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. I use three implant systems and I will recommend the most appropriate system for your clinical case. For more information please visit
Ankylos
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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.
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