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Although implant dentistry has been around for decades, many people are just hearing about it for the first time. To help you learn more about this exciting field of advanced dentistry, we’ve put together this brief guide for you. Keep reading to learn all about implants.
Understanding Dental Implants
In simple terms, dental implants are prosthetics that are implanted into your jaw bone. The bone actually ossifies around the “roots” or base of the implant, making it a practically permanent structure in your mouth. Then, a crown or cap is placed on top of the implant. In some cases, an entire bridge can be placed on the implant, or implants can be used to anchor dentures in the mouth.
Looking at the History of Implant Dentistry
In some ways, implant dentistry is an ancient art. Egyptians used copper pegs, Celtics used fake iron teeth, and ancient Chinese people implanted bamboo teeth. In modern times, dentists started to make metal implants in the 1950s and 1960s, but implant dentistry really gained steam in the 1980s.
At that point, the most popular implants consisted of a small titanium post that went into the jaw bone along with a porcelain cap for the top of the post. This was a multi-step procedure that took several months to complete.
Preparing for Changes to Implant Dentistry
As implant dentistry has gotten more popular, it has also changed a lot. Now, instead of using a two-step process, many dentists are turning to all-in-one implants. These implants combine the post and the dental prosthetic in a single piece. Similarly, some dentists are using same-day implants where the entire implant can be installed in a single day.
Other changes include using different types of metal or ceramics to accommodate people with allergies and using computer aided design to ensure a better fit. Our offices feature 3D CT scan and virtual surgical planning to ensure you get the best smile for you. Our dental implant experts are also using platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment to speed up healing during the implant process. Some modern oral surgeons are doing bone grafts so they can offer implants to patients who wouldn’t normally be candidates.
Training for Implant Dentistry
All dentists can handle dental implants, but most general dentists refer this work to a specialist. Ideally, before choosing someone to do your implants, you should also ensure that they have hands-on experience and a long list of happy clients. Additionally, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dentists should have at least 300 hours of postdoctoral or continuing education to be considered experts in implant dentistry. The oral surgeons at Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery are Board Certified experts in dental implants.
Turning to Implant Dentistry
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may want to turn to implant dentistry. The process always starts with a consultation where the dentist looks at your mouth and helps you decide if implants are right for you. Then, you make the appointment to get the work done, and as explained above, that can be accomplished in a single appointment or over a few months, depending on your unique situation.
To ask questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery today. As the only office in the state of Georgia that is AAAHC certified, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and surgical dental procedures including implant dentistry.