What is an Implantologist?
Implantology is the study and practice of placing dental implants. Any licensed dentist with proper training in implant dentistry can be considered an implantologist. While there is no recognized specialty of implant dentistry or implantology, it does typically require substantial post-graduate education and experience. There are international organisations, such as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) that provide implantologists with advanced education and credentials.
Implantology is unique in that it does not fall into one particular category of dental specialties because it involves both surgical and prosthetic components. This is one reason perhaps, why earlier this year the American Academy of Implant Dentistry advised consumers interested in implants that proper training and experience are critical for successful outcomes.
Who needs a dental implant?
People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results. Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. Recent studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95 percent for lower jaw implants and 90 percent for upper jaw implants. Implants can last many years if cared for properly; many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.
Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a dental crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.
How does it work?
Today’s dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process by which direct anchorage of a dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs.
Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal, at which point your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown or bridge. Thanks to modern implant technology, missing one, several or many teeth doesn’t have to mean a life of denture pain, embarrassment, inconvenience, diet restriction or appearance concerns. Dental implants are making the world smile a little bigger and a lot more. Come and see us and we can guide you through the options.