The method we used to replace missing teeth has been changed to dental implants. Treatment for missing teeth has evolved thanks to implant dentistry.
Dental implants can replicate the appearance, feel, and functionality of natural teeth, whether you currently wear complete or partial dentures or only require tooth replacement for one or more missing teeth.
Dental implants, also known as “screws,” are titanium cylinders that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They can then be mounted on by your dentist to serve as replacement teeth. A crown, which serves as your new tooth, will resemble and feel like your natural teeth.
Due to inadequate bone or tooth support, poor oral hygiene, discomfort, or choking, some persons cannot wear conventional bridges or dentures comfortably or at all. Standard bridges also need to be secured to the teeth on each side of the gap caused by the missing tooth. One benefit of implants is that your new replacement tooth or teeth don’t need to be secured in place by grinding down or preparing the teeth next to them.
To be eligible for implants, you must:
There are several benefits. A dental implant replaces a single tooth without compromising the health of the teeth around and functions and looks like a natural tooth. A tooth-supported fixed bridge, another popular procedure for a single tooth loss, necessitates the grinding down of nearby teeth to support the cemented bridge.
The bone is better preserved because a dental implant will replace your tooth root. A portion of the bone that once protected the tooth starts to resorb or degrade when it is covered by a bridge. Your jawbone and dental implants work together to maintain the bone’s strength and health.
Over time, a single implant may be more aesthetically pleasing and simpler to care for than a bridge. Gums can recede away from a bridge, exposing the metal base or collar and leaving a noticeable flaw. An ugly smile may result from resorbed bone under the bridge. Additionally, the cement that holds the bridge in place may wash away, allowing bacteria to erode the teeth that support the bridge.
The implant, which resembles a screw or cylindrical object, is first inserted into your jaw. Your artificial tooth will have an anchor as a result of the implant and bone-bonding together over the following 2 to 6 months. A temporary tooth replacement solution can be worn over the implant site during this time.
The surgery frequently requires an additional step to expose the implant and install an extension. The framework on which your new tooth will be positioned is finished by this temporary healing cap. After this surgery, your gums will be allowed to heal for a few weeks.
(Note: This second step is not necessary for some implant systems (one-stage). With these methods, the extension portion is already attached to the implant. Which system is most suitable for you will be suggested by your Implantologist)
You will then have a crown, a replacement tooth, made for you and attached to an abutment, a small metal post. You will quickly regain confidence in your grin, as well as your capacity to chew and communicate. Because dental implants feel and look so natural, you might not even remember that you ever lost a tooth.
Since each situation is unique, several of these procedures may be combined under certain circumstances. The ideal treatment strategy will be chosen in collaboration with you by your periodontist.
Candidates for dental implant surgery are assessed by the team at Implant Periodontic & Prosthodontic Specialists on the following criteria:
The bone around the lost tooth starts to degenerate. For the Implant to merge with the bone, a specific volume of bone must be present. It’s possible that there isn’t enough bone in your jaw if you’ve been toothless for a while to undergo dental implant surgery.
This is determined with a CBCT scanner. We can assess your bone density thanks to the 3D perspective of your mouth and jawbone provided by today’s technology. If there is sufficient bone, we will proceed with your unique treatment strategy.
We can typically undertake a bone grafting treatment if you don’t have enough bone for dental implants. Your body may rebuild bone and tissue with the aid of this therapy. You will be able to proceed with the procedure once you have enough bone.
Adults who have reached the end of their growth and development are the best candidates for dental implants.
You might have to wait till your facial structure has grown if you or your child are too young. Usually, this happens when a female is 16 years old and a boy is 18 years old.
Dental implant surgery requires good general and oral health, as with most surgical procedures. Dental implants might not be a good option for you if you have gum disease, diabetes, or are a heavy smoker.
You may be sure that our dentists will examine you individually and, if necessary, collaborate with your doctor to find a solution.
The price of a single dental implant depends on your particular situation; some situations are simpler than others and necessitate an extraction and/or bone transplant, which affects the overall cost.
Overall, it’s critical to keep in mind that getting a dental implant is an investment in your future because it will boost your confidence, overall quality of life, and oral health for years to come.