Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants are known as an alternative for replacing a missing tooth. It has become one of the most popular procedures aesthetically due to its features which resembles a natural tooth. Dental Implants are titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone underneath the gum line to act as a tooth root. This allows the dentist to mount the replacement teeth/bridge on the area.

Dental implants also provide oral health benefits as they are not anchored to the teeth which lessen infections and decay. Unlike dentures, it is placed inside of the gums, therefore, preventing it from getting loose or falling off.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two types of dental implants. These are

• Endosteal implants: These kinds of implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. When the gum tissue that surrounds it are healed, another surgery will be done to connect the post to it. Lastly, the artificial tooth will be then attached to the post one by one.
• Subperiosteal implants: These implants are made up of metal frames which are fitted onto the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. The frames fix itself onto the jawbone as the gums heal. The post that is attached to the frame protrudes in which the artificial teeth will be mounted.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There is a reason why dental implants, though may be expensive, is often chosen as an alternative by many and that is its various benefits which are:

• Dental implants resemble like a natural tooth in which it fuses to the bone, therefore, becoming permanent. This helps improve appearance especially when the missing part is at the front.
• Unlike dentures, dental implants do not slip which allows you to speak and eat without worrying about it falling off.
• It is very comfortable
• It also helps improve self-esteem by giving a perfect smile.
• It is very durable
• It is very easy to clean which helps improve oral health.

The Procedure

Dental Implants may be a long process as it will require you to come back for a few more sessions to complete but it will surely provide you with a beautiful smile after. The procedure for this:

Implant Placement:

• The surgeon will start by administering local anesthesia to the patient to numb the area that will be treated.
• When the jaw bone is prepared, a cut will be made to expose the bones. This is where the holes are drilled and must be deep enough to act as a root.
• Depending on the strength of the bone, bone grafting may be done to support the implants.
• The surgeon will then wait for the jaw bones to heal to be able to place the metal post.
• A temporary crown is placed on the area to fill the gap while waiting for the bones to fully heal.

Healing Process:

• In this process, osseointegration will occur in which the jawbone will begin to unite and grow with the dental implant’s surface. This aids in creating a durable base for the new artificial tooth.
• This whole process may take 3 to 6 months depending on the patient’s bone structure.
• An x-ray will be conducted to ensure that implants are fused with the bone, therefore, making ready for the second surgery.

Abutment Placement

• A second surgery will be done to place the abutment. This is much simple compared to the first.
• After administering anesthesia to numb the area, the dentist will re-open the wound to attach the abutment to the implant.
• A temporary crown is then placed to let the gums around the area heal. This crown is softer to help in the healing process.

Permanent Crown Placement

• When the jawbone is strong enough to support the artificial tooth, the dentist will then place the permanent crown that resembles your natural tooth.
• The permanent crown will be screwed or cemented to the dental implant.

Aftercare Treatment

• Expect swelling of the area after the procedure. Minimize the swelling by putting an icepack on the area.
• Avoid spitting or rinsing the wound for the entire after the surgery. Also, refrain from touching the area to avoid any complications.
• Drink plenty of water but avoid hot beverages.
• Stick to a soft diet after the surgery. Once the wounds are healed you can go back to your regular diet
• Follow the prescribed medications given by the dentist.
• Always practice good oral hygiene