Implants |
Dental implants
are effective, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth.
They may be described as today's best alternative to natural
teeth. They are an exciting option that has changed the lives of
many people. They can be the foundation on which an attractive
smile may be built.
An implant is a metallic object that is inserted into your
jawbone to act like a natural tooth-root. It integrates with the
jawbone to give a firm support to the artificial tooth or bridge
that it will support.
An implant may be indicated if you have missing teeth and it is not possible to give you a fixed bridge due to technical reasons like inadequate bone or tooth support. It may also be a good choice for people not comfortable with dentures. The only disadvantages are the surgical procedure required to insert the implant into the jawbone and the high cost involved when choosing implants over dentures.
Your dentist will evaluate your mouth to check whether you are a good candidate for implants. Your dentist will gather information about your dental and medical history, examine your mouth and take x-rays. Then your dentist will discuss the results of the evaluation with you and and give you any further information you need to help you decide if you should have a dental implant. Models and x-rays of your teeth and jaws are made so as to decide where to place the implants.
Risks and complications are similar to other surgical procedures and include bleeding or infection. Your dentist will discuss risks specific to your implant, such as sinus problems and numbness from nerve injuries. If the implant fails, it may be removed or redone, or you may have to go back to wearing dentures again.
You are a good candidate for an implant if you have enough jawbone that is dense enough to support an implant and your gums are healthy. Any medical conditions you may have also may influence this decision.
The Implant Process
Placing an implant is a 3 step procedure. The first 2 steps are surgical procedures, while the last step consists of placement of your artificial tooth or bridge.
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A small incision is made in your gums at the site where the implant is to be placed. |
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The first surgery involves placing the implant into your jawbone. This is the anchor which fuses with the bone to give strong support to your artifical replacement. This integration with your jawbone takes 4 to 6 months to occur. |
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The implant is placed into the space created with special instruments. |
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The gums are sutured and the implant is allowed to integrate with the bone for 4 to 6 months. |
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The second surgery involves attaching the support onto the anchor, which connnects the anchor to the artificial tooth. |
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The third stage involves placing your new artificial teeth onto the implant. Your dentist will take impressions (measurements) of you jaws and get the artificial teeth fabricated from a laboratory. On arrival from the laboratory, these can be cemented onto the implant supports. The total implant process may take 3 to 9 months because of the time needed for the jawbone and gums to integrate and grow around the implant, and for your new teeth to be fabricated. |
Caring for your New Teeth
Routine cleaning of your artifical teeth will keep them healthy. Just like natural teeth, you should brush your implants after every meal. Special brushes may be required in order to clean behind and below the artifical replacements. Flossing around the implants is very important. You will be able to eat most foods, but avoid chewing on ice, hard objects and sticky foods.
Routine checkups atleast twice a year will ensure that you are able to use your implants for a long time to come.
