Dental Implants

What are Implants?

A dental implant is a metal post that acts as a tooth root replacement. When your dentist surgically inserts the implant in the jawbone, new bone grows around it, firmly anchoring it in place. Implants, like natural teeth, can support dental restorations such as crowns and bridges. They can even help to stabilize complete or partial dentures in the mouth by supporting them.

Implants (also known as implant fixtures) are placed in bone under the gums and are not typically visible in the mouth. Your dentist will also need to insert connection parts called “abutments” in order to join crowns, bridges, and dentures. The restoration is attached to the abutment, which is in itself attaches to the implant.

Despite the fact that dental implants are quite durable and can last a very long time (sometimes indefinitely), you should keep the gums around the implant restorations clean and bacteria-free. Your dentist may need to remove an implant if there is an infection surrounding it, just as how you may lose natural teeth due to periodontal disease.

When do I need a dental implant?

Implants are used as anchors for prosthetic teeth by your dentists. If you had a tooth removed and wanted it replaced, you might opt for one. Dental implants, like other artificial tooth alternatives, are never “necessary,” but they are an appealing alternative to other possibilities such as a partial denture or a bridge.

Ask your dentist about dental implants if you wish to replace a lost tooth with an artificial one. Gum disease, poor oral care, and smoking can all reduce your chances of receiving dental implants. Unfortunately, only a few dental insurance companies provide coverage for implants. Inquire with your dental insurance provider about whether or not dental implants are covered.

why should I choose dental implants?

Dental implants do not require the new tooth to be supported by the neighboring healthy teeth such as in a dental bridge. Since  teeth on each side of the gap must be shaved in size using a dental drill before a dental bridge can be installed. It’s highly recommended to have an implant that can support a crown instead of reducing neighboring healthy teeth especially when they don’t need to be repaired on their own. Implants are simply inserted into the gap left by the missing tooth. Implants do not have the same negative impact on the health and function of existing teeth in the mouth as other tooth replacement methods.

Ultimately there are few question that you need to ask your self if you are considering dental implants are right for you:

• You are prepared to invest a higher price for a more dependable tooth replacement choice?

• Do you Want something that’s as simple to clean and maintain as a natural tooth?

• Want to get as close to your natural smile as possible?

• You don’t want to drill or shave off any of your other teeth next to the missing tooth?

• Do You want your new tooth replacement to be as strong as possible?

If you answer yes to any of the questions above, then a dental implant is the ideal option for you! however, There are factors that can preclude you from having dental implants performed, including but not limited to having a jawbone that could support dental implant. I or your treating dentist will consult your X-rays during your comprehensive examination and inform you about this treatment, since each plan is individually tailored to your particular case.

How are dental implants placed ?

Dental implant procedure is a surgical process in which the dentist creates a tooth socket like incision in the gums and a hole in the bone. The particular procedure may vary depending on a variety of circumstances, but the following stages are generally followed:

1. First and foremost, you must come in for a thorough evaluation. We’ll take x-rays and molds of the area where the dental implant will be placed during this appointment. This information will aid us in determining if your jawbone is capable of supporting a dental implant. We’ll arrange your implant placement appointment at this time if we decide that an implant is a good choice for you.

2. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the region where the dental implant will be placed during the surgical session scheduled appointment. The majority of patients indicate that implant insertion procedure is no more painful than an extraction.After the region has been prepared, the implant is placed. To guarantee correct and safe implant placement, the dentist may use a guide created following your initial visit. To reveal the jawbone, we first create an incision in the gums and temporarily pull them away.
3. The dentist drills a number of pilot holes in the jawbone with high-precision surgical tools.The dentist then screws the implant into place using a torque wrench after drilling the pilot holes. To avoid injuring the surrounding bone, torque is delivered with great care and precision.
4. The dentist places a temporary “cover screw” over the abutment aperture at this stage. We can’t put the prosthetic tooth in until the bone heals and fuses with the implant, which is called “osseointegration.” We can make a tiny, temporary oral appliance with a single artificial tooth in many instances involving a single tooth so you can have the gap replaced with a fake tooth that looks and functions well.
5. After the implant has entirely merged with the jawbone, the healing abutment can be placed on the implant. We’ll have to wait another two or three weeks for your gums to recover around the healing abutment before continuing.
6. We’ll take imprints of your mouth and teeth when your gums have healed. These impressions will be used to create your replacement tooth.
7. The dentist will place the prosthetic tooth after ensuring that your jawbone and gums are healthy enough. The prosthetic tooth is typically indistinguishable from a real tooth when the operation is completed.
8. A few weeks after getting your implant restored, we’ll want to arrange a post-op check-up with you. We’ll check to see if you’re having any problems and if you’re happy with the implant restoration during this appointment.