The possible frustration of having an incomplete smile is a part of life for individuals with missing teeth. Implants can be the best and reliable way to get back the smile. It can help the patient in eating food properly as well as prevent the bone loss that can trigger premature aging.
Put simply; implant consists of a metal post integrated into the gum line and a crown or cap covering the same. They are natural-looking teeth replacements that offer a healthy and vibrant smile. The metal screw replaces the root part but proves to be the best alternative to dentures and complicated bridgework. An implant is also considered better than a root canal as there is no risk of developing decay or infection. Individuals with a dental implant can enjoy corn on the cob or bite into an apple confidently. Let’s take a look at details regarding implant placement and its functioning.
How does a dental implant function?
A titanium implant is a way of replacing lost teeth. It fits in the jaw bone and functions like a natural tooth. Patients can opt for single or multiple implants to replace missing teeth.
Implants can be used for replacing a single tooth or replace several teeth and act as a base to hold a fixed bridge. They can also be placed for securing removable/partial/ full implant-supported dentures.
Implants can replace teeth lost due to disease or trauma resulted due to sports injuries. Alternative treatments to dental implants are root canal, fix bridges, removable full/partial dentures.
Steps that are taken during a dental implant placement procedure
- Medical and dental evaluation for creating a plan
The evaluation is conducted to ensure the patient’s mouth does not have any issues that can make the surgery inadvisable. The surgeon may recommend a pre-treatment, including bone restoration. The patient may have to opt for x-rays and a CT scan so that implants can be placed with accuracy and minimum risk.
During the evaluation, your dentist would also focus on your overall medical condition. The dental care expert may prescribe additional antibiotics to patients suffering from diabetes and heart conditions to ensure there’s no risk of infection when the patient undergoes the dental implants procedure.
- Preparing the jaw bone
In the first stage, the implant expert prepares the bone for the titanium implant screw. It acts as a foundation pillar for the artificial tooth.
An incision is carefully made in the gum tissue, and a hole is created. Then, the implant is placed into it, and the gum is stitched shut. The dentist may place a small healing cap on the operated area for a few days. The procedure is performed after administrating local anesthetic. Titanium begins fusing with the surrounding tissues as it is a bio-compatible material. During the process, new cells would grow around the implant post. It ensures the implant does not move and remains strong enough to act as a support for the restoration. The surgeon avoids placing dental appliances on the site immediately to prevent putting pressure on the concerned implant site. The healing period for the jaw bone can be two months or longer.
Then the dentist makes a full mouth impression for the upper and lower teeth with the help of a digital scanner. It also helps in ensuring that the implant has successfully locked itself in the jaw bone. If the implant fails to secure, the dentist would recommend removing the same and placing the implant once again in a different area.
- Placing the abutment and crown
If the implant post integrates with the tissue successfully, the next stage involves removing some of the tissue around the implant as well as a temporary healing cap and placing implant abutment. The part holds the crown or denture firmly in position.
Based on the impression models, a custom crown can be created using an in-house system (CAD/CAM) or at the dental lab. The cap looks, feels, and works like a real tooth. It fits naturally amongst other teeth.
During the last stage, the dentist removes the healing cap and replaces the same with the permanent crown.
The use of the latest technology ensures the bleeding and swelling remains a minimum. Most importantly, there is almost no pain or discomfort due to the use of local anesthetic and advanced tools that make the procedure comfortable.
The patient should not indulge in hard work during the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Do not drive or operate any machinery. It is advisable to ask an adult family member to accompany you during the procedure so that the person can drive you home.
Good oral hygiene can ensure long term success
Dental implants have been around for more than thirty years. American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s records highlight that more than three million individuals in the United States have dental implants. The artificial tooth can last for more than fifteen years. However, the patient needs to floss and brush the implants regularly. Return to your dentists for scheduled cleanings and checkup sessions.
When do dentists recommend subperiosteal implants?
Some patients do not have a healthy jawbone to undergo bone augmentation procedures. Experts recommend subperiosteal implants to such patients as the implant is placed on the gum line rather than inside it.
In case if the patient’s natural bone is strong enough to support the titanium screw and the associated pressure, the dentist may also recommend placing a temporary tooth on the same day.
Remember, missing teeth should always be replaced, or else the remaining teeth may move, causing problems in the bite. Correcting the issue at a later stage can be difficult as well as costly. If you need dental implant dentistry in Roswell (GA) and surrounding areas, you should consider getting in touch with TruCare Dentistry and fixing an appointment. Dr. Toral Ardeshna has assisted several patients with implants and restored their chewing ability as well as smile.