When dental implants were first researched in the 1950s in the U.K. no one realised what an innovation they would become. In Sweden in 1965 the first operation was successfully carried out. The research revealed a natural process called Osseointergration, this occurs when bone and a foreign material are put together. It involves the bone forming naturally around the implants and becoming part of it, this allows the implant to become as natural to the mouth as a tooth’s root would be. First of all though the dentist needs to carry out some tests, these involve digital photos and x-rays, measurements and colour coding. The patient needs to have a wide strong jaw bone to take the implant, so the tests are vital. If the tests come back O.K. and in most cases they do, then the surgeon will call you back and start the treatment. They will start by cutting into the gum line in the gap, then sliding the implant under the gum; they will screw it down using self tappers or drill holes to allow them to glue an implant that has cylinders attached. The gum line is stitched up and the whole area is left for the Osseointergration to complete, this can take from three to six months to complete, and at the end of the process the implant will be part of the jaw bone. The next stage is to attach the studs that will hold the artificial teeth in place, this is called an abutment and is also made of titanium to keep infection away. In the meantime an orthodontist will be busy making the tooth or teeth that will sit on the abutment. More that one can be placed on the same implant. The artificial teeth are made from a ceramic material that is very hard wear, and can be brushed and flossed just like a real tooth. They take a few weeks to adjust to and get your mode of chewing food with, but they will last you a lifetime. They can also be replaced when they suffer from wear and tear or become accidentally damaged, chipped or cracked. Your dentist will clean them at your six monthly visits as they will clean your natural teeth from tartar and bacteria build up. It is expensive in the short term, but remember that an implant needs no special looking after and you can simply forget that it is an artificial tooth.