DENTAL IMPLANT
At Dhotrad’s Sunny Dental Clincis, we love helping patients with an attractive and sparkling smile. One of the ways to accomplish this is by offering tooth replacement. We are skilled at providing a variety of tooth replacement based on the needs and demands to provide the best to our patients.
What is Dental Implant?
Dental implants are titanium cylinders (screws) that are surgically placed into the jawbone where there are missing teeth below the gums. Once in place, they allow the dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. The new tooth, a crown, looks and feels similar to the real teeth.
How do Dental Implants work?
Since implants fuse to the jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants do not slip or shift in the mouth, an especially significant benefit while eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the dentures and bridges — as well as individual crowns placed over implants — feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.
What are the benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide many advantages such as:
• Improved appearance• Improved speech
• Better comfort
• Improved eating and chewing
• Greater self-esteem
• Oral health improvements
• Exceptional durability
• Convenient to use
• 90% surgery success rate
With these benefits, it is no wonder implants are a sought after cosmetic procedure. Getting implants provides both physical and psychological benefits.
Are there any downsides to Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a safe procedure to get. However, just like any surgery, there may be potential complications and drawbacks such as:
• Bleeding• Infections
• Nerve, sinus, & cavity injuries
• Time commitment
• Multiple appointments required
• Possibly increased dental work needed
• Potential high cost, especially for multiple teeth
At Dhotrad’s Sunny Dental Clincis, we believe in being transparent. We go over all options and decide with the patient to see if Dental Implant is the right option.
Who can get Dental Implants?
For some, ordinary bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or even possible, due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. In addition, ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An advantage of implants is that no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold the new replacement tooth/teeth in place.
To receive implants, one needs to have:
• Healthy gums• Adequate bone to support the implant (or be a candidate for bone grafting)
• Excellent oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits to ensure the long-term success and health of the dental implants
Types of Dental Implants
Two types of implants are considered to be safe
Endosteal implants — Most commonly placed implants are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post-individually, or grouped on a bridge or denture.
Subperiosteal implants — These implants are used with patients who do not have enough healthy bone. A metal frame is fitted onto the jawbone below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are like metal anchors. They act as tooth root substitutes. The dentist places them surgically into the jawbone. Next is placing the small posts called “abutments” onto the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth called “crowns.”
Placement of the implants involves two surgical procedures. First is placing the implants within the jawbone. For the first 3 to 6 months post-surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums. They will be gradually bonding with the jawbone. During bonding, one is able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. Concurrently, the restorative dentist designs the final bridge or denture. This final piece will ultimately improve both the function and aesthetics.
When the implant bonds completely to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The dentist uncovers the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then the process of making a new tooth begins. This step involves taking an impression. Then the abutments can connect to the implants. The replacement teeth cover over the abutments. This entire procedure usually takes several months for completion.
Oral care tips for Dental Implants
Most dental implants are successful, and there are a few steps one can take to help ensure success and make the implant last.
• Practice good oral hygiene – brush twice a day and floss once daily. Using interdental brushes, brushes that slide between teeth, can help clean the hard to reach areas around the implant.• Quit smoking – smoking can weaken the bone structure and can contribute to implant failure.
• Visit the dentist – cleanings and exams every six months can help ensure the implant is in good condition, and that it stays that way.
• Avoid chewing on hard foods – do not chew on hard items such as ice and hard candy because they can break the crown and the natural teeth.