Dental implants are a method of providing fixed teeth to areas of the mouth where teeth have been lost.

A Swedish anatomist Professor Branemark initiated the science behind implantology. He discovered in the late 1950’s that bone cells stick to titanium. He applied his discovery to the development of a titanium type screw, which he called a fixture (implant). His first implants were placed into the lower jaw of a human in 1965. The implants were buried and uncovered after they had osseointegrated (bonded) to the bone. The teeth were constructed and screwed to the implants. Professor Branemark carried out a number of years of research and development before implantology, as we know it today was established.

During the early 1980’s the science of implantology was first established in a few centres around the world. Today implant dentistry is available in many specialist and general practice settings. Our knowledge and understanding of the science of implantology has lead to significant developments in implant design and application to enable higher success and cosmetic control of the final restoration.

There are now a number of types of implants available to dentists, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The system, which I primarily use, is the 3i osseotite implant. Visit the 3i web site. A significant advantage of the 3i implant is the osseotite double etched surface, which significantly improves the bone implant contact and reduces the time necessary for integration of the implant to the bone.

The osseotite implant has a significant amount of long term research available dealing with all aspects of implant provision and is one of the leading implants used in the world today.

When implants are placed into the bone and they have become integrated they act as artificial roots onto which conventional crown and bridgework can be placed.

Implants can be used in a variety of clinical situations form a single to tooth to a whole mouth. They are also used to support conventional dentures.

Implant dentistry is rapidly changing, I hope that we will see though future research, the development of affordable bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP’s), stem cell research, and bone replacement by using an inert matrix alone rather than the need to use the patients hip, jaw bone or the need to use bone from human or bovine sources.