The dental implant is the procedure in which the tooth roots are replaced with metal, and posts like screws. The metal is surgically placed into the jawbone to create an aesthetic and functional replacement for the missing tooth. It also provides removable replacement teeth or a strong permanent foundation that matches your natural teeth.
Dental implant procedures include several operations according to the patient’s needs for the desired look of their teeth.
Best materials for dental implants
Dental implants can be made from various materials including
Porcelain
Since its color matches the natural teeth, the prosthetic tooth is usually made of porcelain. Porcelain also provides easy talking and eating.
Ceramics
This material offers an aesthetic look with no color change.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the commonly preferred materials for dental implants since it can be implanted into the bone easily.
Zirconium
Zirconium dental implants are alternatives to titanium because zirconia is strong like metal and similar to the look of natural teeth.
Types of dental implants
Some kinds of dental implants can be listed as
- Subperiosteal implants refer to the process in which false teeth are attached to poles that come from the gums. A metal frame is placed under the gum and as the gum heals around the metal frame, the structure strengthens and remains in its place.
- Zygoma implant is an operation that includes an implant getting placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.
- Endosteum implants secure the objects and they are similar to screws. The dentists put something in the jawbone to place the dentures in. The implant is attached after the wound is healed.
- All-on-4 dental implants are implemented for patients who need the extraction of teeth while lacking adequate bones in the posterior upper or lower haw that will be used to support the implant.
Dental implants vs. dentures
Dentures are usually made out of plastic to carry natural-looking teeth. It is placed in a base or plate that is shaped to sit over the gums in the mouth.
Dental implants are directly fixed in the jawbone and give the same feeling as a real tooth. It also remains strong as you get older.
Dental implants can be an alternative to dentures when they don’t fit well to the jawbone or the natural teeth roots are unsuitable for dentures.
Additionally, there are implant-supported dentures that might offer more stability for mouth activities such as speaking and chewing. This type of denture replaces several teeth all at once. It differs from the traditional denture by the feature of being directly attached to the jawbone.
Who can prefer dental implants?
Dental implants be suitable for you if you experience the following:
- Lack of one or more teeth
- Have healthy oral tissues
- Do not want to wear dentures
- Have an adequate bone that has a bone graft as well as secure the implants
- Do not have health issues that can hinder the procedure
- Have fully grown jawbone
However, you are advised to discuss additional factors with your dentist.
Preparation before dental implant operations
First of all, the patients should consider that they should be willing to commit several months to the dental implant process and quit smoking afterward.
The preparation process several evaluations since numerous conditions can affect the procedure such as the conditions of the mouth, jaw, and face besides the overall health of the patient.
Before the dental implant operation, the dental care provider will review the patient’s health history and examine the dental structure comprehensively to tailor a treatment plan.
Process of dental implants
After the treatment plan is made suitable for the patient, the dentist and her or his team will determine the best implant option. The tooth root will be replaced by the implant which is generally a small titanium post. Then the jawbone heals and grows around this post. Following this operation, an abutment is attached to the post after the implant is bonded with the jawbone to hold the new tooth securely.
Finally, the dentist will also attach a crown which is a replacement tooth to match the new artificial teeth with the natural look. The dental implants will function as if they are your natural teeth.
Who performs dental implants?
When it comes to who is best qualified to do dental implants, usually dentists, oral surgeons, or periodontists do dental implants for those who lack teeth and want to get implants instead.
How dental implants are performed?
How dental implants are done depends on the jawbone condition and the kind of dental implant that will placed in the patient’s mouth. Dentists provide special treatment plans for each individual. It is done between several procedures to give healing time to each procedure. The steps can involve
- Removing the damaged tooth
- Preparing the jawbone namely grafting
- Placing the dental implant
- Bone healing and growing
- Placing the abutments
- Placing the artificial tooth
Nonetheless, how the dental implant procedure looks depends on the individual’s own treatment plan.
Recovery after dental implant operations
There are things that a patient should be careful about after the dental implant operations such as
- Oral hygiene
- Regularly visiting the dentist
- Informing the dentist about the complications
- Avoiding chewing hard things
It is crucial to follow the instructions to protect the dental implants. On the other hand, there are multiple benefits of getting dental implants including improved oral health, comfort, appearance, speech, and self-esteem. It also provides convenience and durability for being strong and removable.
However, there are dental implant side effects such as the following:
- Injuring the surrounding natural teeth and tissues
- Infection
- Poor oral hygiene which is caused by not being able to clear the gums properly
- Nerve damage
- Feeling like the teeth do not bite together
- Sinus problems
- Loose tooth sensation
- Post-surgical numbness
Please inform your dentist about these complications to eliminate them before they cause discomfort in your life.
How long should dental implants last?
Daily dental care is the key to making your dental implants last longer. You should not hinder your dentist appointment and make sure that you get your dental implants checked and cleaned every 6 months.
