Missing a tooth or multiple teeth can be a daunting experience, but there's a solution - dental implants. This article will provide a complete guide to dental implants, including how they work, the different types of implant scenarios, and whether you are a suitable candidate. Let's start by understanding what dental implants are.
A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium that serves as a replacement for the root of a missing natural tooth. The biocompatibility of titanium allows the dental implant to fuse with the bone and provide a secure anchor for the replacement tooth. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are crucial for maintaining dental implants just like natural teeth. Certain factors such as smoking and chronic conditions like diabetes can decrease the success rate and delay healing.
Evaluating the health of your gums, teeth, and bone through X-rays is essential to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. Patients taking intravenous or oral bisphosphonates may be at a higher risk for osteonecrosis, which results from a lack of blood supply to the bone, and dental implants may be contraindicated.
To replace a single missing tooth, a dental implant can be used without affecting the adjacent teeth, unlike a traditional dental bridge.
There are two options for replacing all teeth with dental implants.
Involves placing a full set of implants (up to 8 on the upper jaw and at least 6 on the lower jaw) and using zirconium crowns on the upper and lower jaws.
Involves placing 4 implants on the upper and lower jaws, followed by the use of a click system acrylic cast denture that snaps onto the implants.
To prepare the jawbone for dental implant placement, a bone augmentation procedure may be necessary when the jawbone has significantly decreased in strength and thickness due to a long period of tooth loss.
In cases where there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw, a sinus lift procedure may be required to raise the sinus floor and provide sufficient space for the placement of dental implants.
Before having the procedure, a full oral examination will be performed by your dentist and oral surgeon. OPG (panoramic x-ray) or CT scan of the patient will also be evaluated before the consultation. These are used to analyse the density of the bone where the implant(s) will be placed. Local anaesthesia is adequate for this procedure as the only pain you experience is the prick of the anaesthesia needle and some amount of pressure.
Please remember to eat and drink fluids (non-alcoholic) as normal before the procedure, do not miss breakfast and take all of your medications at normal times.
Once your dentist is assured that your jawbone is healthy enough to receive an implant, the gum tissue is opened and a channel is created deep into the bone to place the implant with a special drill under local anaesthesia.
Depending on the density and anatomic structure of the bone your dentist will choose the type as well as the length of the implant. The implant is then placed in the channel and the gum is sutured or stitched back. In some cases, your dentist may not close the gum and place an abutment directly on to the implant.
If you already use a denture, you will continue to use it during the healing process, otherwise, a temporary prosthesis might be placed. Current dentures might be adjusted to fit better when needed.
The healing time is usually 3 to 6 months. During the healing period, the implant fuses to the bone and acts like a natural tooth root. Upon successful osseointegration, which is the structural connection that forms between your natural jawbone and the titanium implant, you move forward to the next phase.
The gum is re-opened to expose the implant. Then an abutment is screwed and tightened to the dental implant using special dental equipment. After this is done, a temporary crown is placed onto the abutment as the abutment needs to be protected from biting forces to ensure successful healing. The temporary crown is used for a few days until the permanent crown is ready.
Dental implants provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth with success rates of around 95%. If you are considering dental implants, it's important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine if you are a suitable candidate, and discuss the specific details of the treatment, including duration and cost. Smile with confidence once again by choosing dental implants as your replacement option for missing teeth.
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