Medical News

If you have lost one or more teeth, do not worry about having to just deal with it. Today’s abilities include being able to replace teeth with realistic products via dental implants. Learn more about this modern marvel before you decide whether to put it to use.

You may be a victim of tooth decay, gum disease, mouth trauma, congenital defects, or simply a major dentist operation gone wrong. Either way, you are probably a bit embarrassed about missing a tooth, leading to reduced smiles and even less of a desire to talk to others. You may even have problems eating, which can lead to serious problems like malnutrition. Don’t put your health in danger due to a hole in your smile, but instead consider dental implants to fix the issue.

This is not a temporary fix, but a permanent solution. You do not have to worry about the replacements falling out while you talk, or swallowing them while you eat. They are durable, and they are in your mouth for good when done correctly. Of course, it helps to have a dentist who has performed this procedure before with great results, so be sure to ask about prior patients.

Dental implants are not glued to the gums or stuck there by adhesive. Rather, they become anchored down over a few months by slowly fusing with the jaw bone. You can expect the implant to be placed in the mouth, and then you will need to wait about three to six months while osseointegration happens, which is when it really becomes anchored to the bone. If this is done successfully, the implant is there to stay, and is likely to be indistinguishable from other teeth.

Typically, the success rate of this procedure is higher in the lower area of the mouth than the upper, but most experienced dental professionals can make most any implant work with any area of the mouth.

Losing teeth these days is not as permanent a problem as it was years ago, since dental implants can fix the issue fast. In less than a year, and with very little time spent at the dentist’s office, you can fill in the gaps with new teeth that look quite realistic. When done correctly, no one will be able to tell what happened, allowing you to get back to your normal life without any embarrassment, malnutrition, or chewing problems.

The niche of dentistry along with the technology that is put to use by the dentists is developing at an alarming pace. There was a time when the commoners had to opt for removable dentures, if they lost their teeth. Times are changing and now we have access to dental implants. What are dental implants? What are the various kinds of dental implants? Can I opt for this procedure if I lose a couple of teeth? The queries posed to cosmetic dentists in the real world as well as in the virtual world (internet discussion forums) are also increasing.

If you are in need of a dental-implant, the first thing you must be doing is to fix an appointment with the local dentist. Sometimes, expert cosmetic dentists can rectify minor problems with the use of ulterior technology. A dentist will examine the patient thoroughly. He will also employ advanced technologies that will generate x-ray images of the jawbone and the gums. All these are required to determine the type of dental implant, which will work out to be highly feasible for the patient. Yes, the ‘one size fits all’ paradigm does not work out over here.

Many patients would shun away from dental-implant procedures because of the pains. However, you must realize that you are in safe hands. An expert dentist will employ the least painful procedures. I am not stating that the procedure is painless. In the words of expert dentists, dental implants might cause ‘minor discomforts’. Once the process is completed, the dentist might ask the patient to seek respite on painkiller prescriptions. Do not worry, the dentist will provide the same. The healing period varies greatly – if you follow the guidelines cited by the dentist, it will take a maximum of three to four weeks for the pain to subside.

I understand that many readers might have various notions when it comes to the success rates of dental implants. You must shed the belief that this is a new technology. Dental-implantation procedures have been in existence since some years. Throughout these years, dentists have perfected the niche. Hence, the success rate of dental implant procedure is 90 to 95 percent. Does that make you feel better? I do realize that you might have numerous queries surfacing in your mind right now. The best person, who can give you satisfactory answers, is none other than your dentist.

It is important to find the right kind of dentist who is well versed with dental implants. Someone who utilizes the latest techniques will be your best bet. The internet is a good place to initiate the search for the finest cosmetic dentists. You must also consider the number of sittings (appointments) with the dentist.

Dental implants have come a long way since the Mayans implanted pieces of shell, shaped into teeth, into the sockets of missing teeth 1300 years ago. Today Dental Implantology has evolved into one of the most sought after treatments for missing teeth. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant is a relatively painless procedure providing the next best result, both aesthetically and functionally, to natural teeth.

What are the steps involved in getting an implant?

The first step towards getting an implant involves setting an appointment with your nearest trained restorative dentist. He/she will conduct a complete oral examination along with a detailed medical history to evaluate whether you are an eligible candidate to undergo implant surgery. For example, certain dental/medical conditions like Hyperparathyroidism, recent radiation therapy, certain cardiac problems, blood disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, bruxism, etc. may preclude you for surgery. Radiographs including conventional X-rays and CT scans may be needed, depending on the case.

The next step entails arriving at a treatment plan with your restorative dentist. The type of implant will vary, depending on your treatment needs and your present oral condition. The most commonly used implant type is the Endosteal or Root form Implant. As the name suggests, this implant is shaped like the root of a tooth and is placed within the bone directly. Other types include Subperiosteal, Transosteal, Plate-form, Intra-mucosal etc. Dental Implants are made from commercially pure titanium.

There are many methods of placing Root form implants after extraction of a tooth.

1. Immediate post-extraction implant placement.

2. Delayed immediate post-extraction implant placement (2 weeks -3 months after extraction).

3. Late implantation (3 months after extraction).

Dental Implants can be classified into Immediate loading, Early loading and Delayed loading depending on the timing of placement of load on the implant.

Steps involved in the placement of a Single tooth Endosteal, Late implantation, and Delayed loading Implant system include:

Implant Surgery Phase (Couple of hours)

• Generally you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the area of the surgery. The surgery may also be done under general anesthesia, conscious sedation or Nitrous Oxide sedation.

• The gum tissue in the area of the missing tooth will be removed to expose the bone where the implant will be placed.

• An instrument will be used to prepare the bone to receive the implant.

• When the bone has been adequately prepared, the implant can be placed.

• When the implant has been fully inserted into the prepared cavity, the gum is sutured back in place to enclose the implant within the tissue.

Healing Phase (3-6 months)

• During this phase the gum heals over the implant and bone forms around the implant, fusing with the implant (Osseo integration). You may experience mild discomfort and tenderness in the area for a few days. You can expect to be prescribed pain management medication and antibiotics for the first few days. Sutures are removed within 7-14 days.

Restorative Phase (Around 2 months)

• When the implant is ready to be uncovered, the gum tissue over the implant is opened and a healing collar is placed. This collar allows the gum to form around the new implant in a natural form. After 2 weeks, this collar is removed.

• The healing collar is then replaced with a post to support the new dental crown.

• Impressions are taken. Later, a temporary crown is fabricated. The dentist will place a permanent crown once he is completely satisfied with the healing.

The duration of treatment given is an estimation as each person reacts differently to treatments. Contact your dentist for further information.