DENTAL IMPLANTS
Many lose their teeth every year, most frequently due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or trauma. And to restore the lost teeth the only available treatments before were dentures and bridges. But dental implant is an available option now.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (metal screw) that is implanted into the jaw to support a bridge or prosthetic tooth. Implant is held in place by the bone that develops around it. Titanium is mainly used to create the implant. But some dental implants are ceramic.
What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?
➥ Esthetic function : Dentalimplants mimic your natural teeth in appearance and feel. They also become permanent since they are made to merge with bone.
➥ Phonetic function : The teeth of ill-fitting dentures may slide about in your mouth, causing you to struggle while speaking. With dental implants you will not be worrying that your teeth could slide.
➥ Enhanced comfort : dental implants can restore your smile and improve your self-confidence.
➥ Masticatory function : Chewing may be challenging with sliding dentures. Dental implants restore and resemble the function of your natural teeth.
➥ Enhance dental health : Replacing missing teeth without reducing your adjacent teeth. (Dental bridges need that this be done). More of your natural teeth are left unaltered to support the implant, enhancing your dental health over the long run.
➥ Durability :Implants have a long lifespan and are quite durable.
➥ Convenience :Dentures no longer need to be removed or be secured in place with adhesives thanks to dental implants.
Individual implants make it simpler to clean in between teeth. also, cavities cannot form on dental implants (However, they are still susceptible to gum disease, so maintaining proper dental hygiene is still vital.
types of dental implants
Endosseous Implants
They are the most popular kind of implant. The jawbone is where these dental implants are inserted. It can take many different shapes, such as surgically implanted screws, cylinders, or blades in the jawbone. Patients who use removable dentures or bridges can consider this type of implant as an option.
Subperiosteal
This kind of implant is a framework fit and rests on the top of the jaw and is held in place by metal posts that protrude through the gum. Patients who are unable to wear traditional dentures and lack sufficient bone height to support an endosteal implant typically utilize subperiosteal implants.
Intramucosal (submucosal) Implants
They are implants placed into receptor sites in oral mucosa to gain denture stability. And there is going to be a mushroom shaped titanium projection fastened to the tissue surface of partial or complete denture that will help plug the denture.
Dental Implant Treatment strategy
Dental Implant specialist will develop a specific treatment strategy for you based on your unique condition and the kind of implant you decide to use.
Options for treatment approaches
➥ Dental implants for a single tooth : is used in case of a single lost tooth.
➥ Dental implants that can replace several teeth : can replace all of your lost teeth in one jaw or both jaws if you are missing all of your teeth.
➥ Full mouth dental implants : dental implants can restore your smile and improve your self-confidence.
➥ Sinus enhancement :proximity to the sinus is one of the challenges to dental implants. This issue can be resolved via sinus augmentation, which raises the sinus floor and creates bone that can support dental implants.
➥ Ridge Modification :You may not have enough bone in your jaw to support dental implants. In that case the gum is pulled away from the ridge to reveal the gap where the bone is lacking in order to fix the issue. After that, bone or a bone substitute is used to fill the space in order to create the ridge.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
- The overall health and oral health are good.
- Jawbone is strong enough to sustain the implant.
- Gingiva is in good condition and has no periodontal disease.
Who is not a candidate for dental implants?
- People under 18 years old. (Jaw hasn’t reached its final size.)
- Heavy smoking.
- Severe bone loss in the jaw.
- Bad oral hygiene.
- Having gum or periodontal disease
- Medical issues, such as (autoimmune illnesses or bone abnormalities).
Consult your dentist and give him a full medical history to learn for sure if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Is Getting a Dental Implant Painful, or Can It Be Done Pain-Free?
The installation of dental implants requires surgery. It’s common to feel some soreness after surgery. However, NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help lessen the discomfort and swelling related to dental implant surgery.
By staying away from the gym for a few days, you can lower your likelihood of experiencing discomfort.
Before getting Implants
➥ Dentalimplants mimic your natural teeth in appearance and feel. They also become permanent since they are made to merge with bone.You should Give your dentist a list of all the drugs and supplements you are currently using. If you take an anticoagulant, it’s so important to let your dentist know. Whether you need to stop taking any drugs will be decided by your dentist in consultation with your physician.
➥ To guarantee implant success, make sure you’ve recently had regular checkup and blood testing.
➥ To offer your dentist or dental professional a good image of where to place the implant, you must first have scans and x-rays taken
steps of dental implant
Dental implant treatment is carried out over several months in phases:
➥ To ensure that you are pain-free throughout the procedure, they will provide a local anesthetic. You can also have the procedure done under general anesthesia if you choose that option.
➥ Your jawbone will be cut by your surgeon using a variety of sophisticated tools. They will enlarge the hole until your new dental implant can fit perfectly through it.
➥ Set the dental implant in place. Then the dental implant will be inserted into your jaw by your surgeon.
➥ Finally, your surgeon will realign your gums and sew up the wound.
➥ The procedures for placing dental implants are typically the same for everyone. Dental implant and restoration (crown or bridge) may be placed in the same procedure. However, in the majority of cases, your dentist won’t put a final restoration until the implant has healed for a few months. In these situations, your dentist can create a temporary repair for you to wear during the healing process that is often removable.
After the surgery
➥ Don’t touch your gums for 24 hours to avoid contaminating the surgical site.
➥ Avoid chewy or hard foods.
➥ When cleaning your teeth twice a day, avoid pressure on the surgical site.
➥ Drink plenty of water.
➥ Take the medications that your dentist has prescribed for you to decrease any pain while the healing process is taking place.
➥ Avoid smoking.
➥ Frequently see your implantologist, especially in the first three months after the treatment. After the recovery is complete, checkups should still be done every six months.
healing process after dental implant surgery
most patients can return to their regular activities in around three days but the healing time can vary. jawbone may still need a few months to fuse around the implant. Osteointegration is a crucial procedure for the long-term success of your dental implant.
Your dentist will continue to monitor your bone development. It is safe to install the restoration once the dental implant has bonded to your jaw. An implant may fail if a dental restoration is inserted too soon.
dental implants lifespan
Dental implants are currently the most durable tooth replacement. They may last a lifetime if properly maintained. Your dental implant may require replacement of the restoration that is on top of it. Dentures typically last at least seven years while crowns and bridges typically last approximately 15 years, although these times can vary.
risks or complications of dental implants
like any surgical procedure. Potential dangers include:
➥ Avoid chewy or hard foods.
➥ Sinus injury.
➥ nerve harm.
➥ implant implantation gone wrong.
➥ Titanium allergy (very uncommon).
Implant placement by a skilled Implant specialist carries a low risk of problems. Be sure to select a provider you can trust if you’re thinking about obtaining dental implants
How safe are dental implants?
When they are implanted by a qualified and experienced specialist, dental implants are safe. Dental implants can be a permanent solution to tooth loss.
But you should maintain your implant the same way you maintain your other teeth by brushing teeth twice daily and using floss or interdental brushes to clean in between the implant and your other teeth.
You should also have frequent dental checkups and get treated if you have swelling or irritation.