Dental implants are restorative treatments that help restore complete dental functions by replacing missing teeth with artificial units. The treatment provides health and cosmetic benefits by beautifying your smile as well as preventing health complications.
Structure Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are made of three units that come together to form a full tooth.
1- The Root
The root in dental implants is made from titanium and is placed within the jaw bone. This metal is ideal because it fuses with the bone ensuring long-term anchor.
2- The Abutment
The abutment is a structure that is placed on top of the root to receive the crown. Typically it is made from titanium and acts as a connecting unit between the crown and the root.
3- The Crown
The crown is the only visible part from a dental implant after placement. It comes in a range of material that meets different demands. The options alternate between budget-friendly and expensive. Some options for the crown in dental implants are more natural looking than others.
This depends on your price range and whether you’re getting the treatment for cosmetic or practical reasons.
Advantages Of Dental Implants
- Prevents bone erosion
- Last a lifetime
- Restores dental functions
- Corrects speech problems if present
- Improves chewing
- Better self-image
- Improves over-all oral health
Dental Implants Procedure
Dental implants is a procedure consisting of 4 parts and an additional step that not all patients need.
Part 1: General Treatment
Before starting with dental implant surgery, you doctor will examine your mouth and its health. This includes x-rays as well to make sure there are no hidden issues.
Part 2: Bone Grafting (Not Always Necessary)
Bone grafting is only necessary before dental implants if you don’t have enough bone density. In other words, if your jaw is too weak to sustain an implant. In this case you’ll need a bone graft. A process in which your dentist takes bone tissue from a different place on your body and implants it in your jaw.
After 2-3 months, the graft should fuse with the jaw bone and you should be able to continue with your procedure.
Part 3: Dental Implant Surgery
This step includes placing the root into the jaw bone. The entire procedure takes place from inside the mouth so scarring isn’t an issue. Your dentist will make an opening on the gum and drill all the way towards the jaw bone. After creating enough area for the root, you dentist places the titanium root and sutures the area.
It takes up to 3 months for the bone to fuse with the root and become one structure. This process of healing is so important because it anchors the root permanently.
Part 4: Placing The Abutment
After your jawbone heals from the minor surgery, you’ll visit your dentist to place the abutment. The abutment is made from titanium as well. To put the abutment in place, your dentist will open the gum until the surface of the root is visible.
Once the abutment goes on the root, your dentist then closes the gum but not over the abutment. Instead, the gum closed around the abutment.
Healing period is two weeks after this step.
Part 5: Placing The Crown
Initially you’ll have a temporary crown until your dentist orders a custom made one for you. Of course you can discuss the material of the crown and your most suitable options with your dentist.
After that, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and send this data to a laboratory. This ensures that the lab design the perfect crown for you.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants success rate vary depending on various factors. Most importantly the skill and reputation of your dental clinic. But overall provided everything goes up to plan the success rate of dental implants averages at around 98%.
Will I Feel Any Pain During The Dental Implants Procedure?
The procedure from start to finish with local anesthesia. So during the procedure you will not feel any pain.
Your dentist will prescribe pain killers to take once your anesthetic begins to wear off.
Dental Implants Care Routine
You should care for dental implants the same way you would natural teeth. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash.
Dental Implants Cost
Cost of dental implants depends on several points. These include:
- The country you get your treatment
- Dentist fees
- Material for the crown
For this reason it can be difficult to set an average as the differences from one country to another can be jarring.
