If you have lost a tooth, then you may decide to work with your dentist so a replacement can be secured. Replacement teeth are either permanent or removable structures and a dental implant is a good choice if you want a permanent tooth. Dental implants are secured deep in the jaw through a very careful process. Sometimes, this process involves the use of advanced technology, tools, and implements. These types of things can greatly improve your chances of retaining the dental implant for many years. Keep reading to find out about a few of the tools and devices that your dentist should be using.

Advanced Imaging

Before a dental implant can be placed in your mouth, your oral surgeon will need to plan out the procedure in a relatively precise manner. Not only will the dentist need to figure out how much space is available to secure the dental implant root in the jaw, but he or she will need to make sure that the jaw is thick and healthy enough. Also, your dentist will need to make sure that all nerves, blood vessels, healthy dental roots, sinus cavities, glands, and other structures are avoided.

Many dentists use both x-ray images and CT scans to map out the location of all structures that lie near the implant area. Unfortunately, imagery may not be immediately clear and several flat images may need to be used together to locate bodily structures. Imagery difficulties and dental implant complications can both be avoided if your dentist decides to use cone beam imaging.

Cone Beam Imaging

Cone beam imaging is a type of three-dimensional imaging that involves the use of radiation like traditional x-rays and CT scans. You will be asked to sit in front of the cone beam machine and a device will move around the head. Many different images or pictures will be taken as the machine operates and the pictures are stitched together to create a complete three-dimensional image of your head and jaw.

Once the cone beam imaging is completed, your dentist will be able to use a special type of computer program that will allow him or her to interact with the picture. The professional can then take a closer look at structures of your head and dental implant planning can take place in a much more controlled and precise manner.

Progressive Implant Roots

One of the most important factors that determines the longevity of a dental implant involves the oseointegration between the implant root and the jaw. Oseointegration occurs as the jaw bone starts to heal and new cells collect and adhere to the implant root. Dental professionals try to limit jaw bone damage to advance oseointegration, and they also use textured implant roots. Generally, the titanium metal across the implant is either sandblasted or acid etched. Very small openings are created with texturing techniques and bone cells can then move inside the root device a small amount.

Unfortunately, textured dental implants can cause some issues with the overgrowth of gum tissues. Also, dental implant devices that contain small openings may become weak over time.

Surface Charged Implants

Your dentist can avoid healing issues and long term implant weaknesses by adding a surface charged device to your mouth. A surface charged dental implant is a root that contains either a positively or negatively charged coating. The coating sits over the titanium metal and the electrical charge will attract bone cells directly to the root. This means that oseointegration will start very soon after the implant is secured and a strong bond will be created between the implant and the jaw.  

Surface charged dental implants are considered a very new technology, so ask your dental professional if it is possible to use one of these devices.

If you want a dental implant to replace a tooth, then your dental professional will make sure that the device is as secure as possible. This may mean that advanced types of technology are used like the two examples outlined in this article.