Dental Implants

Tooth loss is quite common and can occur due to various reasons such as: tooth decay; failure of a root canal procedure; gum disease, or periodontitis; accidental breakage; or too much wear and tear. If you do happen to lose your permanent teeth, apart from the aesthetic aspects, it can also affect your health since you may not be able to eat many of the nutritious foods you require. However, this problem can be resolved by getting dental implants. Although bridgework and dentures are also options, but many people feel that dental implants are superior to them since they are more comfortable, secure, and effective.

What Exactly are Dental Implants?

As a matter of fact, the development of dental implants is one the most revolutionary advances in the dentistry field in the last fifty years. A dental implant is basically an artificial root that is made of a light and yet tough metal like titanium, which is implanted into the jawbone in place of the root of the missing tooth. Next, an extension, or abutment, is fixed to the dental implant. And, finally, an artificial replacement tooth is fixed to the implant. Thus the dental implant serves as an anchor for holding the replacement tooth. In case there are a number of missing teeth, several implants can be fixed, thus providing support for a whole arch of teeth. Generally, the procedure can be done by using a local anesthetic, with the individual awake during the process.

Who can have Dental Implants?

Dental implants may be the right option if an adult is generally healthy, with healthy gums, and there is enough strong bone in the jaw, which is important for holding the implant. In case the development of the jawbone is not normal or if it has shrunk, it will be built up by using a bone graft, which is a method of adding new bone to the jawbone.

Given below are some of the conditions that can determine if dental implants are a right option for you:

• In case of the loss of one or more teeth
• Have a healthy and strong jawbone for securing the implants
• The oral tissues should be healthy
• Don't have health conditions that will impair bone healing
• Are not afflicted by an health conditions that could impair the healing of bone
• Are unwilling or do not have the ability of wearing
• Have the ability of committing a number of months for the whole procedure

Another important factor about getting dental implants is how sound you are financially, since this procedure is expensive and is generally not covered by insurance. However, do shop around, for the cost can differ fairly substantially.

How is the Dental Implant Procedure done?

First of all, dental x-rays will be taken and other examination done of your teeth and gums to determine if dental implants are the right option for you. Then the gum in the area where the implant will be inserted is cut and pushed aside, after which a hole is drilled into the jawbone. The dental implant is then fitted snugly into this hole, and the gum is placed back over it and stitched. In case there is not enough bone to hold the implant, either the dentist will perform a bone graft or use smaller implants.

After the dental implant is inserted, it is allowed to integrate with the bone in the area and heal, which can take from six weeks to six months. The rough surface of the implant acts as an anchor on which the bone tissue grows.

While this healing procedure is going on, temporary teeth, or bridges, will be given to the patient, or they can continue using their dentures. However, care must be taken not to put any pressure on the dental implant while it is healing.

Once the implant area is completely healed, the gum on the implant is cut and lifted once again in order to fix a post to the implant, along with a temporary crown. It takes about 4-6 weeks for the surrounding gum tissue to mature. Once that is accomplished, the permanent replacement tooth will be fixed to the dental implant.

Taking Care of Dental Implants

Since dental implants are fixed inside the jawbone, the replacement teeth that are fixed to the implants appear and function exactly like natural teeth. Hence, they too need to be cleaned and flossed, just as natural teeth are. You will be shown the correct way to clean your implants by your dentist. Plus, periodic checkups will be necessary so that your dentist can ensure that the dental implants haven’t loosened and the bite is correct.