Our third set of teeth – Dental Implants
As people age, tooth loss becomes inevitable due to disease, injury, or simple
daily wear. Missing teeth brings about unwanted changes to a person's facial
appearance and this often affects his confidence and self-esteem negatively.
With the advent of dental implants, however, those who are missing one, two
or several teeth no longer have to accept a lifetime of embarrassment and
inconvenience.
Dental implants are sturdy, sophisticated titanium posts that are anchored
directly into the jawbone and crowned with realistic replacement teeth,
providing the security and usability of permanently placed teeth.
Good as new
Dr Juliet Tay, a specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for over thirteen
years and clinical director of The Implant and Oral Surgery Centre says, “This
is one time that the clinician can make something for a patient that is as good
as their original. Dental implants, if taken care of, can last a lifetime.”
More than an aesthetic solution to missing teeth, most people find that
implant-supported replacement teeth feels more natural than conventional
replacements. More importantly, dental implants have proven beneficial to
preserving bone health.
When dental implants are integrated into the jaw, these help prevent bone
loss and gum recession. The pressure of chewing on the implant’s crown
stimulates the underlying bone and prevents it from deteriorating from disuse.
Dr Tay explains: “Once your teeth have been extracted, bone loss begins as
there is no stimulation to the underlying bone structure. This process is
known as disuse atrophy. Dental implants can halt this process and prevent
the collapse and aging of your lower face.”
Superior alternative
Unlike traditional restorative procedures like bridges and dentures, dental
implants do not compromise the aesthetics, function or integrity of remaining
natural teeth. Dental implants are more stable and user-friendly than many
other teeth replacement options.
Alternatives such as bridges require adjacent teeth to be trimmed and need to
be replaced every 10 to 15 years whereas dental implants, with proper
maintenance, can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are a vast improvement over conventional dentures. Dentures
are not stable and tend to move during function. They interfere with speech
and cover the palate. Biting efficiency with dentures is only about 20% of
natural teeth. As an effect, many denture wearers find chewing food,
especially meat, a great problem. Dental implants overcome all these
problems.
Dr Tay observes, “Up to 5 years ago, there would be very few patients who
would take up dental implants, opting instead for dentures or bridges. Today,
patients come in asking for more information on dental implants and often
refer to friends or family who have had dental implants placed.”
The Discovery of Dental Implants
The discovery of dental implants is credited to Prof. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a
Swedish orthopedic surgeon. In the 1950s, he was researching bone healing
in rabbits when he discovered that when titanium was implanted in bone, the
two substances fuse predictably, safely and securely. This phenomenon is
called osseointegration. Brånemark then developed and tested a type of
dental implant utilizing pure titanium screws, which he termed fixtures.
From this revolutionary discovery grew the concept of dental implants. The
first titanium dental implant went to a human volunteer, a Swede named
Gösta Larsson in 1965. Even as Larsson passed away forty years later, his
dental implants remained in excellent functional condition.
Minimal pain
The procedure consists of a 20 minute surgery. During this surgery, local
anesthetic is administered and a gum flap is raised to allow access to the
underlying bone. The bone is then gently prepared with a series of drills
which create a channel for the implant to be inserted. Ten to 12 weeks is
necessary to allow the bone to fuse to the implant. Once this period is
completed, the fixture is then ready for the crown to be fitted.
“The surgery is often perceived to be a painful procedure. In reality, however,
it is even less painful than a tooth extraction,” says Dr Tay.
She adds: “I have not had any patient regret going through the treatment,
although a few have lamented on its cost. Most agree that it is money well
spent though. I also find that following treatment, patients often have a
newfound confidence and an improved sense of self-esteem.”
One such example is Janice, an American citizen residing in Jarkarta, Indonesia.
She decided to come to Singapore for a consultation as she was aware of the high
level of skill and competency of Singapore doctors.
Janice was 42 when she came to seek treatment at The Implant and Oral Surgery
Centre. She had many of her teeth extracted when she was much younger and
she wore an upper denture. Her motivation to seek treatment was the result of
an embarrassing incident which happened while she was having dinner with her
friends. Her denture was very loose, and almost fell out of her mouth while she
was chewing and talking. She had heard about dental implants and now wanted
them to replace her missing teeth.
Clinical examination showed a large volume of bone resorption both in terms of
width and height. The upper anterior area had so much bone loss that the bone
was paper thin. Her maxillary sinuses were also large and had pneumatised into
the tooth bearing area of the jaw. There was insufficient bone to place dental
implants.
A treatment plan consisting of bone grafting, sinus lift, 10 dental implants and 2
crowns was formulated for her. The surgery was staged and carried out under
IV sedation. The first step was to rebuild and restore the bone volume and
height. 5 months later, 10 dental implants were placed. Following a 3 month
period, crowns were then fabricated and fitted on for her.
Before treatment : gums red as a result of denture induced inflammation
Lab fabricated crowns
Lab work showing implant abutments
Implant abutments in place
After treatment : patient smiling
X ray before treatment
X ray after treatment
Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry by changing the way missing
teeth is replaced–a superior solution that feels comfortable, preserves bone
and gum health, and can last a lifetime.
For more information on dental implants visit www.iosc.com.sg or call The
Implant and Oral Surgery Centre at 6474 8468.