What are dental implants?
Dental implants, also known as tooth implants, are screw-like posts used as replacements for missing or damaged tooth roots. They are surgically fixed or fused into the jaw bone for about 3 to 4 months. This fusion of the tooth implant with the jaw bone is the closest to mimicking the natural tooth’s function. They help in holding the tooth in place without disrupting the adjacent teeth, providing excellent stability.
Types of tooth implants
Each tooth implant has different coatings, connecters, and size differences that a prosthodontist may recommend to the patient. According to the procedure of placement, there are two types of tooth implants. They are the following:
Endosteal implants
They are also known as endosseous implants. By endosteal, we refer to the placement of the tooth implants in the jaw bone. They are the most common type of dental implant and are usually used during the two-stage dental implant procedure. They are used as a substitution for complete or partial removable dentures and bridges. Different types of endosteal implants can be screw-like (threaded), cylinder types (smooth), or bladed types. These implants are made body-safe from materials such as titanium to prevent any infection. Endosteal implants are inserted deep into the bone through a surgical procedure to replace the tooth roots. A single implant can be used to anchor one or more teeth.
Treatment: This is done by first drilling a hole in the jawbone to place titanium screw implants. Before any other procedure is performed, the drilled site is allowed to heal over time, requiring a couple of months.
Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal refers to the rest of the implant on the jawbone under the soft tissue called gum tissue. These implants are no longer in use due to the poor long-term effects compared to the endosteal tooth implants. Subperiosteal implants are used when a healthy jawbone is not present to support the endosteal implant. These tooth implants are placed on or above the jawbone rather than placed inside the jaw. They were primarily used to hold the dentures in place, especially in patients with insufficient jaw bone height.
Treatment: This procedure is performed in two appointments and is a shorter treatment plan than an endosteal dental implant.
Reasons to get tooth implants
There are many reasons to get tooth implants. Some of them are the following:
1. Durability: Implants are durable and may last for many years. If they are appropriately taken care of, they can last a lifetime.
2. Improved oral health: During the placement of a tooth implant, the adjacent tooth is not reduced like when other prosthetic devices are used. As most of our tooth structure is not compromised, it improves oral health. A single implant helps to gain easy access to the interdental spaces, thus maintaining oral hygiene.
3. Improved esthetics: These implants look and feel like natural teeth, and since they are fused to the jaw bone, they are permanent.
4. Improved speech: Many prosthetic devices, such as dentures may fall and slur your speech due to loose attachment. On the other hand, tooth implants allow a person to speak without the fear that his or her teeth might fall off.
5. Comfort: as these implants fuse with the jaw bone, they become a part of the oral cavity and thus do not pose any discomfort, as do removable dentures.
6. Easier mastication: Implants have a firmer attachment that allows forceful chewing, just like permanent teeth. They allow you to eat different kinds of foods with confidence and without pain.
7. Improved self-esteem: Tooth implants help bring a good smile and thus boost the person’s morale and self-esteem.
8. Convenience: Tooth implants remove the inconvenience of removing the appliances, as in dentures, and save the patient from the messy situation of applying an adhesive.
The procedure of getting tooth implants
When getting dental implants, we are replacing the tooth roots with tooth posts made out of metal. The type of tooth implant that a person receives depends on the condition of the jaw bone and if they have any allergic reactions.
The step by step procedure of getting tooth implants are as follows:
Step 1 (Initial evaluation)
The attending dentist will first do a detailed examination of the patient’s oral cavity to check the condition of the jaw bone and determine which tooth implant is most suitable. This step includes radiographs, taking impressions, and matching the color of the patient’s natural teeth with that of the artificial so that it can be as esthetically pleasing as possible. During this consultation, the patient also tells how many teeth he would like to replace. The dentist also notes down any allergies that the patient might have to some materials.
Step 2 (Tooth extraction)
If any tooth is to be replaced, the dentist will remove it before proceeding with the process. This can be done at the same time as implant placement. The dentist then gives local anesthesia to make you numb so that while extracting the tooth, the patient only feels pressure or a tugging force. After extraction, it is advised not to blow your nose, smoke, or drink through a straw, or else it could lead to pain.
Step 3 (Inserting the dental implant and bone grafting)
Two types of dental implants exist, one in which the implant is inserted into the jawbone and the second one that is directly implanted under the gum. If the jaw bone is strong enough, no extra may be added. The patient’s jaw needs to be strong enough because there is a lot of pressure when a person chews, and the bone should be strong to protect the implant. The bone is allowed to heal first if bone grafting is done. After healing, the dental implant is added. This process varies from person to person and may take 3 to 9 months.
Step 4 (Abutment placement)
After the implant is stable, the dentist places an abutment on it. This piece helps in connecting the tooth to the tooth implant. A healing cap is placed to keep the tissue and bone from growing over the abutment.
Step 5 (Placement of the permanent crown)
The patient can choose between a permanent and removable crown. After the whole healing period is complete, the artificial crown is placed.
Recovery period
Dental implant recovery includes many factors, this consists of the procedures required to complete the treatment. Maintaining proper oral hygiene helps ensure proper integration with the bone structure of the jaw. The treatment may fail if flossing is not done correctly. Infection can occur if the implant and surrounding areas are not cleaned properly. Smoking also contributes to high failure rates and should be avoided after this procedure. Discomfort is minimal after the initial procedure. Swelling of your gums and face can occur, as well as minor bleeding and bruising of the implant site. Your dentist may prescribe prescription pain medications to relieve any pain or discomfort you feel after the procedure. Diet is restricted to soft foods for 5 to 7 days. It can remain in place for a lifetime if it is cared for.
Dental implants are a better option than dentures. It makes the patient confident in smiling and eating. They are fixed prostheses, unlike other devices. They have a long lifespan if they are cared for properly.
