How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health?
Dental implants are a new approach in implant dentistry to address the issue of missing teeth. Dental implant placement stimulates bone formation and bonding with organic surrounding bone and mass which supports the prosthetic teeth. Compared to traditional dentures, dental implants are more effective and feel like natural teeth because they are fixed to the implant body, just like real teeth. Types of dental implants In implant dentistry, there are many different options for replacing the missing teeth with dental implants as follows. Single Tooth Restorations: These single-piece units replace one missing tooth without attaching to other teeth or implants. Dental implant therapy involves surgery where an oral surgeon inserts the implant into the jawbone. After the implant bonds to the bone, a crown or artificial tooth is placed on the implant to restore appearance and functionality. Implant-Supported Bridges (or Fixed Dentures): This type of dental implant involves the placement of a set of teeth that is fixed on dental implants to ensure that the user cannot remove it. This dental implant procedure is ideal for filling the gaps of several missing teeth in a line. The implant-supported bridge recreates the chewing efficiency of natural dentition and helps prevent the overload of implants that may cause implant failure. Removable Implant-Supported Dentures (also known as Implant-Supported Overdentures): This option involves a prosthesis that can be taken out and is used when several teeth are missing. During the dental implant surgery, the surgeon installs the implants into the jawbone and these serve as support for adjacent teeth and the overdenture. It is removable for cleaning but the implants hold the denture in place thus improving the comfort and functionality of the fixed denture. Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants have numerous advantages that set them high among the other teeth replacement options and methods. Natural look and comfortable fit, similar to natural teeth Dental implants are created to be aesthetically appealing, comfortable, and functional. It appears natural and has a comfortable fit, which is such a good value for the long term and is a great investment in oral health. Long-lasting and reliable, with a high success rate With proper care, dental implants are durable and stable, often lasting longer than standard dentures or other replacement methods. Studies show that well-planned and maintained dental implants have excellent survival rates compared to similar options. Dental Implant Surgery Main surgical procedures for dental implant surgery Dental implantation typically occurs in several phases and requires significant healing time between them. From surgery to final prosthesis installation, the process can take three to eight months to ensure proper bone healing and integration. Additional procedures to augment deficient bone in the implant site At times, complementary operations are required to provide sufficient bone in the area of the implant to guarantee a reliable anchor point for the dental implant. One of the most frequently used and efficient methods of stimulation is bone grafting. Bone grafting is required if the jawbone is too soft, or its thickness is insufficient to accommodate the implant since it is necessary for implants to have sufficient bone support. Candidacy and Suitability Who is a candidate for dental implants? Dental implants are recommended for individuals with a poor smile due to missing teeth or damaged teeth. In most cases, anyone who has one tooth root or several missing teeth can opt for dental implants provided one is medically fit to undergo a procedure such as tooth extraction or root canal treatment. What if I have missing teeth or bone loss? If a dentist tells you that you cannot receive dental implants because of bone loss, it is recommended to consult with another dentist. Modern dental care technologies and regenerative surgeries, including dental bone grafts and sinus lifts, generally can manage the loss of bone tissue and enable dental implants. Dental bone grafts entail the use of bone grafts in the implant site to enhance the strength of the implant while sinus lifts involve the placement of new bone specifically in the molar and premolar regions of the upper jaw. These procedures can improve bone density to a great extent, preserve bone, and make it easier to place dental implants where the teeth are missing. Consequently, the fact that you have bone loss does not necessarily disqualify you from receiving dental implants or the advantages that come with them. Are dental implants painful? Dental implant placement involves surgery that entails some pain and swelling; however, you can control these symptoms with adequate care and medications. During the procedure, the dentist installs an implant in the area to replace missing teeth with replacement teeth or dentures. After surgery, the patient usually feels pain and swelling, but simple pain relievers such as NSAIDs, including Ibuprofen, can easily relieve these symptoms. In order not to aggravate the situation, there is the advisability of refraining from rigorous activities such as doing exercises and visiting the gym for a few days. Proper oral care should be maintained to avoid additional problems that may set in during the recovery period. Are dental implants safe, and what are the potential risks and complications? A proficient and experienced surgeon can perform dental implant surgery safely. However, as with any surgery, certain risks and side effects are involved. The formation of the osteotomy or placement of the implant may cause sensory impairment, affecting nerves such as the inferior alveolar nerve, maxillary sinus, and blood vessels in the region. It may cause problems like numbness of the limbs, problems with the sinuses, or excessive bleeding. Further, having poor oral hygiene habits weakens the immune system putting the patient at a high risk of getting infected at the implant location which may lead to implant failure. Nevertheless, the success rate of such surgeries is high, especially when it comes to specially trained dentists, who would not only plan the implantation carefully but also would closely watch the progress of his/her patient. Post-Operative Care and Recovery Do dental implants require special care and maintenance after