory, porcelain and ceramic have been used. One thing is certain.

We need our teeth. Without them, we can’t chew our food or talk properly due to enunciation issues. Facial structures begin to cave in around the toothless jawbone, as well. If only some are missing, the others fall out of alignment. False portions are called partial bridges. An entire mouthful is referred to as a full bridge. These devices were attached by a certain type of glue or cement. They had to be soaked overnight and frequently came loose, causing an embarrassing clackety-clacking. But now, all of this has changed.

A Swedish medical doctor was performing some scientific experiments with human bone when he made a revolutionary discovery. Titanium permanently bonds to human bone. And so the new way to attach false teeth was born. These devices appear root like and are attached to the jawbone with this titanium substance. No more clacking or soaking overnight. They could now be permanently attached. These implants also have trace amounts of iron, carbon or aluminum. The surface of the root is roughened so that it stays in place. Although they look like typical screws, they lack the ridges.

When false bridges or an individual tooth is constructed, they must be well designed. Dentogenics is a modern technological way to manufacture these devices to fit each patient. Each person’s mouth and jaw is unique and so an artificial dental device must have a proper fitting and appearance. An individual’s bone structure, mouth shape, gender, ethnicity and oral enamel hue must be taken into account so that there is a good match. Appearance and functionality are crucial. Bad fit will result in many problems in terms of chewing, talking and the longevity of the product.

The steps for implantation must be performed in stages. The first step will entail placement of the titanium root. Next there will be a 3-6 month recovery process in order to allow for healing. The recovery must be complete in order for the restoration to be successful. Healing and recovery times are always dependant on the individual patient.

All dentists are able to perform dental implantation techniques if they have been trained and certified. The General Dental Council, which is a group of overseers employed by the government, requires certification. Dental school is four years post graduation from a university and specialties take even longer. The process to have implants placed in the jawbone permanently takes a bit of time but the benefits are definitely worth it to most individuals.