A Guide to Dental Implants: By Dr. Santhosh Kumar, Dental Surgeon, 18 years of experience.

  • Modern dentistry has given us dental implants-a permanent effective way of dealing with missing teeth. As an experienced dentist myself with 18 years of clinical experience, it is a transformative practice in the treatment of patients.
    Dental implants are discussed along with their key benefits, their procedure, upkeep, and compatibility in this chapter which has been particularly underlined that a good output for such a method depends on much professional care

Dental implants are artificial roots of the tooth made from biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that are placed into the jawbone surgically. They offer a stable support for fixed or removable replacement teeth that closely resemble the function and appearance of natural teeth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

1. Natural Appearance and Feel

These dental implants simulate the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
Their tailored crowns perfectly blend with your existing dental structures, thereby enhancing the aesthetic and the confidence level of a person.

2. Lifespan and Resilience

In ideal care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Their excellent durability renders them an ideal option that is completely cost-effective in the long term.


3. Effective Oral Functionality

Unlike dentures, implants have the best stability and do not give you pain while chewing or biting and also the fear of them moving.
4. Saving the Health of Jaw
With loss of teeth, jaw bone decays slowly without any stimulation, but the implants stimulate the bone which in turn helps to avoid its resorption along with facial structure.


5. No effect on neighboring Teeth
Dental implants unlike bridges don’t have the impact of alteration in adjacent teeth which ensures the preservation of natural integrity.

Who is an ideal candidate for dental implants?

The most people are able to undergo dental implants because they:

o Have lost one or more teeth

o Have enough jawbone density to support the implant

o Have excellent overall health and healthy gums

o Agree to maintain good oral hygiene

Those with conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or severe bone loss may need additional assessments or preparatory treatments before a dentist places the implants.


The Dental Implants Procedure

The procedure for dental implantation is divided into several stages, ensuring the precision and longevity of the implants:

1. Initial Consultation

A full examination, comprising X-rays and 3D imaging, is conducted to assess jawbone quality and determine the implant suitability.
A tailored treatment plan is developed based on the patient’s specific needs.

2. Tooth Extraction (if necessary)

If the damaged tooth is still in place, it will be removed before the placement of the implant. Healing time may be needed before proceeding.


3. Implant Placement

The dental implant is placed under local anesthesia or sedation into the jawbone and left to become integrated with the bone over 3-6 months through osseointegration.

4. Attach Abutment

After that, the securely fused implant attaches an abutment to connect to the replacement tooth.
This requires minor surgery for the procedure.
5. Attachment of Crown

A pre-made or custom-made crown is bonded over the abutment for this restoration. To be invisible when worn, such a crown mimics in its size, form, and shade one of the more natural crowns.


Dental Implants Categories
1. Endosteal implants

Directly positioned inside the jaw or bone of an individual, such implants are highly common as only patients having ideal bone mass support them appropriately and well.
2. Subperiosteal Implants

These are placed under the gum but above the jawbone.
They are ideal for patients with insufficient bone height or who cannot undergo bone augmentation.

3. All-on-4 Implants

The four implants support the full arch of teeth, thereby making it cost-effective and time-efficient for complete tooth loss.

Pre-treatment Preparations before Implant

Some patients require additional procedures for successful implant placement:

1.
Bone Grafting

If the jawbone is not dense enough, a grafting procedure can be done to build up the bone. This can be done using either natural or synthetic graft materials.

2. Sinus Lift

For implants in the upper jaw, a sinus lift may be required to increase bone height in the molar and premolar areas.


3. Ridge Expansion

If the jawbone is narrow, ridge expansion techniques can create the necessary width for implant placement.

Caring for Dental Implants

Maintenance of Dental Implants is important for its longevity and health.

1. Oral Hygiene

Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.


Use interdental brushes or floss around the implant.

2. Dental Check-ups

Go to the dentist for check-ups at least twice a year to see how the health of your implants and the surrounding tissues are doing.

Professional cleaning prevents plaque and infection from setting in.


3. Harmful Habits

Refrain from smoking, which can impede healing and increase the risk of implant failure.

Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens that can damage the crown.

Common Concerns and Their Solutions

1. Pain or Discomfort

Mild discomfort is normal after surgery and can be managed with prescribed pain relievers.
Persistent pain should be evaluated by your dentist.

2. Implant Failure

Although this is rare, implant failure may be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, or inadequate bone integration. Early diagnosis and intervention often solve the problem.

3. Peri-Implantitis

This is an inflammatory condition that affects the soft and hard tissues around the implant.
Excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups prevent this complication.

Why Choose an Experienced Dentist?

The success of a dental implant lies largely in the dentist’s hand, with more than 18 years of practice. Here, it is focused on:

Comprehensive Care: Evaluation from the onset to postoperative follow-ups
State-of-the-Art Techniques: The newest developments in the technology of an implant for utmost precision and comfort
Patient Education: Educating patients about the procedure and proper care.

Safety and Hygiene: Maintaining the highest standards of sterilization and safety.

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