Dental Implantation
Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with screw-like posts made out of titanium and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. The objective of dental implantation is to restore function as well as an aesthetic appearance.
Having a dental implant fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to mimicking a natural tooth because it stands on its own without affecting the nearby teeth and has great stability. Moreover, it is non-toxic: It has been scientifically proven that titanium is completely safe, non-irritant, and non-toxic for living organisms. Even when ingested, it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream or body, and passes out without harming it in any way.
Important points to be determined before the treatment are:
- Number of lost teeth
- Structure and quality of jawbone
- General health condition of the patient
- Type of prosthesis planned over implants
The process of placing a dental implant involves multiple steps and it is performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. It may take 3 to 6 months to complete the process.
Step 1: Initial Evaluation
Your dentist will first do a comprehensive examination to determine the condition of your jawbone and the best dental implant procedure. This initial evaluation includes X-rays, taking impressions, and matching the color of your teeth to make your implant look as natural as possible.
Step 2: Damaged Tooth Extraction
If you still have a remaining tooth that needs replacing, your dentist will remove it before the dental work is performed.
Step 3: Inserting the Dental Implant and Bone Grafting
If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery. That’s because the powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts greater pressure on your bone, and if it can’t support the implant, the surgery is likely to fail. A bone graft can create a more solid basis for the implant.
Once the bone heals, the implant will be inserted. After the implant is added to your jawbone, the jawbone will begin to grow around the implant. The implant then becomes part of your natural gum line.
Step 2: Damaged Tooth Extraction
If you still have a remaining tooth that needs replacing, your dentist will remove it before the dental work is performed.
Step 3: Inserting the Dental Implant and Bone Grafting
If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery. That’s because the powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts greater pressure on your bone, and if it can’t support the implant, the surgery is likely to fail. A bone graft can create a more solid basis for the implant.
Once the bone heals, the implant will be inserted. After the implant is added to your jawbone, the jawbone will begin to grow around the implant. The implant then becomes part of your natural gum line.
Step 4: Abutment Placement
Once your implant is stable enough, the dentist will place an abutment on top of the implant. This piece connects the implant to your crown. The abutment needs to be tightened so it stays in place when you eat.
Step 5: Artificial Tooth / Crown Placement
After your gums heal, your dentist will make your artificial tooth or crown.
Dental implants may be right for you if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
- Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
- Have healthy oral tissue
- Have no health conditions or chronic diseases that will affect bone healing
- Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
- Are willing to commit several months to the process
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants will last for long in patients who do not smoke and keep their oral hygiene at optimum levels. Dental implants are not superior to your natural teeth. You can lose your dental implants the same way you lose your natural teeth.