Dental Implants

Usually, individuals who have lost one or more teeth are embarrassed to smile or speak confidently. They might eventually develop unhealthy eating habits if it becomes difficult to chew the food. This could result in secondary health issues over time. Dental implants are thus a full-mouth restorative alternative for those who have lost their teeth.

Dental implants are not simply dentures. They can work as artificial roots to enable full function while also slowing or preventing jawbone loss. These implants also help to stimulate and preserve the jawbone. This helps to avoid bone loss and provides supporting face features.

Types of Dental Implants

The two common types of dental implants include;

Endosteal implants (in the bone): These are the most prevalent form of implants. It involves implanting a variety of screws, blades, and cylinders surgically implanted in the jawbone. One or more prosthetic teeth are held in place by each implant. This type of implant is typically utilized as a replacement for bridges or removable dentures in patients.

Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are mounted on the top of the jaw, while the metal framework's posts protrude from the gum to keep the prosthesis in place. Patients who cannot wear conventional dentures and have small bone height are candidates for these implants.

Benefits of the Dental Implants

Dental implants can help you look better, speak more clearly, and eat more effectively. The dentists can recommend using dental implants to secure removable or permanent dental bridges as well as dentures.

Implants do not require adhesives like those used to keep dentures in place because they are permanent. Also, as opposed to dental bridges, which need the removal of sections of surrounding teeth, all the good teeth remain intact. What’s more, cavities do not form on dental implants.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth roots. The titanium of the implants integrates with the jawbone, so they will not slip, produce any sounds, or lead to bone damage like dentures or fixed bridgework. The materials are also impervious to deterioration, unlike the teeth supporting the standard bridgework.

Dental implants may be appropriate for you if you:

Have one or more teeth that are missing
Have a jawbone that has grown to its full capacity
Have enough bone to hold the implants in place or can undergo a bone graft
Have healthy and robust oral tissues.
Do not have any health issues that could interfere with bone recovery
Cannot wear dental implants dentures, or you don't want to wear them.
Intend to improve your speaking capability
Are ready to commit to the process for several months
Do not use tobacco

How to Prepare for Dental Implants Procedure

Since dental implants need one or more surgical operations, you should undergo a detailed examination to prepare for the operation. This could include the following;

All-inclusive dental examination: This includes dental x-rays, 3-dimensional photographs, and models of your jaw and teeth.

Examine your medical records: Any health issues you have and any drugs you are taking, including prescription or over-the-counter medications and supplements, should be disclosed to your doctor. Antibiotics may be prescribed before the procedure if you have cardiac issues or orthopedic implants to help avoid infection.

Treatment strategy: This plan is customized to your needs, considering how many teeth you have to replace and the state of the remaining teeth and jawbone.

Local anesthetic, sedation, or general anesthesia can be used for pain control during surgery. Consult your dentist to determine which choice is appropriate for you. Based on the type of anesthetic you have, the dental care team will instruct you on what to eat and drink before the procedure. Have someone drive you home after treatment if you are having general anesthesia or sedation.

How Dental Implants Procedure is done

The dental implant procedure takes several months to complete. A dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist, and the dentist can perform the operation. The majority of surgical treatments are fast (about an hour) and uses local anesthetic. The dental implants procedures include the following;

Tooth removal:

The dental surgeon will start by removing the problematic tooth. A bone graft and membrane are frequently used at the time of extraction to make sure that enough bone is present when the implant is put. The bone transplant and membrane are safe to use because they originate from a donor bank. They trigger the body to create bone in the place where the tooth was extracted.

Implantation:

After the region heals for about three months, the dental surgeon puts the dental implant in the location where the tooth is missing. Several drills are used in the procedure, which is similar to getting a filling complete. It usually takes three months for the implant to recover.

Temporary teeth:

At times, a temporary tooth might be attached to the implant during insertion or after it has healed.

Permanent teeth or dentures:

The dentist will create this by taking molds of the teeth or scanning the mouth and sending the scans or models to a dental laboratory. After a few weeks, you will return to have the permanent abutment (connection piece) and tooth placement on the implant.

Choosing the new artificial teeth:

More impressions of the mouth, as well as the remaining teeth, will be taken immediately after your gums recover. The crown, which is a real-looking prosthetic tooth, is made from these impressions. The jawbone must be robust enough to provide support to the new tooth before the crown can be fitted.

Both you and the dentist can select between fixed, removable, or a combination of the two artificial teeth;

Removable: This form, which may be partial or complete, is the same as the traditional removable denture. It has white prosthetic teeth that are bordered by pink plastic gum. It snaps into position and is installed on a metal frame that is connected to the implant abutment. It's typically simple to take out for repairs or regular cleaning.

Fixed: An artificial tooth is permanently screwed or glued onto a person’s implant abutment in this type. This means that one cannot take out the tooth for cleaning or while sleeping. Every crown is usually linked to its dental implant. But, since the implants are so sturdy, they can replace many teeth if they are bridged together.

What Happens After Dental Implants Procedure?

You might have some of the common discomforts associated with any form of dental surgery. This is regardless of whether you have a dental implant in one or numerous phases. They include;

Swollen face and gums
Bruising of the gums and skin
Pain at the area of the implant
Mild bleeding

Following the implant, you might require pain medicine or antibiotics. See your oral surgeon if the dental implants pain, discomfort, swelling, or any other condition worsens in the days after the treatment.

As the surgical area heals, you might need to consume soft foods after every stage of the procedure. In most cases, the surgeon uses self-dissolving sutures. Alternatively, you will have to return to the clinic to have your stitches removed if they aren't self-dissolving.

Dental Implants Results

The majority of dental implants are usually successful. However, the bone may fail to fuse well to the metal implant in some cases. For instance, smoking has been linked to implant failure and other problems. In case the bone does not fuse properly, the implant is taken out. The bone is then cleansed, and the procedure is repeated in about three months.

If you do the following, your dental treatment, as well as your natural teeth, will last longer;

Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Keep the implants, artificial teeth, and gum tissue clean just like the natural teeth.
Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Schedule regular dental visits to make sure the health and good progress of the implants, and follow the professional cleaning instructions.
Stay away from harmful habits. Chewing hard things like ice and hard sweets can destroy your crowns or even your healthy teeth. Refrain from tobacco and caffeine products that discolor teeth. In case you grind your teeth, seek medical help.

Possible Risks and Complications of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an essentially risk-free treatment option for lost or missing teeth. The implant has a 5 percent possibility of rejection. This means it will be loose or get infected and will need to be removed. When the implants are replaced in these circumstances, there are 90 percent or more chances of working.

Additionally, there is a slight danger of harm to the nerves that feed the face and gums. However, this risk can be minimized with proper planning.

Conclusion

Dental implants are an excellent way to restore lost teeth with naturally-looking prosthetics. Implants are used to hold replacement teeth in place. When dental implants are put, they fuse with your jawbone. You can as well have a permanent dental crown with an implant.

Dental bridges and dentures, whether permanent or removable, can also be secured by implants. Your dentist will help you decide if dental implants are right for you.