DENTAL IMPLANTS

​What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are screw-like titanium devices inserted within the jawbone, similar to the root of a tooth. Over time, they are fused to the jaw bone via osseointegration, just like the tooth’s root. They are the best tooth replacement treatment option for replacing a single tooth or many teeth. On top of the implant, an abutment connects it to a dental crown. 

Why is a Dental implant required?

After your teeth are lost, the adjacent teeth and teeth in the other jaw move from their place to cover the space of the missing teeth, 

which can result in the area lost for the replacement of missing teeth and multiple problems for the teeth which have moved, such as decay and gum diseases. Extensive treatment plans or tooth extraction may be necessary to rectify the alignment of misaligned teeth.

Are Dental Implants worth it?

After you have lost a single tooth or multiple teeth, replacing missing teeth should be your priority. Dental implants because of their high success rate, long-lasting capability for up to a lifetime, and ability to tolerate heavy forces. They do not wear off like other treatment options, such as dental bridges, crowns, and dentures.

Dental Implant Benefits

• They have the high success rates
• Decreased risk of decay and sensitivity on adjacent teeth
• Easy to clean the in-between surfaces of teeth
• Improved jawbone health
• Improved esthetics
• Easier eating and chewing ability
• Decrease risk of loss of adjacent tooth
• Psychological advantage

Dental Implants Process

Your dentist will review your complete medical and oral history to rule out any conditions that increase your risk for implant failures, such as:

• Heavy smoking
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Severe gum diseases
• Head and neck radiotherapy for cancer treatment
• Intravenous Bisphosphonate use
• Recent myocardial infarction
• Titanium allergy
• Immunosuppression
• Uncontrolled Bleeding problems

Some X-rays of the site where the implant is required and the adjacent tooth are necessary to determine where they are fit for implant placement.

CBCT examinations are required after the X-ray analysis to determine the detailed analysis of bone’s quality and quantity present. As well as the length, width and height of the bone at the implant site and a detailed analysis of critical structures and their distance from the implant are preserved during the implant placement.

If the bone level is inadequate, it may require bone grafting. However, this is usually only needed if a missing tooth has not been replaced for a long time.

Natural bone grafts include autogenous bone grafts obtained from elsewhere in the body, such as the mouth or chin. Allograft bone grafts are acquired from another person, and xenograft bone grafts are taken from an animal and used for grafting. After the bone is evaluated, the number and location of implants are determined, then the surgical procedure for implant placement is carried out.

An incision is created in the gum to expose the bone for drilling with continuous irrigation. With controlled speed and heat, a cavity of particular depth is produced. The implant is put within the recess with steady force, and the gums are sewn together. 

After about one week, your dentist will check the site of implant placement to rule out any implant infection known as peri-implantitis, 

and an x-ray is performed to determine the status of the implant. 

The implant must be undisturbed for six months for osseointegration, the fusion of the implant to the bone, to occur. After six months, the insertion of a crown, bridge, or denture occurs, essentially the second phase in the therapy.

Are implants painful?

Implant placement requires total numbing of your teeth with an anesthetic. After the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some discomfort, which may be lessened or prevented by taking painkillers as prescribed by your dentist shortly after the anesthesia wears off. The discomfort may linger for 3-5 days, and there may be swelling, which will subside in 2-3 days.

Are dental implants safe?

It is an entirely safe procedure that has been used successfully for many years. There is no significant risk or complication associated with implants. All critical structures such as maxillary sinus, teeth, nerves, and blood vessels expected to be near the implant are carefully evaluated before, during, and after the procedure to avoid complications.

Will a Dental implant stop bone loss?

Dental implants stop bone loss because they stimulate the jaw bone below by transmitting forces and stress, just like a natural tooth does. Bridges and dentures do not provide this stimulation; denture causes bone loss at a faster rate. They also look like natural teeth, which improves the face’s appearance and aesthetic.

If you have any questions or want to book a dental implant consultation, call us today!