The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-05-23
METAL ROOT FOR TEETH
New System of Replacing Decayed
NIoIars Make Them Last Forever.

An opera ton said by the author to
be las audaciou and revolutionary in
dentistry as were the discovery and
use of wireless telegraphy, radium and
X-rays in their particular fields of
science DR.. Greenfield implants teeth
upon artificial roots of iridio- platinum,
which, he asserts, are practically per
manent. The bony tissue of the Jaw
unites in and around the structure or
the metal root, so that his artificial
teeth rest on what is virtually foun-
dation of REINFORCED bone, the re-
enforcement consisting, just as in the
case of concrete of a metal skeleton
imbedded in the bony mass OF the Jaw.
The invention was due to the unSatis-
factory results of the fmplanta ton OF
natural teeth, the implanted natural
root usually absorbing in few years.
The metallic substitute was suggested
by the use of silver wire sutures by
surgeons to reduce features. He says:
This new process of implantatlon Is
no less than the making of few cir
cular incisions in the jawbone, insert
ing properly prepared artificial roots
of iridioplatinum, and mounting on each
a base or anchorage, to which can be
attached a full set of permanent, nat
ural appearing teeth, capable OF render
ing as good and efficient service as
those endowed by nature at her best.
Perhaps the greatest convenience to
dentists in this new process is the TACT
that the spiint is unnecessary. For fll-
ing the vacancy caused by the loss OF
single tooth, what better method could
be employed? No splint will be needed,
and the adjacent teeth will not have to
be mutilated in order to serve as an
chorages or abutments; the artificial
root eliminating all that. Besides, the
mechanical phase of this wonderful pro-
cess is utterly simple that it Will
be readily understood. and proficiency
;r, i+e x1rfH he nr1iRE
all who desire to use it.
The artificial root used for this pro-
cess is a hollow, latticed cylinder of
iridioplatinum No. "a gauge, soldered
with 24-carat gold. 1t is impervious
to acids. and does not injure the tissue
which grows about it. The disk-shaped
cast base with groove or slot, in which
the crown attachment is inserted, is
made of 22-carat gold and is soldered
to the metal frame of the root.
Special machinery is necessary for
cutting and shaping these roots. Alb
solute accuracy is essential, for the
artificial root must fit exactly the cir
cular incision or socket made for it in
the jawbore of the patient.
In the course of a week or ten days
after operating, sensitiveness has large
ly abated, and in six weeks time-rare-
ly longer-the bony tissues of the jaw
have united through the latticed root
structure, and a positive anchorage is
provided for the attachment of the ar
tificial denture.
By means of the bony core which the
trephine produces in making the in
cision or root-socket, the artificial root
after being placed in position, will be
held firmly until a sufficient deposit of
bone cells has filed the spaces in the
root-frame. Thus the artificial root be-
comes solidly imbedded in the jaw.
This bony center of the root-socket
Of he of ia IN 10
cess of this process of implantation. 1t
assures the fit of the artificial root in
the socket trephined for it, and an alb
solutely accurate and certain fit is de-
cidedly essential to permanence and
endurance.
Without this core or center splints
would be necessary, but with it there
are practically no limits to the prosthe-
tic appliances available. 1t is this
feature of the process which makes it
So inviting and interesting to all mem
hers of the profession. especially when
with the results of the implanta ton of
natural teeth The implanted natural
tooth fails because of the rarefying in
Illumination which occurs at the seat of
implantation.
The conditions limiting the use of
these metal roots. the inventor tells u.s.
are few If the patients health is bad
or if the bony structure of his jaw is
diseased, the method is sometimes in
advisable. The author concludes:
The operation must not be placed in
the same class as all other implanta-
tions, nor should it be anticipated that
this process comes to the same end as
do all other implantations. No fear is
to be entertained that infection will
occur. If a solid body is inserted in
the maxilla there would be room for
infection to set in around it, but in
this operation a cage-like, hollow cylin-
der is inserted in a circular socket in
the maxilla. This is open all the way
up clear to the gum, and the circula-
ton carries away any bacteria, which
might otherwise be destructive. This
is one of the main features in the sue |
ceSS of this PROCESS of artificial-rOnt |