A dental implant is usually made of titanium and is fused to the jawbone. The implant serves as a root of a missing tooth. One of the main benefits of a dental implant is it is durable and with proper care will last you a lifetime.
What are dental implants?
An implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in your mouth. Implants are made of metallic (titanium) and bone-like ceramic materials, totally compatible with the jaw. Implants fuse with your bone to support a crown, bridge or a denture.
There are two main kinds of dental implants: An endosteal implant is the most common, and is placed into the bone; A subperiosteal implant is positioned on the bone for patients who have inadequate bone height or can't wear traditional dentures.
Should you undergo a dental implant procedure?
If you are in overall good health, your gums are healthy and you have enough bone to support an implant, then most medical specialists should agree that you are a suitable candidate for dental implant procedure. However it is very necessary to consult your dentist and discuss all details, surrounding the procedure, with him or her.
Chronic illnesses like diabetes and leukemia can interfere with the healing process of an implant. Smoking can double the risk of problems developing after having a new root implanted.
How dental implants are placed into the mouth
Placing a dental implant in the jaw is an in-office procedure, which is typically done under local anesthesia. Patients experience swelling and pain, but are usually prescribed pain medication to put down most of the discomfort.
Two to six months after placing the root your dentist will place the artificial tooth or crown on top of the implant. During this healing time the bone and the implant fixture are growing together – a process known as osseointegration. Your doctor dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help with chewing and speaking during this time.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants…
• … are known to be aesthetically superior to bridges and dentures. They look like real teeth.
• … don’t need to be anchored to the teeth next to them. They preserve the overall integrity of the rest of the healthy teeth.
• … are are reliable, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing them, unlike dentures.
• … don't slip or shift. They give you the same stability and security as with natural teeth.
• … are cleaned easily, just like your natural teeth.
• … don't rely on neighboring teeth for support. No tooth structure is lost like when your dentist is fabricating a bridge.
• … prevent the shifting of nearby teeth. Implants are preserving jawbone and the face contour.
• … are a very successful cosmetic solution to most missing teeth cases.
• … are allowing the patient to chew and speak with ease, just like with natural teeth.
What to expect from the process of getting implants
An implant procedure is not a quick fix. You will need to undergo various medical and dental exams and preparations.
• Complete dental examination: includes X-rays and molds made of your teeth/mouth.
• Detailed treatment plan: your dental provider (dentist, orthodontist) will create a treatment plan, considering the number of teeth that will be replaced, the condition of your jawbone, etc.
• Procedure: this part involves several surgical procedures. The process could take up to nine months, sometimes more. Much of the time that is needed, though, is for healing and bone-growth.
• Pain control: during treatment you will be provided with a suitable form of anesthesia and pain management medication. The surgical procedure is done under local or general anesthesia.
Getting your new teeth
During the osseointegration period the implant is gradually covered by natural gum tissue. After that your oral surgeon will uncover the implant and install a healing collar before your dentist can put new tooth/teeth. After that stage the fixtures connect to the implants and render a secure attachment between the jaw and the new teeth.
Dental care and oral hygiene with implants
Regular dental visits, professional cleaning and overall good oral hygiene practices will help your dental implants serve you well over lifetime. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Carefully clean around your implants and keep gum tissue healthy.
Препоръчани клиники за такъв тип заболявания
