Dental Implants

When someone loses a permanent tooth this affects their chewing function, which in turn can compromise jawbone strength and the alignment of the other teeth. Tooth alignment establishes the pattern of our bite and influences the development of the muscles and bones of the jaw and neck. Losing a tooth can result in acute neck and head pain, an uneven bite, and drastic changes in our eating habits.

It is for these reasons that Cincinnati dentists recommend tooth replacement. Bridges, full and partial dentures and dental implants are techniques and materials that can be used to restore a patient’s bite. Of these, the dental implant is the best choice for maintaining the quality of the jawbone as it replaces the missing root along with the tooth.

The tough external covering of a tooth is known as the enamel, the soft middle area is known as the dentin, and the spongy innermost tissue in the roots is known as the pulp, which holds the bone marrow, blood vessels, and nerves. The root of a tooth is firmly entrenched in the jawbone, and it keeps the jawbone healthy so long as the tooth is in good health.

Dental implants resemble natural teeth to the extent that they have a root portion and an upper part that performs the same function as the dentin and enamel of natural teeth. Implant fixtures themselves vary in size, but all require surgical implantation into the jawbone. A phase of osseointegration takes place after the surgery for three to six months, during which time the surrounding tissues bond to the anchor. If osseointegration fails, the process can be tried again, but after a period in which the bone is allowed to heal.

Recent dental statistics show a rate of success as high as ninety-five percent for the implants in the lower jaw and ninety percent in the upper jaw. Most dental experts agree that the difference has something to do with lower bone being more dense than the upper jaw areas, which make successful osseointegration more difficult.

Implants are not recommended in all circumstances to all patients. The final determination being made by an appropriately trained Cincinnati-area dentist or oral surgeon. The space available and the condition of the jaw bone are factors which influence the decision. Dental practitioners may recommend placement of a "mini-implant" as opposed to a standard implant, where a much smaller anchor is implanted into the bone. Mini-implants are generally used to replace smaller size teeth or to secure dentures or overdentures.

Those with implants will still need to follow a regular plan for oral hygiene monitored by a Cincinnati-area dentist because the soft and hard tissue (gums and bone) surrounding the implants are just as susceptible to bacteria and infection.