There are many tooth replacement options for individuals who have experienced tooth loss. While the best option depends on the extent of tooth loss, dental implants are a versatile, reliable, and long-lasting solution that can be combine with other treatments and are widely recommend by dental professionals.
They provide a suitable foundation for tooth replacement structures like crowns, bridges, or even dentures.With implant-assisted procedures, patients can typically resume normal oral functions, which helps improve their quality of life and boosts confidence.
This article outlines everything you need to consider about dental implants, including the procedure, types of dental implants, and effective aftercare tips.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are essentially titanium or ceramic screws that are affix into the jaw via a surgical procedure. The screw-like body of the implant is firmly embedd within the jawbone and gums and supports an artificial tooth or abutment.
The dental implant post is design to effectively stand in for a tooth’s roots.
Dental implants can also serve as supportive anchors for dentures and bridgework, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of these treatments. If the extent of tooth loss is leading to ill-fitting dentures or dental bridges, a dentist may recommend an implant-supported tooth replacement procedure.
Implants can be use to replace one or more teeth, depending on your specific case, oral health goals, and budget. For example, individuals being treat for severe head or jaw trauma or types of cancer may need multiple implants. However, individuals looking for a cosmetic replacement option may need only one, with the possibility of additional procedures.
Should You Get an Implant?
You may be an ideal candidate for an implant procedure if you:
- Have satisfactory oral health
- Have a relatively healthy jawbone structure
- Have healthy gum tissue
- Don’t suffer from pre-existing health conditions that may hinder your recovery period
- Don’t smoke
- Can commit to the often lengthy procedure
The Types of Dental Implants
There are two types of dental implants. These are as follows:
Endosteal (in the bone):
Endosteal implants are the standard type of dental implants, consisting of cylinders, screws, or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants are an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures, supporting one or more prosthetic teeth.
Subperiosteal (on the bone):
These implants are design for patients who cannot wear conventional dentures and have lower bone density or strength. Subperiosteal implants are place on top of the bone, featuring a metal framework that attaches to the gum to support the prosthesis.
Implants are further differentiate based on the time for the procedure to be complete:
Conventional Implants:
This option is suitable for anyone looking to replace one, multiple, or all missing teeth with a permanent restoration procedure. This type of implant is typically perform in two stages, requiring approximately two visits to your dentist over a period of 3 to 4 months.
Immediate Implants:
These are also known as same-day implants because the dental implants are place on the same day as the extraction of teeth. They are typically recommend for patients with healthy jawbones. However, bridges, crowns, or dentures may not be replace during the same visit, depending on whether the immediately loaded implant can be perform.
Immediate Loaded Implants:
These are the procedures where the permanent or temporary crowns, bridges, or dentures are place during the same visit as when the dental implants are embed in the jaws.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental Implants offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for restorative dentistry. The following are some key benefits of the procedure:
- Better Chewing and Talking Ability: Other replacement options like dentures may hinder a person’s ability to chew and talk efficiently. Because implants are firmly affix to the jaw, they don’t slide out or shift while a person chews or speaks.
- Increased Comfort: Your gums will eventually shift to accommodate for missing teeth. This works against other replacement options like bridges or dentures. Should your gums reshape themselves, a denture can quickly cause discomfort and slip or move more often. This can often even cause chaffing and discomfort. An implant fills the gap for a more permanent and long-lasting solution
- Better Oral Hygiene: Gaps in the gum provide perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. An implant prevents this issue and keeps the surrounding teeth and gums healthy.
- Keeps Adjacent Teeth Stable: An implant prevents other natural teeth from shifting or decaying, preserving face structure and oral health.
- Improved Quality of Life: Dental implants are usually affix with abutments that look identical to natural teeth. They also preserve jaw structure, boosting confidence. Usually, missing teeth can have a severe impact on the jawbone. An implant stabilizes the area, preserving structure and preventing premature weakening. This minimizes the chances of future dental complications as well.
Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step
A dental implant procedure usually requires more than one dedicated procedure. It may involve various specialists, including a periodontist, an otolaryngologist (a doctor specializing in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat), a prosthodontist (a specialist with expertise in designing prosthetic teeth), and an oral surgeon.
Preparation
The process begins with a full review of the patient’s medical history, including previous procedures, existing medical conditions, and ongoing medication.
The specialists will also typically conduct a full dental exam and take scans or oral X-rays. Post a thorough review; they will draw up a treatment plan with the patient.
Surgical Procedures
Dental implant surgery is done in stages and varies by case. The stages are usually as follows:
- Removal of the decayed teeth (if required)
- Bone graft surgery (if required): If the jawbone shows significant weakness or degradation, a bone graft surgery is usually conduct. This involves implanting natural or synthetic material to stimulate bone growth, thereby creating a suitable foundation for an implant. This process may take several months.
- Implant placement: The surgeon peels back the gum to reveal the bone underneath before drilling a hole into it. The implant is then place and affix before the gums are close up again. The bone is then allow to develop around the implant. During this time, the implant rod may be cover with a temporary cap.
- Connector placement: The connector or abutment for the artificial tooth is attach to the implant structure and allowed to heal for about two weeks.
- Placement of new artificial tooth: Patients can typically choose between removable and fixed teeth. Removable teeth resemble traditional dentures, but they attach to a metal frame connected to the implant abutment. In contrast, fix teeth are permanently screw or cemented onto the abutment.
Risks and Considerations
Although dental implant surgery can offer numerous benefits, there are some important considerations with the procedure:
- There is a small chance of damage to the surrounding teeth if the procedure is administered inappropriately
- There is a chance of injury during the procedure (fractures or bruising)
- Some patients report feeling looseness or that the implanted tooth doesn’t “fit” in well
- Pre-existing health conditions or surgical error may cause implant failure, leading to the body rejecting the implant. This is likelier in patients who smoke or have diabetes.
Recovery and Aftercare
Regardless of the number of procedures a patient undergoes, there are some typical symptoms that manifest post-surgery. These include:
- Localised swelling and bruising
- Some pain at the implant site and general discomfort
- Minor bleeding
Your oral health provider will prescribe appropriate medication to help you manage the pain. A few days post-surgery, you may be recommend to eat soft and cold foods, but patients can typically return to their routine in 3 to 7 days.
In the long term, it is advisable to take care of the implanted teeth. They require the same cleaning routine as natural teeth, and it is best to have frequent check-ups to ensure they are functioning as intended.
The Best Tooth Restoration Option
Understanding the types of dental implants and considerations with the procedure can be helpful in determining whether an implant procedure is good for you, but you should ultimately make this decision in consultation with a qualified periodontal doctor.
Periodontal Specialists offer advanced care for a variety of periodontal issues across its many locations. Our experienced specialists can guide you on the different types of dental implants and help you make the best choice for your oral health.
If you’re looking to revolutionize your oral health, book an appointment at your nearest center.
