Not all dental implants are the same


Dental implants have been known to exist for more than 2000 years according to historians. Earliest known implants took the form of carved stones evolving to carved ivory, casted metal and eventually into titanium placed in place of the extracted tooth, drilled screwed or hammered into place.  Modern day dental implants were pioneered by a Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Branemark in the early 1980’s, and are surgically placed in the jaw. They are known as endosseous or root-form implants made of titanium.  Once placed, they become fused to the bone, and the implant fixture or fixtures can be used to restore a tooth, several teeth or all the teeth by either, cementing, attaching by screws, or having a detachable appliance that snaps into place. There are several components and instruments needed in order to restore a dental implant fixture.

There is no denying the fact that implants are successful and last many years when properly maintained by your dentist.  Because of their success, new implant companies are sprouting up all over the world with new companies appearing on the horizon every year! Just like in the auto industry, each company has different parts, sets of instruments and tools in order to “work” on their product.  However, just like any other industry, implant companies do fail and go out of business. So these “specials” that you see advertised may not end up to be such a good bargain given the test of time.

So what makes a good implant system? A long track record is one criterion to use. Another gauge is worldwide appeal and availability. Regional and smaller companies have good clinical success also, but due to lack of acceptance, they may not survive, and their components and instrumentation would become difficult or impossible to obtain should problems arise. Successful implant companies can be found worldwide and have other companies copying their design. This makes componentry and instrumentation more readily available.

Patients that have artificial joints usually get a document that informs them the manufacturer, lot and reference number to what have been placed. This valuable information will allow another physician anywhere in the world to treat this patient should a problem or defects arise.

 Dental implant fixtures should be treated in the same manner. A document should be provided to you by the treating dentist that specifies which company, type, size, reference, and lot number of the dental implant placed. Granted that few problems occur with dental implants, but should something occur, any dentist with the proper information anywhere in the world would be able to obtain the necessary componentry and instrumentation to treat you.

Be informed. Discuss with your dentist what system would be best for you. Obtain proper documentation to what implant has been placed. Unlike an automobile, when it gets old and breaks down, you cannot just go out and trade it in for a new one. Once an implant fixture fuses to the bone, it would be difficult to remove and replace with a different fixture. Being able to obtain the necessary parts and instruments to treat them is vital.

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