Monday, November 2, 2015

The Physics of Dental Implants


This summer I worked at a dental office and often assisted the periodontist who places implants regularly. Placing an implant requires knowledge of physics because torque and other concepts of rotational motion are important in order to successfully place an implant that will last. I recall one patient receiving an implant that was knowledgeable about torque and physics. He was very interested in the instruments and the procedure. Force, lever arm, and perpendicular angle are the key aspects related to torque. Each of these is evident in the placement of implants.

The below video demonstrates how a dentist might use a tool to insert or remove an implant.



However most often, dentists use high speed handpieces to place implants.




Based on what we know about torque, it is clear that the torque of the high speed handpiece is important to properly place the implant. The special drill designed for each implant ensures there will be enough forces to keep the implant in the bone when the implant is placed. Each implant has specific torque guidelines that dentists must understand when they operate their high speed handpieces and choose the rpm for the selected drill and implant. We know: Στ = Iα. The speed of the handpiece is relevant because the α, angular acceleration, is also important.

This video also demonstrates the importance of rotational motion because each step of the way requires the high-speed handpiece in order to create space in the bone to place the implant. Handpieces often have speeds between 250,000 and 450,000 rpm.

It is important that the implant is sturdy and long lasting for safety and customer satisfaction (no one actually likes to go to the dentist…). The successful placement of an implant is actually a several month process that includes many steps depending on if the patient has bone loss in the area and if the implant is a good fit.  


Dentistry and dental instrument design are great examples of careers that involve physics in the interest of better human health.




21 comments:

  1. Thanks for your article and video about the physics of dental implants. You make a great point about how you need to know about torque. Since implants are placed in bone, you need enough force to make sure that it is secure, but not too much force to damage the tissue. Thanks again for your vids. I'm a very visual learner and they help me understand things better. http://www.tomsealdds.com/Dental-Procedures-Kirkland-WA.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow ! Nice Blog... Thanks for this. Aava Dental provide the best
    Dental Crowns services For tooth treatment for you and your family.
    You Can also get more services from Aava Dental like :- dental
    implants Woodland Hills
    , dentist beverly hills , beverly hills
    dentistry

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just as an illustration your mini dental implant dental surgeon could position extra bone via grafting techniques. sinus lift chicago

    ReplyDelete
  4. If you want to replace your tooth and want the best dental implant services then you can visit our centre. We provide the best best dental implant treatment in Ludhiana with which you can get your healthy smile back.

    ReplyDelete
  5. If you are looking for best Dental clinic for dental implant treatment in India, you can choose Clinic by Choice website to find the best clinic. You can get the list of top most well-renowned dentists.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your design of the blog is really eye-catching. More over the content is also very productive. Information you have provided is really very beneficial.

    Find a dentist in Chandigarh

    ReplyDelete
  7. I havent any word to appreciate this post..... i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us.
    wisdom tooth extraction

    ReplyDelete
  8. The worst part of it was that the software only worked intermittently and the data was not accurate. You obviously canot confront anyone about what you have discovered if the information is not right. all on four dental implants cost

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello people! I'd like to ask if you know some affordable dental implants Preston. Do you have any ideas? Thanks for your advice!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The worst part of it was that the software only worked intermittently and the data was not accurate. You obviously canot confront anyone about what you have discovered if the information is not right. affordable dental implants melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  11. I was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. prosmiles.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Implants are really useful and they are the way to create beautiful smile. But implants are expensive. A discount dental plan could cost you less and save you more than traditional insurance on the same amount of dental work. DentalSave offers stand alone dental discount plans NV .

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is a well done post regarding on teeth implant. Better to keep on posting with this blog so readers must take good care of their teeth.
    dentists brighton

    ReplyDelete
  14. With so many books and articles coming up to give gateway to make-money-online field and confusing reader even more on the actual way of earning money, http://www.prosmiles.com.au/all-on-4-dental-implants/all-on-4-costs/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Implant dentistry is one of those groundbreaking discoveries, that can help you get rid of your multiple missing teeth with a greater ease. With aid of the best dental implants in San Diego, you can procure the smile of your dreams, with a lot more ease.

    ReplyDelete
  16. With aid of affordable dental implants San Diego, you can devoid of your missing teeth. You can lose your confidence to a great extent due to your missing teeth. Hence, before it takes a huge toll on your confidence, make sure to fix it with implant dentistry offered by the best dentists in San Diego.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Find and Compare Clinics & Doctors abroad - Connect directly with Doctors, Get quotes and Bookings now via our medical tourism packages.
    All-on-6 Dental Implant

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.