Dental implants: restoring a missing tooth

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Extract from the article: An implant is a type of titanium screw, fixed in the bone like the root of a natural tooth. The implant allows the missing tooth to be replaced without affecting the other teeth. This is why...

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An implant is a type of titanium screw, fixed in the bone like the root of a natural tooth. The implant allows the missing tooth to be replaced without affecting the other teeth. This is why the practitioner adapts the length, diameter and shape to the clinical case using a high-performance radiological examination: 3D or scanner.

The implant protocol

First of all, the practitioner needs to gain access to the bone, freeing the gum. To do this, he makes an incision using a scalpel, then lifts the gum to give a clear view of the operating field. Today, 3D scanners that reproduce the precise anatomy of the jawbone on a computer allow much less invasive surgery in common cases (the so-called ‘flapless’ technique). Implantology is an essential breakthrough that has improved the lives of thousands of patients. In fact, it is often the best solution because it avoids the unnecessary sacrifice of healthy teeth. It's the only way of avoiding a removable prosthesis. Patients regain the comfort of their original teeth and therefore an incomparable quality of life. The result is optimal aesthetics and avoids the bone loss associated with tooth extraction.

In short, a dental implant is the ideal solution if one or more teeth are missing. This means that almost everyone can benefit from a replacement tooth, with the same appearance and function as a natural tooth. However, it is important to have fully developed bone tissue beforehand. This explains why dental implants are not normally fitted to people under the age of 18.

The logistic implant uses drills of the appropriate diameter to prepare the space in the bone. The implant penetrates the bone with slight force. This stabilises the implant. Once the implant has been placed, the osseointegration phase takes place. Unlike the tooth, the implant is completely fixed, i.e. ankylosed in the bone. The loading of the implant is generally deferred to allow for the osseointegration phase (from several weeks to several months). A crown will then be placed on the implant, which will act like an artificial root.

The ‘SOS DENTISTE’ dental practice was the first to introduce implantology in Togo. After several training courses, notably in France, the first implant to be fitted in Togo was performed by Dr Georges Tokofai, a dental surgeon, on 21 January 2009. The specialist regularly fits dental implants. To ensure the safety of this particular type of surgery, a surgical clean room (surgical block) is specially reserved for him within the practice.

William O.

Article validated by Dr Georges Tokofai, Dental Surgeon, Head of the Lomé International Dental Centre (CDIL)