What exactly is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root identical to a screw. This is commonly made of titanium which is known to be both strong and light. The implant would be surgically and strategically placed into the jaw in supporting a replacement tooth. Dental implants have been acknowledged as the most sought method in teeth replacement. In the long-run, the jawbone fuses to the dental implant, making implants a permanent solution for missing teeth. These implants may also prove useful in keeping natural chewing and biting intact.
The Procedure of Dental Implant Surgery
Initial Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation is carried out which may involve a 3D CT Scan/Radiograph and even treatment planning. In general, the best cosmetic dentists will do a complete and thorough assessment of your teeth which includes X-rays and teeth models to ensure that dental implants will be as identical as possible to your natural teeth.
The condition of your jawbone is then evaluated in relation to the number of teeth you desire on being substituted with implants. The planning process could take time due to having several dental specialists (such as a periodontist and maxillofacial surgeon) involved.
Your dentist would also want to know about any medical conditions you have and what medications you are taking, including what is bought over the counter. For instance, if you have any heart conditions or orthopedic implants, our dental specialists may prescribe certain antibiotics prior to the surgery in avoiding possible infection.
Your doctor is expected to know and speak to you concerning the three surgical anesthesia options and which would be the best option for you during the procedure. A list of Do’s and Don’t will also be given to adhere to leading up to the surgery.
If you haven’t already, ensure that a friend or family member would be able to drive you to and from the surgery. Expect to be in a complete state of rest for the rest of the day after the surgery.
During the Surgery
Dental implant surgery is usually carried out in several stages, needing the jawbone to completely heal surrounding the implant before more work is executed.
- The damaged tooth is extracted (if it is still in the mouth)
- The jawbone is prepped for surgery. This could include some degree of bone grafting.
- Right after the healing of the jawbone, the implant is inserted into the gum line.
- The jaw will then be given time to heal again. The surgeon then sets the abutment (the piece that screws into the implant) and attaches the artificial tooth on top, reaching completion of the full implant.
This process may possibly reach up to a few months to allow your jaw to heal and be ready for the last implant installation. If the jawbone is not strong enough, the implant will not take place; hence, it is crucial to be patient in the healing process.
Bone Grafting
The jawbone site for the implant would be observed if it is not thick enough or that it could be too soft. Since the jaw produces great pressure while chewing, the bone would need extra strength in managing both the chewing and protection of the dental implant once it has been surgically inserted to the gumline.
Depending on the jawbone structure, you may require a bit of extra bone added to offer the implant site a more rigid foundation. This is all carried out through an operation called bone grafting. It is where a minor bit of bone is transplanted within the jawbone to help harden the implant base. This bone transplant usually comes from a different area in the upper or lower jawbone, far from the implant site, but it could also possibly come from a different part of the body.
You will either need to have your bone heal first or have the extra bone structure offered simultaneously as the implant (ideal in terms of time) depending on your jaw’s state or condition. Whilst waiting for the implant to heal, you will be given temporary dentures in keeping the look of a full tooth. It is advised that the dentures are to be always kept clean.
Simultaneously, osseointegration will take place. This is when the bone starts developing into and fusing with the surface of the implant, becoming a part of the natural gum line. The procedure may take from three to nine months and is expected to function the same way the roots of a natural tooth would.
Placement of the Abutment
Once healing and osseointegration processes are fulfilled, the abutment is installed. An abutment is a piece that screws into the dental implant and is where the artificial tooth will attach to later. This isn’t anything major but is a small outpatient procedure that will likely be done with local anesthesia. During the initial implantation phase, the abutment can be attached to the implant; however, several people don’t care for the post visibility; thus, they choose for a second procedure to install it much later.
In setting the abutment, the oral surgeon would reopen your gums to expose the dental implant. After exposure, the abutment is attached to the dental implant. The gum tissue is then closed surrounding the abutment and is left to heal for a week or two.
Selecting New Artificial Teeth
After the healing of the gums, more impressions would be made of the mouth and the remaining teeth to be used in constructing the artificial tooth, or crown, for your dental implant. There are mainly two types of artificial teeth to select from a removable implant prosthesis or a fixed implant prosthesis.
Selecting the removable route is identical to a removable denture that mounts on a metal frame that snaps securely onto the implant abutment. It is a good choice since it can be conveniently removed for cleaning or replacing.
If a fixed implant is selected, it should be understood that the tooth would not be removed for cleaning or easy replacement. It is either cemented down or permanently screwed onto the abutment.
After Surgery
Feelings of discomfort are completely natural and can be expected after any surgery. Things to expect after a dental implant surgery may be minor bleeding, pain at the site of the implant surgery, and swelling of the face and gums.
The best cosmetic dentists may advise a post-surgery diet of soft foods, compressing ice packs (to address the swelling), and patience while the surgical site heals.
Although most of the dental implant surgeries are successful, complications may arise which may include issues with the bone fusing to the implant. This can be prevented by doing the following:
1 Quit smoking. Avoid the use of tobacco products which may stain teeth and increase infections. Smoking can lead to bone structure weakening and can possibly contribute to implant failure.
2 Execute good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day in practicing proper oral hygiene.
3 Visit your dentist. Regularly attend dental appointments and examinations. Cleanings and exams are recommended every six months to ensure good implant conditions and that it is maintained.
4 Keep clear of bad oral habits. Bad oral habits such as chewing on hard candies can be damaging to both your real teeth and implants. Such hard foods can break or destroy the crown and your natural teeth.
Final Words
The best cosmetic dentist in Dubai recommends dental implants to be the most ideal solution in replacing missing teeth. Although artificial, you may feel these implants to be natural and comfortable. Pursuing such a solution can also avoid bone loss and gum erosion. Having dental implants could also entail maintaining facial aesthetics.
If you think yourself to be a candidate for dental implants, do contact one of our best cosmetic dentists in Dubai. Contact our experts at the American Dental clinic today in taking the next step to having a beautiful set of teeth this 2020.
