Implantology
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a tooth. Because they are made of titanium, they have a strong foundation for your permanent or mobile teeth that need to harmonize with the natural ones. It is a viable option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, periodontal disease or other reasons. It is a long-term solution to regain your lost smile. If you properly care for the implants and your teeth, they will be permanent for a lifetime.
Types of Dental Implants:
Endosteal – This type of implant is placed in the jawbone. They are most commonly used and come in different shapes such as cylinders and small screws. Each implant holds at least one or more dentures. This implant is often used as a great option for patients using bridges or removable dentures.
Subperiosteal – They are placed on or above the jawbone. These implants are used in patients with a low jawbone, unable to use traditional dentures, and who do not want to undergo a procedure to rebuild the jawbone.
Dental Implant Procedure:
First, the dentist will surgically place the implant in the jawbone. The dental implant will replace the root of the tooth and will need appropriate time (eg 3 to 6 months) for healing. During this healing period, osseointegration takes place where there is a connection between the jawbone and the implant. Some patients may have to wait until the implant is fully integrated before inserting replacement teeth into 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 denture. An abutment is a connection that runs along the gum line to keep the implant embedded. In the case of a dental implant, the abutment has its own healing time. The gingiva around the abutment must harden before the crown is placed.
Finally, the dentist will place the artificial tooth(s). In the case of a single dental implant, the dental surgeon will customize a new tooth, known as a dental crown. The shape, size and color of the crown will change to match perfectly with your natural teeth. If you are replacing more than one tooth, there are custom-made bridges or dentures to fit your mouth and implants. It will take some time for the dentist to make the artificial teeth. During this time, he or she may give you a temporary bridge, veneer, or denture so you can chew and talk normally until the replaced teeth are ready.
How long does it take to restore one or more teeth?
As each patient is unique, our dentist will give you an approximate time to complete the procedure. The duration will depend on the condition of the jawbone and the patient’s dental and medical history. The exact time required from start to finish can be from a few months to a year for more complex cases.
What are the risks associated with treatment?
A dental implant is the most effective treatment for broken, crooked, damaged or missing teeth. Although complications are almost nonexistent, there are some risks such as infection, tooth roots, damage to other teeth, sinus, nerve damage, fractures, and failure to complete the procedure due to insufficient jawbone. Talk to our dentist and learn more about the risks involved in treatment.
Does a dental implant hurt?
Although there are some discomforts depending on the patient’s condition, many people feel better after treatment than they expected. Most of the patients returned to work and daily activities the next day and were satisfied with the result.
What are the costs associated with dental implants?
After the initial consultation, our dentist should provide the estimated cost of the treatment. If your teeth are affecting your ability to eat, speak, smile or undermine your confidence, then dental implants are definitely a good investment to consider.
