Dental Implants

We offer Dental Care, not just dental treatments.

What is a Dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jaw bone. It bonds with the natural bone and works as an anchor for a tooth replacement. Dental implants, together with a tooth replacement, look and feel like natural teeth.

Dental implant surgery can offer a comfortable substitute to dentures or bridgework and is a great solution when a lack of natural teeth roots don’t allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.

Dental implants are used to replace either single or multiple teeth and have proven to be an effective treatment to:

• Restoring aesthetics and facial tissues
• Improving chewing, speech and digestion
• Preventing surrounding teeth from shifting
• Resolving jaw joint pain or bite issues

Can I get a Dental Implant?

YES, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Don’t smoke tobacco
• Are willing to commit several months to the process
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing

Please schedule your complementary appointment to discuss your options

Are there any Risks?

Though rare, like any surgery, dental implant surgery may pose some health risks. When they do occur, they’re usually minor and easily treated. Risks may be:

• Infection at the implant site
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
• Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin
• Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities

Evaluation before Dental Implant

As one or more surgical procedures may be required, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process, including a:

• Review of your medical history. Your dentist will review any medical conditions and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your dentist may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics before surgery if have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants.
• Comprehensive dental exam.  This will include dental X-rays and 3D images taken, mold (impression) of your mouth to make models of your teeth and jaw.
• Treatment plan.  Your dentist will present exclusive treatment plan based on your case needs.

Steps involved in Dental Implant Placement

Placement of dental implants is a gradual process that may take many months from start to finish. Though procedural time is not that long, much of that time will be waiting time in between to observe the healing and growth of new bone around the implant.

The process of placing a dental implant involves manifold stages, including:

• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed
• Dental implant placement
• Bone growth and healing
• Abutment placement
• Artificial tooth placement

Will I need bone grafting?

Decision to graft bone will depend upon the individual situation. If the bone density in that tooth area is not enough to tolerate the stress of implant, your dentist will recommend bone graft. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant.

If a bone graft is required, your dentist will discuss bone graft materials. These may include: a natural bone graft, such as from another location in your body, or a synthetic bone graft, such as bone-substitute material that can provide support structures for new bone growth.

Generally, it may take between 3-6 months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant.

The Dental Implant Surgery

You will be given local anesthetic to reduce/eliminate the pain in the surrounding area of tooth. Gum tissue will be incised in that area to expose the bone. Holes will be drilled in the area where dental Implant will be placed. Implant will be placed in the underlying bone and sutures will be placed to protect the area.

After the Procedure

It is expected to experience some discomfort after the dental surgery. This could be:

• Pain at the implant site
• Minor bleeding
• Bruising of your skin and gum
• Swelling of your gums and face

Your dentist will prescribe medications or antibiotics after dental implant surgery if required.

Bone Growth Phase

This period is called as osseointegration and vital to the success of implant. In this phase, the jaw bone heals and grows to unite with the implant surface. Once successful, there will be a solid base for your new artificial tooth.

Abutment Placement

Once the osseointegration is complete, there may be an additional surgical step to place the abutment. Abutment is an additional piece for the attachment of future crown. In this procedure, gum tissue is reopened to expose the implant, abutment attached to the implant and gum tissue closed around the abutment. After the abutment is placed, your gums must heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached

With advancements in Implant technology, many new implant systems offer the convenience of placing implant and abutment in one surgical step, thus eliminating the need of second surgery. Your dentist will discuss the options based on your individual needs.

Time for a New Smile

Once osseointegration and gum healing is successful, your dentist will take mold (impression) of the tooth area to make the crown.

Based on the individual case, the artificial teeth can be removable, fixed or a combination of both:

Removable.  They are frequently recommended when you have a partial or complete denture which is loose and has less retention. These dentures are modified so as to snap securely on the implants. Thus, you enjoy the better retention of the dentures.

Fixed. An artificial tooth is permanently screwed or cemented onto an individual implant abutment. This is a fixed prosthesis and looks like a natural tooth.

Success Rate of Implant

90%–95% has been reported as the success rate of implants over the 10 years. Most dental implants are successful. Sometimes, however, the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. Smoking, for example, may contribute to implant failure and complications.

It becomes extremely important to follow the recommendation of your dentist after implant placement. Some of the common recommendations are:

• Practice excellent oral hygiene.  Take care of implant site, artificial teeth and gum tissue by practicing a meticulous oral hygiene regimen at home. Your dentist will also recommend you some specific devices to keep the implant area clean.
• See your dentist regularly. Regular dental appointments will ensure the health and proper functioning of your implants.
• DO NOT:  chew hard items (ice, candy, nuts), Avoid caffeine and tooth-staining tobacco products.

 

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-implant-problems#early-problems

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/