DENTAL IMPLANTS: Advances in Modern Dental Treatments

Of all the recent advances in modern dentistry, implant dentistry probably stands head and shoulders above the rest. Not only has it helped millions of people worldwide, in terms of cosmetics and function but also psychologically, by preventing the ignominy of oral handicap. Also it has played a major role in rehabilitating patients with major facial defects following cancer surgery or surgery to correct birth defects, by way of orbital, nasal, auricular prosthesis. 

Dental Implant restorations have the highest survival rate compared to any other prosthesis (fixed or removable dentures) to replace missing teeth. They do not decay like natural teeth or require endodontic (root canal) treatment. They are also less prone to fracture and resist periodontal disease better than natural teeth. The number of dental implants used in the United States increased more than ten fold from 1983 to 2007. 

Instead of grinding healthy adjacent natural teeth and making a fixed bridge, the teeth should ideally be replaced by an implant supported fixed restorations. 

All reports in the literature clearly indicate a higher survival rate for implant supported restoration when compared to fixed partial dentures supported by natural teeth. 

Bone needs stimulation to maintain its form and density. A removable partial or complete denture does not stimulate and maintain bone; on the contrary it accelerates bone loss. 

A denture transfers load to the bone surface only with the result blood supply to the bone is affected and total bone volume loss occurs. Dental Implants, similar to natural teeth transfer stress and strain to the bone surrounding the teeth resulting in higher density and maintenance of the overall volume of bone. 

The speaker will highlight how implants can improve the quality of life.