Dental implants
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a crown and the root (the part hidden under the gum, within the jawbone). It is the root that actually holds the natural tooth in place. When a person is missing a tooth, the dentist must decide how to re-create the crown portion, and the best method to hold it in place. Dental implants were created for this purpose. Implants are artificial teeth that can provide a more permanent solution to dental treatments like dentures or dental bridges.
A dental implant is a metal device designed to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are made of various biomaterials that are compatible with human body. The device is usually made out of titanium because it is the most compatible with human biology. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where the original tooth once existed using a local anesthetic. These root-like structures are used to secure a replacement tooth in place in a spot where a tooth is missing.
A dental implant, which is permanent, is designed to act as the tooth root and can secure or anchor an artificial tooth or teeth such as a crown, bridge or denture.
Need for dental implants
People lose one or more teeth for a wide variety of reasons. A tooth may be lost due to infection, gum disease, accident or injury. When natural teeth are removed, many problems occur. When a tooth is removed, the bone immediately begins to resorb and the surrounding teeth begin to shift, rotate and become crooked. An improper bite will develop, making it very difficult to chew food properly. Spaces and
gaps between teeth may cause embarrassment, problems with speech, and lack of self-esteem.
To give a vivid example: imagine a bookcase securely arranged from end to end with books. When a single book is removed from anywhere, the remaining books over time start leaning towards the vacant space. The placement of an implant will prevent that movement.
Dental implants, when properly placed, can restore the missing teeth, thereby eliminating these potential problems. People who have their missing teeth replaced with dental implants have reported better ability to chew food and eat properly. They also gain renewed confidence while speaking, and better self-esteem.
Who requires dental implants?
Before getting dental implant, test yourself with the following conditions you are facing:
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a) Missing teeth – one, two or more
b) Having problems while eating or speaking
c) Loose teeth owing to advanced gum disease
d) Hiding your smile because of missing teeth or unsightly spaces between teeth
e) Lacking in confidence when speaking, eating or smiling
f) Slipping or loose dentures
Various replacement options possible:
- Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, so that grinding down or altering adjacent teeth is no longer necessary.
- Dental implants can be used as anchors to support a fix bridge.
- Dental implants can support loose teeth by being splinted to them.
- Dental implants can support replacement teeth for an entirely toothless job.
- Dental implants can provide stability for a complete denture, thereby eliminating unsightly moving and clicking associated with dentures.
How do dental implants Work?
Dental implants replace the form and function of missing teeth. They support replacement teeth in virtually the same way that your natural tooth root supports your natural teeth.
Implants can be used for:
- Replacing a single missing tooth with a crown on the implant
- Replacing more than one missing teeth with a bridge on the implants
- In cases where a full denture is being used, implants can be used to give the patient fixed teeth
Procedure
Dentist will take a complete dental history, x-rays, and carry out a thorough oral examination. For implant
surgery, the procedure is as follows:
- Surgical placement of the implant(s) into the bone. This is done with a local anesthetic. After surgery, there is a healing period of approximately four months. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone by a process known as ’osseointegration’.
- Next, there is a minor surgical exposure of the top of the implant, whereby the dentist will attach the post to the implant. The function of the post is to become the support for either one tooth or a set of teeth. This is a short procedure that usually requires only local anesthesia.
- The last phase is the restorative phase. The dentist will take impressions and then make a prosthesis that will attach to the implants. This will require several visits. Once completed, your mouth will be restored to natural looking, strong teeth.
Conclusion
Implants are taken as the first choice of treatment to replace missing teeth with the use of bridges. Dental implants have improved drastically over the past decade with improvements in implant technology. Materials have also improved and implant education is better than ever in the wake of patient empowerment. Dental implants have become the most sought after form of treatment for missing teeth.
Benefits of dental implants
Appearance – dental implants look far more aesthetic as they are positioned into the structure of your bone and will prevent bone loss and further gum recession. The implants look and act more like your natural teeth as compared to the loose fitting dentures and ill fitting bridges.
Increased confidence and self esteem- With dental implants you no longer have to worry about your dentures slipping and cracking while eating or speaking. They look and act like your natural teeth and are secure.
Reliability – success rates for dental implants are very high and the longevity of an implant restoration can be a lifetime. Of course, good oral health, healthy gum tissue and good bone structure help increase the effectiveness.