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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