What are Dental implants?
Dental Implant is the most popular option for replacing your missing tooth or teeth. In the past decade, they have unquestionably changed the direction of dentistry
A dental implant is essentially a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone below the gum line. Then the implantologist will place a crown on top of the surgically inserted Titanium implant To ensure that it looks like a natural tooth.
Tooth Implants will also function as a natural tooth rather than just looking good and feeling real.
Dental implants have gained popularity due to their numerous benefits. Unlike traditional dental bridges or dentures, dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, thus preserving healthy teeth and preventing further damage. Moreover, dental implants are long-lasting and durable, with a success rate of over 95%. They are easy to maintain and clean, and with proper oral care, can last a lifetime. Dental implants also offer greater comfort and convenience, as they do not require any adhesives or special cleaning solutions.
With all these advantages, dental implants have become the go-to solution for those with missing teeth, offering not just a cosmetic fix, but a comprehensive dental restoration. They have transformed the way dentists approach tooth replacement, providing a more natural, comfortable, and reliable alternative to traditional options. As a result, more and more patients are opting for dental implants to improve their oral health, restore their confidence, and enhance their quality of life.
Why Dental Implants
To replace a single missing tooth:
If a tooth is lost due to injury, decay, or other reasons, a dental implant can be used to replace it. The implant is placed in the jawbone and topped with a crown, which looks and functions like a natural tooth.
To support a bridge
If multiple adjacent teeth are missing, a dental bridge can be used to fill the gap. The bridge is supported by dental implants on either side of the gap, which provide a stable foundation for the replacement teeth.
To support a denture
For people who have lost all or most of their teeth, dentures can be used to replace them. Dental implants can be used to support the denture, providing a more stable and comfortable fit.
Tooth decay
In cases where a tooth is too damaged by decay to be restored with a filling or crown, it may need to be extracted. Dental implants can be used to replace the missing tooth, preventing the adjacent teeth from shifting and maintaining the integrity of the bite.
Jawbone loss
The jawbone deteriorates over time when a tooth is missing. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing further bone loss and helping to maintain the shape and structure of the face.
Periodontal disease
Advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, as well as bone and gum tissue damage. Dental implants can help to stabilize the remaining teeth and prevent further bone loss.
Why Dental Implants
Functionality
Dental implants help in providing a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth / Artificial teeth. Unlike dentures, which can slip or move around in the mouth, implants stay in place and allow for natural chewing and speaking.
Aesthetics
Implants are by design made to look and feel like natural teeth. They can be customized to match the color, size, and shape of your existing teeth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Longevity
With decent care, dental implants will last for years or even a lifetime. This makes them a good investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
Convenience
Unlike dentures, which require messy adhesives and regular adjustments, implants are a permanent solution that requires no special care beyond regular brushing and flossing.
Bone preservation
Dental implants help to stimulate the bone and prevent further deterioration of bone When a tooth is lost. tooth Implants can help to maintain the structure of the face and prevent a sunken-in appearance.
Step-by-Step Dental Implants procedure
1. Planning and Procedure
Various specialists may be involved in the planning process for dental implants. The process may involve
Comprehensive and detailed dental examination: Dental X-rays, 3D images, and models of your teeth and jaw will be created.
Review your medical background. Any history of medical issues, along with a prescription, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements, should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor might advise taking antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection if you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants.
Plan of treatment. Complete customization is done at this level. The number of teeth that needed to be replaced and other aspects like jawbone and teeth health are discussed in this step.
2. Implant Placement
Modern dental techniques make it possible to perform the implant placement procedure painlessly and comfortably. Concerned patients may also request sedation from the dentist to feel at ease during the placement of a dental implant.
Initially, minor surgery is made to expose the bone and the bone is drilled deep to place the titanium implant.
In situations, where the bone is too weak or not strong enough to support implant surgery, the doctor may recommend bone grafting.
After that, a temporary crown is placed to fill the gap. The patient must wait until the bone has fully healed for further procedure
3. Healing phase
The jawbone will expand and fuse with the dental implant’s surface during this process. This process, also known as osseointegration, aids in providing a sturdy foundation for the new artificial tooth, similar to what the roots do for natural teeth.
Depending on the structure and health of the bones, this process typically takes between three and six months. However, when patients have healthy bone structures, the entire procedure can be finished in a single day.
To determine whether the implant is suitable for the second surgery, your dentists will take an x-ray.
The second procedure will be less complicated than the first, in which a new incision is made to expose the implant heads.
4. Abutment placement
A metal extender known as an abutment is bolstered to the implant. This could happen either during the initial procedure or a subsequent small procedure performed under local anesthetic.
The replacement tooth is joined to the implant using abutments.
The surgeon might have to make an incision If gum tissue has developed over the implant during the second procedure. To safeguard the implant from gum tissue growing and covering it, a healing cap on top of the implant.
The healing cap will be taken off during the second procedure, and the dental implant will then be screwed with the abutment. Following that, the gum tissue will naturally grow around the abutment.
the gums are then left to heal. after the healing process, further procedures will be done.
5. Placement of the replacement tooth
Once the healing is completed, the impression of your teeth is taken to match the replacement tooth or teeth will match the surface texture, color, and anatomy of the rest of the natural and healthy teeth.
The replacement teeth can be fixed or removable accordingly to the patient’s wish.
If you choose a removable tooth, it will be fixed to an abutment using a metal frame. this type of tooth can be extracted at home for cleaning.
If you choose a fixed tooth, it will be screwed or cemented onto the abutment permanently.
The new replacement teeth will both look and feel like natural teeth. It has to be taken care of by brushing and flossing as usual. There is no need for any Special material or tools for its cleaning.
Don’t forget to schedule routine dental checkups as well. Tell your dentist if you experience any of the following in your mouth:
- persistent discomfort
- severe discomfort
- bleeding
- swelling
- uneven bite