Journal of Odontology
Open Access

Dental Implants: An Innovative Solution for Restoring Missing Teeth

Naomi Panah^{* *}Correspondence: Naomi Panah, Department of Periodontology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey, Email:

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Description

Dental implants have transformed the world of dentistry by offering a long-lasting and natural-looking alternative for replacing missing teeth. With their ability to restore both the function and aesthetics of a patient's smile, dental implants have become a popular choice for individuals seeking a long-term solution for tooth loss. This study describes about the details of dental implants, including their history, types, benefits, procedure, and aftercare.

These early attempts at tooth replacement involved the use of materials such as seashells, animal teeth, and even stones to replace missing teeth. However, these primitive methods were often painful, ineffective, and had a high risk of complications.

Modern dental implants were first introduced by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark in the 1950s. Dr. Branemark discovered that titanium, a biocompatible material, could integrate with bone tissue in a process called osseointegration. This groundbreaking discovery paved the way for the development of modern dental implants, which are now made from titanium due to its excellent biocompatibility and durability.

Types of dental implants

There are several types of dental implants available, and the choice of implant depends on various factors such as the patient's oral health, the location of the missing tooth, and the desired outcome.

Endosteal implants: These are the most frequent type of dental implant, which are often used in patients with healthy jawbones. Endosteal implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone, and after a period of healing, a crown is attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth. Endosteal implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, and they provide excellent stability and durability.

Subperiosteal implants: When a patient does not have enough healthy jawbones to sustain an endosteal implant, sub periosteal implants are employed. Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum but above the jawbone and are custom-made to fit the shape of the patient's jaw. They are typically used to support a dental prosthesis, such as a bridge or denture, and can be a good option for patients with reduced bone density.

All-on-4 implants: This is a specialized type of implant used for patients who have lost all of their teeth in one or both arches. All-on-4 implants involve the placement of four implants in strategic positions in the jawbone, and a full arch of fixed dentures is attached to the implants. This provides a costeffective and efficient solution for patients who need to replace all of their teeth.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits compared to traditional tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. The following are some of the key advantages of dental implants:

Aesthetic enhancement: Dental implants are meant to appear and feel like natural teeth. They are customized to match the color, shape, and size of the patient's existing teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile. This can greatly enhance the patient's self-confidence and overall appearance.

Dental implants operate just like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with ease. Unlike dentures, this may slip or cause discomfort while eating or speaking, dental implants provide stability and durability, allowing patients to enjoy their favourite foods without restrictions.

Dental implants are noted for their long-term stability and endurance. Dental implants can survive for many years, perhaps a lifetime, with adequate care and maintenance.