Skye Marshall
Advancement is a word that you might be tired of hearing everywhere in Houston because technology has taken over the traditional methods of all the processes that used to happen. Dental implant technology has transformed the missing teeth that have been replaced in recent years. This has given an advantage in providing patients with durable and natural solutions.
Now, no matter how much technology you have and with what level of accuracy you perform the procedure, there is one thing in which the scope of advancement is much less. The factor in the play here is the healing time, which can take up to months as the implant fuses with the bone throughout the process. This is where a dentist in Houston can help you.
As technology continues to evolve, many people have raised concerns with their dentists. In the future, advancements will focus on reducing healing time and improving the materials and techniques used in implant procedures.
What Is The Current State of Implant Technology?
Modern dental implants are said to be engineered in such a manner that they mimic natural teeth in both appearance and oral functionality. They are literally made from biocompatible materials such as titanium or zirconia. These implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone, and once they are placed, they start acting as anchors for the artificial teeth.
One of the key factors that influence the healing time is the material used in the implant itself. Now, you might be wondering what the most common choice is that can fuse well with the bone and reduce the healing time. Currently, titanium holds the torch because it is the most common choice due to its high biocompatibility and ability to fuse well with bone.
- Surface Engineering
With the help of processes like plasma spraying or sandblasting, manufacturers are trying to modify the surface of the implants in order to promote faster bone growth. These techniques are made to increase the implant surface area and improve the mechanical stability that can be established between the implant and the bone.
- Bioceramics and Nanomaterials
There are new materials in play, like bioceramics, zirconia implants, and nanostructured surfaces, which are showing a lot of progress in reducing the overall healing time. Nanotechnology, in particular, can create a microenvironment on the implant surface that will encourage quicker bone cell attachment and ensure the healing process speeds up in the particular region.
What Are The Challenges Faced in the Healing Process?
The main factor that contributes to the extended healing time after dental implant surgery is Osseointegration. This is the biological process that involves the fusion of the implant with the surrounding bone in order to ensure stability and functionality. No matter how good the implantation process was, there are factors that can slow the process of healing.
- Bone Density
Patients with low bone density are very likely to experience slower healing times. This is simply because the implant takes a good amount of time to integrate with the bone. In some cases, bone grafts are required to ensure that a solid foundation for the implant is there, which can help extend the healing period.
- Smoking and Health Issues
The one human-made reason why there can be an interruption in blood flow and healing is smoking. This can interfere with blood flow and healing, which prolongs the recovery process and increases the risk of implant failure. This also applies to health issues like diabetes.
- Bone Grafts and Complications
There are patients who will need bone grafts or sinus lifts. For this kind of patient, the healing time will be extended, and it can go up to several for the implant to actually be fully loaded with a prosthetic. There is a chance of complications if this process is tried to speed up.
