Dental Implants FAQs
Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Being similar to a tooth or a group of teeth, a dental implant is also known as a root-form endosseous implant. Resembling a tooth root, a dental implant is placed inside or within the bone structure. A dental implant has three vital parts which comprises of a titanium screw which is small in size. The titanium screw is inserted or fixed into the jawbone. Another fixture or a post or an abutment is attached to the implant and the last component is a crown that is fitted to the abutment so that the tooth looks natural. As an innovative, valuable and useful device, a dental implant can be used as a replacement for one or several teeth besides replacing all the teeth in both the upper and lower arches.
How do dental implants help people or patients?
Resembling the look and feel of natural teeth, dental implants offer comfort, security and support. Dental implants have many advantages such as replacing teeth or a tooth without causing discomfort to adjacent teeth. As a support for a denture, a dental implant offers a secure feel, besides supporting a bridge without the need for a partial denture. Proving to be durable, dental implants look attractive, improve oral hygiene and stimulate the bone area preventing tooth loss.
What are the types of dental implants that are used?
The types of dental implants that are commonly used are Subperiosteal or on the bone and Endosteal or in the bone. Dental implants are made from titanium and zircon being used in the first and second stages. They are shaped according to the need of the patient and can be internal or external octagon, hexagon with the size being narrow or mini, standard or wide.
What kind of people is eligible for a dental implant?
Ideally the patient who needs dental implants should have good general and oral health. There should be enough of bone material in the jaw to support the implant and the gums should be free of any associated diseases. A periodontist is a dental expert who specializes in dental implants and along with the dentist would work towards a successful implant of the teeth or the tooth.
What is the procedure for a dental implant?
The procedure for a dental implant starts from the time the patient walks in to the dentist’s office for the first sitting till the time taken to restore a perfect smile with the time frame lasting for a minimum of three months to nine months depending on the healing period. There are two main stages involved in the dental implant procedure. The first stage is the dental implant surgery where a metal screw is inserted into the jaw bone by the dentist. This metal screw will not be visible as it is placed in the bone structure of the jaw bone but an abutment that is placed on the screw would be seen. If the dental implant is in view of the smile line, then the dentist would place a temporary cover over the abutment for esthetic reasons.
The second stage is the implant restoration which is the time taken for the implant to take hold and become firmly set in the jaw bone. A crown is placed over the abutment that matches the colour of the other teeth. The entire process takes between 3-9 months including the period for healing.
Do dental implants benefit the patient?
Yes, they definitely do. Dental implants do not need adhesives and fit in very well without falling out. Dental implants do not cause any damage to the adjacent teeth. They are fixed structures that also do the job of the other teeth with perfect performance. Dental implants stimulate and rejuvenate the bone area in the jaw bone preventing further loss of teeth. Besides restoring a smile that is natural and original, dental implants bring back the facial features to its previous shape and offer the patient confidence. The person who has had a dental implant can eat all the foods that he/she desires and walk into a world of freedom with a reliable dental implant. Avoiding the usage of dentures, dental implants also allow the patient to lead a normal lifestyle with just two sittings at a dental clinic.