All you need to know about Dental Implants

 A person who has lost teeth may desire replacement of the same by fixed teeth. Dental implants are the most successful option for replacement of your missing teeth. With proper care, they can last as long as your natural teeth. So what exactly are these dental implants?

Dental implants are made up of three main parts - implant, abutment and crown. The dental implant is a screw-like structure that is made up of titanium and embedded into the bone. The bone fuses to the implant through a natural process called as osseointegration. The abutment is a connector of the prosthetic teeth to the implant which is fastened with a screw. The crown or the prosthesis is designed for single tooth or full arch of teeth.

Why do we need dental implants?

1. To replace missing teeth lost due to decay, gum disease or trauma

2. For mastication (chewing)

3. For strong and esthetic prosthesis

4. To maintain the integrity of the jaw structure.

Procedural Steps:

1. Prior to surgery, a CBCT scan is taken for three-dimensional view of the jaw and for assessing the amount of bone available for placement of implants.

2. Dental implants can be placed at the time of extraction of the tooth or during healing phase after extraction.

3. Under local anaesthesia, gums are separated over the site of implant placement.

4. A space is then created for placement of the implant by drilling into the bone. The dental implant is finally placed into the bone.

5. Many cases require bone grafting simultaneously with the dental implant.

6. In case of esthetic region, a temporary crown may be secured over the implant.

7. After the healing phase (usually 3-4 months for lower jaw and 4-6 months for upper jaw), the abutment and the final crown are fastened over the implant.

In case of unavailability of bone the procedure is performed in two stages. In the first stage, bone grafting is done followed by implant placement in the second stage.

What are the different types or procedures required for dental implants?

1. Immediate implants

2. All on 4

3. Sinus lift procedures

4. Ridge split

5. Bone augmentation

(The above mentioned procedures would be discussed in the subsequent blogs)

Dental implants have a high success rate depending upon the type of materials used, experience of the surgeon and implant maintenance. They are designed to last a lifetime and are as durable as natural teeth. With regular follow-ups and good maintenance, they rarely fail.

Contact us for your dental implants.

Dr. Shraddha Karkhanis

1 Smile One Care

BDS,MDS

Periodontist & Oral Implantologist

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