Implants

A “root replica” or a “root form” implant is a titanium fixture inserted in the jaw to act as a tooth root and anchors a restoration (single crown, bridge, or denture). The final restoration looks, feels, & functions like a natural tooth.

They replace missing tooth roots and form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants also help preserve the remaining bone by providing the stimulation previously provided by the natural tooth roots & prevent future bone loss.

OSSEOINTEGRATION

“A direct structural & functional connection between bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant”(Branemark 1960)
Fibro-osseous integration

-soft tissue (fibers) interposed between the implant surface & bone

Bio integration

-implant is covered with bioactive material like hydroxyapatite

PERI-IMPLANT MUCOSA

Dense lamina propria covered by stratified squamous keratinized epithelium
Implant-epithelium junction is analogous to the JE

Epithelial cells attach to the titanium implant by means of hemi desmosomes &basal lamina
Sulcus around implant lined by sulcular epithelium

Indications for Implants

Replace one or more teeth as single units
Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a partial denture

For completely edentulous patients with advanced ridge resorption.
Prevent bone loss and gum recession.
For partially edentulous arches where RPD weakens the abutment

Improve overall psychological health
Improve aesthetic appearance of the teeth and mouth (Enhance patient confidence in smiling/speaking)
Eliminate need to involve adjacent teeth.

Contraindications to Dental Implants

Longer duration of treatment.
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking and alcohol abuse
Implant procedures may be emotionally challenging for some patients
Bruxism is a significant component of failed implants.
Severe bone loss
Patients with systemic disorders especially that of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems are not good candidates for implants.
High dose irradiation.
Patients with seriously compromised immune systems and other diseases that may slow the healing process are not good candidates.