When someone looses a permanent tooth their chewing function is affected, which in turn can compromise jawbone strength and alignment of the other teeth. The alignment of the teeth is a major factor in a proper functioning bite and consequently affects the bones, joints and muscles in our head, neck and jaws. Loss of teeth can lead to pain affecting the entire head, misalignment of the remaining teeth and forced changes to our eating habits. These are the reasons why a dentist will prescribe tooth replacement procedure whenever a tooth is lost. Bridges, full and partial dentures and dental implants are techniques and materials that can be used to restore a patient’s bite. But, implants are the only method that can preserve jawbone integrity because the implant fixture restores both the tooth and the root. Teeth have three layers - the outermost layer is the enamel, the softer tissues in the middle are called the dentin and the core of the tooth contains the softest layer called the pulp which consists of bone marrow and blood vessels and nerves.

A dental implant is in some ways just like an ordinary tooth, because it has a root portion and a crown that works and looks like the enamel and dentin part of the tooth. Implant fixtures themselves vary in size, but all require surgical implantation into the jawbone. A period of osseointegration must occur, when the fixture fuses to the surrounding bone, which can take three to six months. When the anchor is firmly integrated into the jawbone, a crown is put onto it. Dental statistics have shown that the implant procedure is successful in ninety-five percent of the cases in the upper jaw and ninety percent cases in the lower jaw. The majority of the dentists think that the lower density of the upper jaw bone is the main cause behind the slightly lower success rate, preventing successful osseointegration.

Dental implants are not suitable for everyone, and the eligibility of a patient for the procedure can only be determined by a qualified dentist or dental surgeon. The space available and the condition of the jaw bone are factors which influence the decision. Sometimes dental surgeons will suggest a “mini-implant” instead, which has a much smaller anchor and is just partially inserted into the jawbone. Mini-implants are better suited to replacing smaller teeth or acting as anchors for dentures and overdentures.

The patients who undergo implant placement should maintain a regular dental hygiene routine, because the soft tissues (gums) around the implants are as vulnerable to bacterial infection as those surrounding natural teeth.