Introduction to implant dentistry

Abstract

Dentistry aims at replacing missing teeth since it was first recognized as a profession. For centuries, dental practitioners have relied on their own skills and various artifacts to develop esthetic and functional alternatives to minimize sequelae that occur as a result of edentulism. Partial, complete, fixed, or removable dentures are by far the most commonly used forms of tooth replacement applied. In other words, these devices have been incorporated into the oral cavity anchored on either remaining teeth and/or other anatomical structures. Only scarce archeological reports have demonstrated attempts of incorporating prosthetic devices into the jaws as more natural and functional replacements. However, predictability of these methods was not achieved until recently.