A Dental implant is a structure that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. The implant is surgically inserted into the bone. It acts like an anchor for an artificial tooth called a ‘crown’. It may be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all missing teeth.

The Dental implant procedure is a single-stage or two-stage procedure depending on the bone quality and quantity and also any underlying medical conditions. Conventional implant methodology involved waiting for 3- 4 months after implant placement for the final crown.

But with advanced dental implant techniques, this waiting period has come down from a few months to a few hours. The patient regains function and esthetics immediately in 2-3 days.

The procedure is extremely safe if performed by a qualified surgeon on any patient with good health status.

Dental Implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person’s ability to chew or for their appearance. They provide support for artificial (fake) teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

A dental implant is a structure that replaces a missing tooth. With screw-like devices, the surgeon inserts an implant into the jawbone, and it acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth, called a crown.

When a tooth is lost due to injury or disease, a person can experience complications such as rapid bone loss, defective speech, or changes to chewing patterns that result in discomfort. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and health.

Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don’t allow building dentures or bridgework tooth replacements.

To be a good candidate to receive a Dental Implant, you will need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to caring for your mouth and ensuring meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Why it’s done-

The crown is custom-made to fit the person’s mouth and match the color of their teeth. Crowns look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

 In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process
• Don’t smoke tobacco

Recommendations for patients-

Before choosing dental implants, talk to your dental provider about the potential benefits and risks, and whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

Things to consider:

• Your overall health is an important factor in determining whether you are a good candidate for dental implants, how long it will take to heal, and how long the implant may stay in place.
• Ask your dental provider what brand and model of dental implant system is being used and keep this information for your records.
• Smoking may affect the healing process and decrease the long-term success of the implant.
• The healing process for the implant body may take several months or longer, during which time you typically have a temporary abutment in place of the tooth.

After the dental implant procedure:

• Carefully follow the oral hygiene instructions given to you by your dental provider. Regularly cleaning the implant and surrounding teeth is very important for the long-term success of the implant.
• Schedule regular visits with your dental provider.
• If your implant feels loose or painful, tell your dental provider right away.

 Types of Dental Implants

There are two types of dental implant: endosteal and subperiosteal.

Endosteal implants are the most common type. A surgeon embeds them in the jawbone, and each can hold one or more artificial teeth.

A surgeon affixes a subperiosteal implant on top of the jawbone. Dental surgeons choose this option for people who do not have much height in their jawbones.

Benefits and risks-

Dental implants can significantly improve the quality of life and the health of a person who needs them.

Benefits of Dental Implant Systems

• Restores the ability to chew
• Restores cosmetic appearance
• Helps keep the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss
• Preserves the health of the surrounding bone and gums
• Helps keep adjacent (nearby) teeth stable
• Improves quality of life

What you can expect from Dental Implant-

Dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient surgery performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. The process of placing a dental implant involves multiple steps, including:

• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed
• Dental implant placement
• Bone growth and healing
• Abutment placement
• Artificial tooth placement

Maintenance-

After a person has undergone dental implant surgery, they must continue to brush and floss their teeth regularly. Artificial teeth require the same care and maintenance as regular teeth.

The surgeon or dentist will also schedule follow-up visits to monitor the implants and make sure that the teeth and gums are healthy. It is important to return to the dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings.

Result-

Most dental implants are successful. Sometimes, however, the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. Smoking, for example, may contribute to implant failure and complications.

You can help your dental work — and remaining natural teeth — last longer if you:

• Practice excellent oral hygiene: Just as with your natural teeth, keep implants, artificial teeth, and gum tissue clean. Specially designed brushes, such as an interdental brush that slides between teeth, can help clean the nooks and crannies around teeth, gums, and metal posts.
• See your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure the health and proper functioning of your implants and follow the advice for professional cleanings.
• Avoid damaging habits: Don’t chew hard items, such as ice and hard candy, which can break your crowns — or your natural teeth. Avoid tooth-staining tobacco and caffeine products. Get treatment if you grind your teeth.

At our Centre, we offer a comprehensive treatment plan to all our patients taking into account all factors such as their general health status, bone quality, gum health, esthetic requirements, etc.