Latest Medical Developments in Dental Implants
What is Dental Implantation?
Dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth. These permanent metal screws secure artificial or false teeth—such as dental crowns, bridges, or dentures—in place. Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth.
Despite all the advancements in oral and dental health, many people suffer from tooth decay. The only treatment options available for people who had lost their teeth were bridges and dentures. However, today there is a new, more reliable, aesthetic, and durable method.
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable artificial teeth made to match your natural teeth.
In other words, a dental implant is an artificial tooth “root” that is artificially placed in your mouth to support dental prostheses such as dentures or bridges.
They are tissue-friendly as they are screws made of titanium and are placed in the jawbone, which acts as a root for the missing tooth.
People Who Need Dental Implants:
People with one or more missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. You may need dental implants if you have tooth loss due to:
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Broken tooth roots
- Teeth grinding
- Gum disease
- Facial injury
- Congenitally missing teeth
How Should I Prepare for Dental Implants?
Before undergoing dental implants, you should:
Provide your dentist with a current list of medications and supplements you are taking. It’s important to inform your dentist if you are taking a blood thinner (anticoagulant).
Your dentist will coordinate with your primary care provider to decide if you need to stop taking any medications before the implant procedure.
Ensure you have recently seen your primary care provider for a check-up and blood tests to make sure there are no conditions that would interfere with the success of the implant.
Discuss anesthesia options with your dentist. Most surgeons offer sedative medications to help you relax during the dental implant surgery.
If you plan to have anesthesia, arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
During dental implant surgery, the surgeon will:
- Administer local anesthesia to numb your gums.
- Create an incision. Once you are comfortable, the surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gums where the dental implant will go. This exposes the bone underneath so the surgeon can place the implant.
- Prepare the jawbone. The surgeon will use a series of specialized tools to create a hole in the jawbone. They will widen the hole until it is the right diameter for the new dental implant.
- Next, the surgeon will carefully place the dental implant into your jawbone.
- Close the incisions. The surgeon will reposition the gums and close the incision with stitches.
- The steps for placing dental implants are generally the same for everyone. However, sometimes the surgeon can place the dental implant and restoration (such as a crown or bridge) in a single visit. Most of the time, though, you will need a few months for the implant to heal before your dentist can safely perform the final restoration. In these cases, the dentist can provide a temporary (usually removable) restoration during the healing phase.
What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?
The surgeon will provide you with a detailed list of post-surgery instructions and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. There are several things you can do to minimize pain and discomfort:
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for at least 72 hours. (Elevating your heart rate can increase pain and swelling).
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth. (If implants were placed on both sides, eat soft foods for a few days, then gradually add other foods as your comfort level allows).
- Brush and floss daily.
- Clean the implant site according to the surgeon’s directions.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a wide range of advantages, including:
- Improved speech and chewing ability.
- Enhanced appearance of your smile.
- Securing permanent or removable bridges and dentures.
Risks or Complications of Dental Implants
Like any surgery, dental implant placement carries potential complications. Potential risks include:
- Infection
- Sinus damage.
- Nerve damage.
- Improper implant placement.
- Allergic reaction to titanium (very rare).
When placed by an experienced surgeon, the risk of complications is minimal. If you are considering dental implants, make sure to find a doctor you trust.
Who Should Not Get Dental Implants?
Certain risk factors may affect eligibility for dental implants. Dental implants may not be suitable for you if you:
- Are under 18. (Most surgeons will not place dental implants unless the jaw has stopped growing).
- Smoke or use tobacco products.
- Have significant bone loss in your jaw.
- Have poor oral hygiene.
- Have extensive tooth decay.
- Have active or untreated gum disease.
- Have certain health conditions, such as bone disorders or autoimmune diseases.
Everyone is different with a unique health history. To find out if you are eligible for dental implants, talk to your dentist.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?
Recovery times for dental implants can vary, but most people can resume normal activities in about three days. However, it may take several months for the jawbone to fuse around the implant.
This process, called osseointegration, is essential for the long-term success and stability of the dental implant.
After the implant is placed, the surgeon will periodically check your progress. Once the implant has fused with your jawbone, it is safe to add the restoration on top. Placing the dental restoration too early can lead to implant failure.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Currently, dental implants are the longest-lasting tooth replacement option available. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. However, the restoration on top of your dental implant may need to be replaced at some point.
Most crowns and bridges last about 15 years, and most dentures last at least seven years, but this timeline varies.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, so some discomfort is normal. However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling associated with dental implant surgery.
You can also reduce your risk of pain by avoiding the gym for a few days. Elevating your heart rate, especially within the first 72 hours, can increase pain, swelling, and bruising.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes, dental implants are safe when placed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. Dentists have been recommending dental implants for over 50 years.
As long as you have healthy teeth and gums and maintain good oral hygiene, dental implants can be a lifetime solution for tooth loss.
What If My Dentist Tells Me I’m Not Eligible for Dental Implants Due to Bone Loss?
If your dentist tells you that you are not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, it is worth seeking a second opinion.
While it is true that some people are not eligible for dental implants, you may be a candidate for regenerative procedures such as dental bone grafts or sinus lifts.
These procedures can add density to areas of bone loss and potentially increase your eligibility for dental implants.
If you are not eligible for regenerative procedures, there are other tooth replacement options that can help. Ask your dentist what is best for you.
Recommendations for Patients
Before opting for dental implants, talk to your dentist about the potential benefits and risks and whether you are a candidate for the procedure.
Things to consider:
Your overall health is an important factor in determining whether you are a good candidate for dental implants, how long it will take to heal, and how long the implant may last.
- Ask your dentist about the brand and model of the dental implant system being used and keep this information.
- Smoking may affect the healing process and reduce the long-term success of the implant.
- The healing process can take several months, during which time you will typically have a temporary replacement tooth.
After Dental Implant Surgery
- Follow the oral hygiene instructions provided by your dentist carefully. Regularly cleaning the implant and surrounding teeth is crucial for the long-term success of the implant.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist.
- If the implant becomes painful, inform your dentist immediately.
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