by Mercedus Long

Created on: February 02, 2010   Last Updated: February 03, 2010

The replacement of missing teeth is not a new concept. There has been evidence of dental implants found in a Mayan woman that dates back to about 600A.D. It was previously thought that the shells used to replace three mandibular (lower) incisors had been placed after death. It was later revealed that the bone growth around the shells showed that they had been placed during the woman's lifetime.

Today, dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth and multiple teeth. This is a surgical procedure generally performed by an Oral Maxillo-Facial Surgeon or even by some general dentists. It is important to receive an evaluation of the bone in the site(s) in which the implant will be placed. If there is not an adequate amount of bone, it may be necessary to receive a bone graft prior to the implant procedure. All patients are not qualified candidates for dental implants simply because they lack the quality or quantity of bone needed to support an implant in the first place.

A bone graft is a procedure in which real or synthetic bone material is placed in the site of the implant. Grafting material may also be used after the extraction of the tooth to help improve a patients chance in developing enough bone to support an implant. This is extremely important because if there is not enough bone to support an implant, the procedure cannot be performed. After having a bone graft, the patient is required to have anywhere between one to three follow up appointments to ensure the material integrates properly and improves bone quality.

Having proved yourself qualified to have a dental implant, now it is time to discuss how many you may need. Single implants are a simple procedure that generally only requires the use of a local anesthetic. Three incisions in the area of the implant will expose the underlying bone (leaving the flap available to cover the implant for healing). A drill is then used to place the screw(implant) into the bone. After a few months the implant will be exposed and the patient is almost ready to have the crown(the part of the tooth that is visible)placed on top.

For patients needing to replace several teeth, the use of grafting material may be essential. Once this is complete, an additional evaluation will be needed to determine how many implants will be placed and where. The use of multiple implants is a method used to reduce cost by those who need to replace multiple teeth, especially those who need to replace the full upper or lower set. The procedure is essentially the same with only minor variations.

The general guidelines of healing suggested is about three months for the mandibular (lower) jaw and six months for the maxillary (upper) jaw. However, many patients are ready to have dentures or bridges constructed in as little as four months. As with any surgery, there is a risk of failure. This is generally an extremely small percentage of the overall implant surgeries performed and can be replaced at no cost.

Always be sure to check your dental coverage when considering this type of cosmetic procedure. To most insurance companies, dental implants are considered cosmetic. While many plans will cover the resulting crowns, bridges or dentures, dental implants themselves may not be covered. Talk with your dental professional about payment plans or financing options available. With the proper planning and correct treatment, you will soon have a smile you can be proud of.

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