Teach Middle East Magazine June 2014 Issue 2 Vol. 1 | Page 39

Dentistry

DENTAL IMPLANTS:
A FINE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE
By Dr Kaizad Kermani
well as others trained in implantology.
X-rays such as Orthopantomographs
and a thorough clinical examination
are required to assess the implant
diameter and length. Proper function
and esthetics dictate that implants need
to be inserted with the end in view. This
means working backwards with the
teeth first in place.

D

ental Implants have changed the
face of dentistry over the last 25
years. Once, millions of people
who lost teeth due to various
reasons were forced to wear dentures,
while others who had perfectly healthy
and natural teeth prepared for crowns
and bridges. Today, these individuals
have an extremely advantageous
choice… this is the option to choose
dental implants!
To implant, as defined in a dictionary,
is to insert something or to fit or set
something small into something larger,
which then encases it. A present day
dental implant is just that: a component
made in titanium of different grades
(only the best) that is inserted into teeth
supporting part of the jaw bone and
sometimes other areas of the jaws.
Implants are the best choice when a
single tooth or multiple teeth are missing.
Preparing natural teeth for crown and
bridgework risks jeopardizing a tooth in
the long term and if an option is to wear
a removable denture, there can be some
amount of inconvenience for various
reasons. The inconveniences with
wearing dentures include discomfort
and/or irritation of the gums and mouth,
mouth infections and problems with

speaking and eating among other
issues. Of note, is that even with these
issues, there are possible solutions.
An implant is meant to support teeth.
This is done through a biologic process
called
osseointegration
(normally
needs between 10 to 14 weeks), which
forms an intimate bond to bone strong
enough to support a removable or fixed
prosthesis in the form of artificial teeth
when loaded as in eating.
Implants are convenient, durable;
improve eating, speech and oral
hygiene when compared to other
choices. They enjoy very high success
rates. They feel like you have your own
teeth back. Implants are not biologically
completely similar to natural teeth. They
do not have a periodontal ligament
that surrounds them. The surface that
contacts an implant is bone unlike in
a tooth where a periodontal ligament
intervenes. Despite this, they function
and adapt just like natural teeth do.

Precision and proper care are
mandatory for long term successes and
state of the art jaw scans using Cone
Beam Computerized Tomography are
used to evaluate proximity of anatomic
structures such as the maxillary
sinus and nerves, as well as, the
density, height and thickness of bone.
Complications are extremely rare when
such important parameters are selected
in evaluation.
If you have lost a tooth or a few teeth
and would prefer to get implants, here
are a few points to consider:
Research: Prior to making your visit to
see your dentist, do some research so
as to inform yourself as to the type of
questions you should ask about implants
and possible alternative procedures.
Professional Opinion: Always seek
a professional consultation in order to
get an evaluation, accurate information
on whether implants are required,
what the process entails (physically
and financially) and answers to any
questions that you may have in general
about your dental health.

For an implant adequate bone is
required. Often, this is present and
the insertion of the implant is a
straightforward procedure for dental
practitioners such as periodontists,
implantologists and oral surgeons as

After The Bell

June 2014

37