Titanium “tooth root” devices known as “Dental implants” were invented in 1952 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Today, they are considered the standard of care for prosthetic replacement of missing teeth in dentistry. A dental implant also known as teeth implant, artificial tooth or artificial tooth root is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of a few months. At 32 Intact Dental & Cosmetic Clinic dental implant placement is carried out by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon specialised in implants also known as an Implantologist.

The dental implant acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. In turn, this “artificial tooth root” serves to hold a single replacement tooth or multiple teeth as a dental bridge. Having a dental implant fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to mimicking a natural tooth because it stands on its own without affecting the nearby teeth and has great retention and stability.

The process of fusion between the dental implant and jawbone is called “osseointegration.” A tooth cap or crown is cemented or screwed into the implant for a long-lasting and natural looking smile. Most patients prefer dental implants because:

•  They offer the same function as natural teeth
•  Prevent reduction of adjacent natural teeth to receive a dental bridge
•  Help prevent bone atrophy in the jaw
•  More economical than a dental bridge in the long run

Most dental implants are made of grade 4 titanium. This allows them to integrate with the jaw bone without being recognized as a foreign object in our body. Over time, technology and science have progressed to greatly improve the outcomes of dental implant placement. Today, the success rate for dental implants is close to 98%. Dental implants may be used to replace a single missing or damaged tooth or to restore an entire smile.