Introduction:
Dental implants have changed the face of dentistry over the past few decades. Despite improvements in dental care, millions of people suffer tooth loss, mostly due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. Most of them are not aware of dental implants, which are the most reliable treatment option for missing teeth today. This article explains in detail the various aspects of dental implants. Patients of all ages have chosen dental implants to replace a single tooth or several teeth or to support partial or full dentures. They function in a very similar way to the natural tooth.
What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant?
A standard dental implant consists of three parts:
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Screw - The screw or the metal part that goes into the jaw bone and gums. It is cylindrical or tapered in shape and is made of titanium and other materials which are compatible with the body.
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Abutment - The abutment is placed above the screw. It is usually made of the same material as the screw.
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Crown - The crown is the part that is fixed over the abutment. It is made of porcelain, acrylic or other regular dental crown materials.
How Does the Implant Serve Its Purpose?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Once the implant is in place, the bone gradually bonds with the implant through a process called osseointegration, which typically takes a few months.
After osseointegration is complete, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant, which serves as a base for the replacement tooth or teeth. Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for missing teeth.
What Are the Indications of Dental Implants?
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All patients above the age of 20 can receive dental implants.
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Missing tooth.
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After extracting a decayed or mobile tooth.
What Is an Immediate Dental Implant?
The placement of implants immediately after the removal of the teeth is called an immediate dental implant. the implantologist will look for a lot of factors before deciding on it.
What Are the Steps in Getting a Dental Implant?
After the implantologist studies the bone level and other parameters, he will decide what type of implants are suitable. There are a variety of implants available in the market based on their sizes, materials used to manufacture, shape and the time of placement of implants.
Before the placement of dental implants, the surgeon might ask to get an X-ray of the area done or even a CBCT (a dental CT scan) to assess the bone in the area, as the screw has to be inserted into it and the level of bone is a major prerequisite for implant placement and its success.
A dental implant is placed in two to three steps.
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The first step is the placement of the titanium screw. This is done after preparing space for the insertion of screws just like how a screw is fixed onto the walls. Once the screw is placed, the doctor will check for the stability or the strength of the screws placed. This stage determines the period to wait to receive a final crown on the implant.
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If the bone level is adequate and the stability is satisfactory, the implantologist will place the abutment and will be able to receive the final crown in a very short time or maybe on the same day. For this to happen, the bone levels should be adequate which is not always the case.
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If there is an inadequate amount of bone, the surgeon will still place an implant, and place a bone graft material around it to regenerate the bone around the area so that the implant will receive support from it after the bone is completely formed. But will not be able to receive a crown immediately or in a short period.
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Usually, patients will have to wait for 3 to 6 months until the bone forms and heals. Until then, will be given a temporary crown (non-functional), and sometimes only a cover screw or a healing abutment is placed, which replicates the gum structure around the implant like a natural tooth to enhance esthetics and function.
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Finally, after the placement of the abutment, an impression of the area will be taken to record the measurements and to manufacture the crown in the dental laboratory. The prepared crown will be placed over the abutment with dental adhesives. The titanium screw will mechanically and biologically bond to the bone and provide strength to the implant like a natural tooth root.
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Unlike dentures, implants and crowns are not removed for overnight soaking and cleaning. A good candidate for dental implants if are in good health and have healthy gums and adequate bone to support an implant.
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Maintaining dental implants is not a difficult task. Repeated visits with a dentist and maintenance of proper oral hygiene are mandatory. Dental implants are placed by implantologist, periodontist, prosthodontists, and oral surgeons. The cost of dental implants varies in different countries.
What Are the Side Effects of Dental Implants?
While dental implants are generally safe and successful, like any surgical procedure, they can have potential side effects and risks. Some common side effects and complications associated with dental implants include:
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Pain or Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the implant site is common after surgery and usually resolves within a few days. Pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications prescribed by the dentist.
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Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising around the implant site are normal after surgery and usually subside within a few days to a week.
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Infection: Infection at the implant site is a potential risk, although it’s relatively rare. Your dentist will provide instructions for proper oral hygiene and care to minimize the risk of infection.
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Nerve Damage: In some cases, dental implant surgery may cause temporary or permanent damage to nearby nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the mouth, lips, or chin.
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Implant Failure: While dental implants have a high success rate, there is a risk of implant failure, which can occur due to factors such as poor osseointegration, peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implant), or mechanical problems with the implant or restoration.
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Sinus Problems: Dental implants placed in the upper jawbone may protrude into the sinus cavity, potentially causing sinus problems such as sinusitis or sinus infection.
Conclusion:
There are numerous reasons why individuals lose their natural teeth, such as dental decay, trauma, infection, and more. When a patient needs a tooth extracted or loses a tooth, it is common for them to feel self-conscious about their smiles. Fortunately, there are numerous options. Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace a missing tooth and repair a smile, even if there are many other possibilities. The main advantage of dental implants is that they will maintain a patient's oral health for many years to come and will appear just like the patient's other natural teeth
