Implants are screws made of titanium that are used to treat missing teeth and placed inside the jawbone. A dental prosthesis is placed on these screws. Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screw like posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn't fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don't allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.
How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures. The major benefit of implants is solid support for your new teeth. Because this bone healing requires time, the process can take many months.
Why It's Done
Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won't slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can't decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can.
In general, 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
Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing
Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
Want to improve your speech
Are willing to commit several months to the process
Don't smoke tobacco
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What are the advantages of dental implants?
Natural Teeth: Strong and stable dental implants replace missing teeth and make them look, feel, fit and function like natural teeth. A dental implant stays where the tooth should be: in the mouth. Brush, floss, and care for your dental implant replacement teeth in your mouth just like you would your natural teeth.
Long-lasting construction: Traditional tooth-supported dental bridges last only 5 to 10 years. Dental implants may require regular adjustments, but if properly placed and cared for over the long term, they will last a lifetime.
Maintain a natural face shape: A toothless face will look droopy, sunken, or sad. Dental implants allow you to maintain the natural shape of your face and smile.
Maintaining healthy bones: Leaving gaps in the mouth after missing one or more teeth can lead to health problems such as: B. Partial loss and deterioration of the jawbone. If not used to support natural teeth, the jawbone deteriorates and loses strength and rigidity. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves and stimulates natural bone, actually promoting bone growth and helping prevent bone loss. Adapting to may make it difficult to pronounce everyday words. This is not the case with dental implants, which function like natural teeth.
Protect healthy teeth: Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone where the missing roots are located without affecting healthy teeth. It also helps prevent adjacent healthy teeth from shifting. B. When free space remains for a long time.
What Happens During a Dental Implant?
The dental implant procedure is a multi-stage procedure. Your mouth will be fully numbered with local anesthesia. An incision is made in the gum where the implant will be placed, exposing the underlying bone. The dentist then uses a special drill to create a space in the jawbone. Then screw the implant into place. After the implant is in place, a second component, a cap placed over the dental implant to act as a placeholder, is screwed onto the implant and remains in place during the healing process. At the end of these procedures, you will undergo a healing period lasting 2-4 months.
After the healing period is over and the implant has grown into the bone, the dentist places an abutment, which is an extension of the metal post of the implant, followed by a new artificial tooth.
Will I Feel Pain During the Procedure?
You will need to go with an experienced dentist to make sure the procedure is safe and performed to the best standard possible. The elementary procedure could last between 15-20 minutes but last up to 15 years so if you do experience some pain, it might be worth it for the results. During the procedure you will be under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain except for the injection that might sting slightly. You will become numb in the mouth after the injection and therefore, no sharp or painful effects will be felt. After your operation, you are likely to experience some pain, and this can be treated with over the counter painkillers and also ice.
How Long Does It Take to Place Dental Implants?
It depends on the number and location of the implants, but simple, uncomplicated dental implant placement usually takes less than an hour.
What happens after Dental Implant treatment?
You may need pain medication or antibiotics after dental implant surgery. If you experience swelling, discomfort or any other problems in the days after surgery, you should contact your doctor directly. After each stage of the surgery, you may need to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals The adaptation / Decoupling period may last between 3-6 months.