What are dental implants?
Dental implant surgery involves installing a dental implant to replace a patient’s missing teeth. These devices are implanted into the jawbone and they serve as foundation for a dental crown which perfectly resembles the patient’s natural teeth. The structure which is used to attach the dental implant with the crown is called the abutment.
These artificial crowns are made according to the patient’s natural tooth shape and color, so that they can match the rest of the teeth. The functionality they provide will also perfectly mimic the way your natural teeth feel when chewing.
Dental implants come with a variety of benefits, including:
-They are comfortable and look like your natural teeth;
-The dental implant surgery has a very high success rate;
-Dental implants can significantly improve your chewing ability;
-They can reduce the risk of cavities;
-They help in maintaining the jawbone around the missing teeth;
-They help in minimizing tooth sensitivity;
-You can brush them just as you would brush your natural teeth.
Keep in mind that dental implants need to be installed in the patient’s jawbone. Therefore, the bones must be healthy and have a sufficient density in order for the dental implant surgery to work. Your dentist will evaluate your bone density prior to the surgery to determine whether you are a good fit. During your initial consultation, he will let you know whether you need additional procedures such as grafting, or if zygomatic implants are a better solution for you.
Types of dental implants
There are two main categories for dental implants:
Endosteal dental implants
These are one the most common types of dental implants used on patients with sufficient bone mass. The dentist will insert the implants in the jawbone and then he will attach a crown on each implant. Your dentist can perform this surgery for one or more missing teeth. All-on-4, all-on-6, and all-on-8 dental implants are some of the most popular procedures.
Subperiosteal dental implants
During this procedure your dentist will install an implant on top of the jawbone. This type of dental implants is preferred for patients who don’t have a sufficient bone height. However, with subperiosteal dental implants these patients can still successfully replace their missing teeth restoring the functionality of their teeth.
Why do people get dental implants?
Dental implants are placed in the jaw through a surgical procedure. They provide the necessary support for custom-made dental crowns in order to replace missing teeth. Since these implants will fuse into the jawbone, there is no risk of the artificial teeth moving or slipping. This method of teeth replacement won’t cause any damage to the bone, which is a side effect often associated with removable dentures.
Typically, dental implants are a good choice for patients who:
-Want to replace one or several missing teeth;
-Their jawbone has fully grown and developed;
-They have a sufficient bone mass and density to support the implants;
-They can undergo a bone graft procedure in case they need to;
-Their oral tissues are in good health;
-They don’t suffer from any conditions that may be detrimental to their healing process;
-They can’t use dentures;
-They are looking for a way to improve their speech;
-They don’t consume tobacco.
How do you prepare for a dental implant surgery?
In order to prepare for your dental implants surgery you will need the assistance of a specialized staff of dentists and surgeons. These medical professionals will assess the condition of your oral health, jaw and gums. Moreover, a prosthodontist will design your implants so that they perfectly resemble your natural teeth. Before proceeding with your dental implants surgery your dentist will have perform several consultation and other preparatory appointments, including:
A thorough dental examination: Your dentist may ask you to do X-rays and other 3D photography in order to create an adequate model of your jaw and teeth structure.
A comprehensive review of your medical history: Your dentist will see if you have or have had any medical conditions. He will ask you whether you take any medications or supplements, including over-the-counter drugs. If you suffer from heart problems or have orthopedic implants your dentist may give you antibiotics to eliminate the risk of developing an infection.
A detailed treatment plan: Your dentist will design a custom plan for every step of your treatment, including the procedure itself and the healing stage.
Sedation: The dental implant surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia so that the patient won’t experience any pain. Your anesthesia specialist will decide what works best for your case.
Your dentist will inform you on what types of food and drinks you should consume prior to the surgery. He will also suggest you arrange for someone to accompany you home after the surgery.
After the dental implant procedure
After your dental implant surgery it is normal to experience a few discomforts including:
-Swollen gums;
-Swelling in the face and chin;
-Slight bruises on your gums or skin;
-Minor pain and discomfort on the treated area;
-Minimal bleeding.
Your dentist may prescribe you a few medications, including antibiotics or painkillers to eliminate the pain and risk of infections. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and take the full course of medication as prescribed by your dentist. If you continue to experience swelling or pain for days after the surgery make sure to contact your dentist.
Also, try to consume soft food after your dental implant procedure so you can allow the treated area to properly heal. Usually, your dentist will use self-dissolvable stitches during your surgery. If not, he will make an appointment for the stitches removal later on.
Dental Implant Surgery Results
In most cases dental implants are successful, however, in some instances, the bone does not fuse adequately with the metal implant. Cigarette smoking has been suggested to be one factor that could lead to implant failure. In the event that the bone does not fuse satisfactorily, the implant must be extracted, the bone cleaned, and you can try the procedure again after about three months. You can make sure your dental work and natural teeth endure for a longer period of time if you:
Maintain immaculate oral hygiene. As with your natural teeth, keep the implants, artificial teeth and gum tissue clean. Brushes specially designed like an interdental brush which can fit between teeth can be helpful in cleaning the hard-to-reach areas around the teeth, gums and metal posts.
Visit your dentist regularly. Make sure to go for dental appointments to guarantee the health and proper functioning of your implants and follow your dentist’s advice for professional cleanings.
Evade damaging behaviors. Do not chew on hard items such as ice and hard candy as it could damage your crowns or your natural teeth.
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