Dental Implants What You Need to Know

Even though dental health care awareness has greatly increased, most people still experience dental problems such as tooth loss, gingivitis, and tooth decay, etc. In the early days, missing teeth could only be replaced with dentures or bridges. However, with the rapid advancement of dental technology, hi-end dental implants are now available.

Dental implant surgery is a popular and safe dental procedure and is considered as a good replacement for missing teeth. The condition of the jawbone and other health factors determine the possibility of dental implant surgery.

The advantage of implants is that they appear as natural teeth, preserve smile, and maintain the overall mouth structure by facilitating the bone to mend securely around the implant. Because bone healing takes time, the treatment might take some time to complete. Let’s have a deep understanding of dental implants!

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What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial devices that a dentist places in a patient's jawbone.They are permanent fixations made up of titanium screws that are surgically implanted into the jawbone under the gums to replace the missing tooth.

A dental implant is made up of three parts -

• Crown
• Abutment
• Implant

Dental implants have been shown to be an effective long-term solution for tooth replacement. If a person has lost one or more teeth, they may require a tooth implant to fill in the gaps between the teeth.

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“Now, the Question Is: How Dental Implant Surgery Works?

Dental implant surgery involves several steps that require the jawbone to heal properly surrounding the dental implant site (known as osseointegration), gripping the implant into the gumline similar to a natural tooth.

The implants are placed within the jawbone by a surgical procedure, and it acts as the "root" of the artificial tooth. Titanium is the first choice for this procedure as it successfully fuses the implant with the jawbone, stays firmly in place, and won't get damaged like some bridgework.

Dental implant surgery is a dental procedure that replaces missing or damaged teeth with artificial teeth that look and function like real teeth. This operation can be a welcome alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework.

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Who might need dental implants?

Dental implants are the preferred treatment for patients who have one or more lost teeth. Implants are suitable for patients who lost a tooth in an accident, or the tooth is severely decayed and needs tooth extraction. Here are some reasons one might need a dental implant:

• Cavities (tooth decay)
• Clenching or Grinding habit
• Tooth root fracture
• Facial injury
• Cleft lip
• Gum disease

Who should not get a dental implant?

In certain cases, dental implants may not be successful due to certain factors. In the below given conditions a person may not be eligible for receiving dental implants:

• Smoke
• Have/had previous Radiation therapy on the neck or head
• Have uncontrolled Diabetes
• Blood clotting disorders
• Chronic illness like cancer
• Poor immunity
• Weak jawbone

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What are the uses of dental implants?

The dental implants uses are listed below, they are:

• A dental implant improves your chewing ability for better digestion.
• It boosts your self-esteem.
• It keeps your remaining teeth from shifting.
• It preserves your smile.
• It helps in speech improvement.
• It gives a natural tooth appearance.
• It will help in the retention of permanent or removable dental bridges and dentures.

Dental implants are important in improving self-confidence in addition to other health benefits.

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What are the risks associated with dental implant procedure?

Risks are rare in dental implant treatments, and when they do arise, they are often mild and manageable. Infection or minor bleeding may occur at the implant site, as well as minor injuries to surrounding tissues and nerve damage, which can cause discomfort or numbness.

Dental implants in the upper jaw may extend into one of the sinus cavities, causing sinus problems. Minor bleeding might be detected in rare circumstances. The majority of dental implant operations are successful.

Infections can be avoided by practicing proper oral hygiene, such as brushing teeth twice a day and cleaning between your teeth using interdental brushes. You must not use tobacco products and avoid smoking.

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What should I do after getting a dental implant?

During the first week after the implant procedure, the dentist will prescribe antibiotic medication and over-the-counter pain drugs such as ibuprofen to treat any soreness and pain. Post-surgery there will be minor discomfort and the dental doctor will advise to eat soft foods, apply ice packs to reduce the pain and swelling, and keep patience while the surgical site heals.

Dental implants are safe and an effective way to replace missing teeth. Once inserted, dental implants merge with the jawbone. If you need dental implant treatment, discuss with a dentist or oral surgeon about the surgery. The dental doctor will decide whether you are eligible for this dental treatment.

Keep shining with your beautiful smile.

Get strong and comfortable dental implants!

We at Medicover Hospitals understand the importance of dental health and, therefore, provide world-class dental treatment to our patients.

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Citations

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S019567010900084X

https://www.dental.theclinics.com/article/S0011-8532(17)30073-3/fulltext

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0022034511425675

https://europepmc.org/article/med/16366052

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1286011516000291