OsseoSpeedÇ—¢ Dental Implant

OsseoSpeedÇ—¢ Dental Implant
19 Apr 2005
WSOCTV.com
Dental Implants A dental implant is an anchor used to replace one or more natural teeth. A lost tooth creates more than a cosmetic problem. The gap may lead to problems with speech and chewing. Extra pressure may be placed on the jaw and cause jaw pain. Remaining teeth may shift to fill in the space. Plaque can build-up in the space, increasing the risk of nearby tooth decay and gum disease.
A dental implant is a cylinder-like device that replaces the root of the tooth (the part below the gum line that holds the tooth in place). It ultimately acts as an anchor to hold a man-made tooth in position.
Placement of the implant and artificial tooth/teeth is usually done in three steps over several months. First, the implant is surgically placed into the jaw. An incision is made through the top of the gum and the device is inserted into the bone. A small section of the implant protrudes above the bone. The implant is then recovered with gum tissue to allow the device to fuse with the bone (this process is called osseointegration). It can take three to six months for adequate fusion to occur.
In the next step, the gum is moved away and an extension post is attached to the top of the implant. Once the area is healed, the final stage can begin. A custom-made crown (one that matches the size, shape and color of the original tooth) is attached to the post. The new "tooth" looks and functions like the real tooth.
Dental implants fit securely in the mouth. The success rates for implants is very high about 95 percent for implants in the front of the lower jaw and 85 percent for those in the rear and sides of the upper jaw. Dental implants preserve the bone and gum tissue. And unlike a bridge, adjacent teeth don't need to be altered to attach the implant.
OsseoSpeedÇ—¢ Dental Implant Researchers have developed a new process that leads to faster bone growth after placement of a dental implant. The system starts with a titanium implant containing a special TiOblastÇ—¢ surface. By itself, the TiOblast surface has been shown to promote faster bone growth. But scientists have gone one step further, by chemically modifying the surface of the TiOblast implant with fluoride, in a process called OsseoSpeedÇ—¢.
The OsseoSpeed process promotes even faster bone growth after placement of the implant leading to quick formation of a strong bond between the implant and bone. The outcome is so good, dental professionals can place a temporary "tooth" right after the implant surgery. Manufacturer research shows the implant is 30 to 50 percent stronger than traditional titanium implants without the OsseoSpeed process. The patient is ready for placement of a permanent artificial tooth after about three months of healing time.
The OsseoSpeed implant was first developed in Europe and has been in use there for several years. In June 2003 Astra Tech, Inc. received 510(k) approval from the FDA to market the system in the U.S. Dentists in this country are just beginning to make use of the device. Cost of implant surgery with the OsseoSpeed system is about $1,200 to $1,500. The system may be ideal for patients who have lower bone density and may not be candidates for a traditional dental implant.