Dental implants are the most long-lasting and promising option for replacing missing teeth. Nearly 98% of all implants are expected to last the entire patient’s lifetime. Dental implants provide the best return on investment when compared with other tooth replacement treatments.
What are Dental Implants?
In essence, implants are man-made artificial “tooth roots.” Made with biocompatible materials like titanium, these artificial roots are implanted into the bone where the original tooth stood.
Implants derived from titanium stimulate bone growth and help fuse the implant to the bone. Once the process of osseointegration has been completed, a person with dental implants can maintain their new restoration for many years.
Variations of Implant Designs
Unlike natural tooth roots, traditional dental implants are cylindrical in shape. Nevertheless, there are other types of implants available for people who lack adequate bone: such as zygomatic implants, which are anchored into the cheekbone rather than the jaw.
In cases where the amount of bone in the jaw is not sufficient, miniature dental implants can help stabilize dentures or non-load-bearing teeth. The range of modern implant therapies make it very difficult for people to say they aren’t candidates for treatment, since there are many other dental implant variations that are less commonly used. The most important thing is to find a provider who has the right kind of implant for your circumstance.
Types of Implant Restorations
Considering implants are only artificial roots, an abutment affixed to an implant is what anchors the restoration to the implant. A lot depends on the number of missing teeth as well as the number of implants needed.
For example,
⢠For single tooth replacement, a dental crown is likely to be recommended.
⢠When anchored over at least two implants, dental bridges can replace several teeth at once.
⢠Implant-supported dentures are full-arch prostheses that can either be permanently attached to implants or can be snapped into place and removed as needed.
The Initial Consultation
Consultation with the dentist or specialist placing the implants is important before beginning treatment. An examination by the dentist involves taking x-rays in order to assess bone quality, as well as discussing the concerns or needs of the patient during the visit.
An estimate, based on your insurance benefits, patient-pay requirements, and total costs will be given to you once we have determined how many implants you will need, which types of restorations you will require, and how many appointments you will need. A review of financing options will also take place.
Your Dental Implant Surgery
As soon as the patient decides to move forward with dental implants, the first appointment will be for the surgical placement. A dental extraction can sometimes occur on the same day as tooth extraction – for instance, if a tooth needs to be removed because it is infected. If extractions are performed prior to implant surgery, then there needs to be a period of healing between the extractions and the implant surgery, as individual circumstances vary.
It may also be possible to place dental implants the same day in certain situations. Only in a select few cases are implants restored on the very same day as their surgical placement.
Follow-up and Recovery
The site of the implant will be covered by a healing cap or other temporary prosthesis following surgery. By integrating new bone around the dental implant, this helps alleviate aesthetic concerns as well as prevents foreign objects (like food particles) from entering the wound during the healing process. After three to six months, full osseointegration usually occurs. While you are waiting for your surgical site to heal, you should avoid chewing on it or using tobacco.
Prosthesis Delivery
The final restoration can be supported by an implant only once osseointegration occurs. A custom prosthetic will be made to replace any temporary prosthetics that are worn.
Ultimately, the final restoration should restore both function and aesthetics to the smile. The material of choice is usually durable, natural-looking porcelain that can withstand everyday use.
Maintenance
You should clean your dental implants, bridges, and dentures each day. However, despite their artificial nature, implants can also accumulate plaque. As a result, the gums around them can become infected, leading to a condition called “peri-implantitis” similar to gum disease. This could lead to the implant falling out.
Dentists and hygienists recommend patients see them every six months. An implant’s routine cleaning and monitoring can identify early problems, or even prevent them altogether, by catching them early on.
Providing patients with the freedom to enjoy their favorite foods and smile with confidence, dental implants are a widely available option now due to advancements in implantology, 3D surgical guides, and the success of treatment.
