What is an implant?
An implant is a type of screw from an alloy called titanium. It is inserted in the bone in the area of the missing tooth. Its job is to serve as a root upon which the crown of the tooth is constructed. One implant may be installed to replace a tooth that was extracted. 6-10 implants are necessary to rehabilitate an entire jaw. 2-4 implants serve as a meaningful addition to strengthen the grip and stability of dentures.

Who can benefit from the revolution in implants?
Implants most greatly benefit those who do not have teeth who can now refrain from using dentures.  There is a very large population that wears dentures. Many suffer from instability of the denture, especially in the lower jaw. The installation of a small number of implants can greatly improve the stability and grip of the denture and greatly improve the quality of life of the patients by improving their speech, their eating, their aesthetic appearance, and their self image.

People with partially missing teeth can complete the missing teeth without necessity of a bridge, which harms nearby teeth. Another advantage is the possibility of refraining from desperate attempts of saving teeth that are doomed as was done in the past. Now there is a solution with meaningfully high percentages of success.

Who is suitable for treatment?
Implants necessitate examination of suitability and correct planning of each case. Most of the population is suitable for this treatment.

There are cases where this treatment must be avoided: patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, heavy smokers, diabetes patients who are not balanced, patients suffering from problems with blood clotting, patients suffering from high blood pressure that is not balanced, patients with active gum disease, and others.

When the patient is balanced, the information is qualified by blood tests done in cooperation with the treating doctor, then, usually, it is possible to apply implant treatment.

Besides medical problems, implants are not done in patients under the age of 18 since the development of the jaw is not complete.

No Age Too Late for Implants
There is no limitation on implants at an old age. The opposite is the case. Most of the patients are youths in their 90's who invest in their quality of life! Like they say until 120!

How to refrain from risks in implants?
In order to successfully undergo implant treatment, the dentist must take several factors into consideration:

The availability of bone and its density, width and depth must be examined.

.In order to avoid risks, a CT must be done to illustrate the exact location of anatomic constructs and to measure the availability of the bone.

Is treatment involving implants accompanied by intense pain?
Absolutely not!

Many people refrain from having implant treatment because of rumors regarding intense pain accompanying the treatment. This is not true. Implant treatment is done under local anesthesia, similar to the anesthesia done before a cavity is filled. Most patients report only slight sensitivity in the area of the implant, and often of feeling no sensitivity at all.

How long does the process of implant insertion and rehabilitation take?

The Traditional Method

This method is divided into 2 parts:

1 The implant installation itself, where the implant is inserted into the bone. Following the insertion, a period of healing and bone growth is allowed for about 4 months. In these months, the new bone grows around the implant allowing for bone- implant binding, and the implant becomes buried under the gums.

2 The implant is exposed and the construct is attached. This is a short surgical procedure in which the implant is exposed and the construct, which constitutes the base on which the crown is built, is attached.

Immediate Loading

The development of technology has brought with it the demand for "here and right now" which has not skipped over the realm of implants. The demand to shorten the waiting time between the healing stages has brought about less strict protocols. In this method, on the day of the insertion of the implants, the reconstruction is attached to the implants. This method has been in practice for several years now, and is successful mostly in the lower jaw due to higher bone density there. Suitable cases must be selected carefully, where the necessary clinical conditions exist, and the situation has been weighed seriously.

Upkeep of Implants
The environment of the mouth is very hostile due to high amounts of germs and the great chewing forces. Like all dental treatment, in order to ensure long-term success of the rehabilitation and the implants, the dentist must perform appropriate rehabilitation that will allow deep cleaning by the patient. The patient must also be instructed on oral hygiene. The patients must maintain a daily upkeep routine and visit for check-ups at least once a year.

To Summarize
The first rule of medicine is: "first of all, don't harm the patient". The aim of the implants is to reconstruct lost teeth and to allow the patient to function in comfort and to regain aesthetic form. Risks exist in every type of dental care; however, the rate of success in implants is very high in cases of good bone availability. In more deteriorated conditions, these success rates decrease. The success of the rehabilitation on implants begins with proper planning and making the right treatment choices for each patient.