A dental implant, also called tooth implant, is an artificial tooth placed into the jawbone for replacing the root of a tooth. Being made of titanium, they have a strong foundation for your permanent or removable teeth that should blend in with the natural ones. They are a suitable option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to an injury, periodontal disease or other reasons. They are a long-term solution for restoring your lost smile. If you care for the implants and your teeth properly, then they will last for a lifetime.
Firstly, the dental practitioner will surgically place the implant into the jawbone. The dental implant will replace the tooth root and need proper time (say, 3 to 6 months) for healing. During this healing time, osseointegration takes place where there is a connection between the jawbone and the implant. Some patients may have to wait until the implant is completely integrated, before attaching the replacement teeth to the implant. Other patients can have replacement teeth and implants placed in a single visit.
The abutment is positioned to connect the implant and the prosthetic tooth. The abutment is a connection that spans through the gum line so that the implant remains buried. In the case of a dental implant, the abutment has its own recovery period. The gum around the abutment must cure before the crown is placed.
Finally, the dentist will place the artificial tooth/teeth. In case of a single tooth implant, the dental surgeon will customise a new tooth, known as a dental crown. The crown will depend on the shape, size and colour so that it blends perfectly with your natural teeth. If you’re replacing more than one tooth, there are custom-made bridges or dentures that will fit your mouth and implants. The dentist will require some time to make the artificial teeth. During this time, he may give a temporary bridge, crown or denture so that you can chew and speak normally until the replaced teeth are ready.
Since every patient is unique, our dentist will provide you with an approximate time for completing the process. The time will depend on the condition of the jawbone and the dental and medical history of the patient. The exact time needed from start to end can be a few months to more than a year for more complicated cases.
Dental implant is the most effective treatment for broken, crooked, damaged or missing teeth. Although there are hardly any complications, some risks include infection, tooth roots, damage to other teeth, sinus, nerve damage, fractures and incapable of completing the process due to insufficient jawbone. Talk to our dentist and find out more about the risks involved in the treatment.
Though there may be some uneasiness depending on the situation of the patient, many people feel better than they expected after the treatment. Majority of the patients have returned to work and daily activities by the next day, and are satisfied with the result.
After an initial consultation, our dental surgeon should provide an estimated cost of the treatment. If your teeth affect your ability to eat, speak, smile or bring down your confidence, then dental implants are certainly a good investment worth considering.