Permanent solution for tooth loss
Dental implants represent a common procedure of permanently replacing missing teeth without affecting neighboring teeth.
With the help of dental implants, we can fully remedy toothlessness and thus strongly improve chewing and speaking abilities as well as restore a beautiful smile. Implants can also serve as carriers of a fixed dental bridge or denture. For years physicians have used implants and replaced missing body parts. Today, dentists can replace missing teeth in much the same way you benefit from dental implants.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are easily the most popular and also the ideal solution, for replacing your missing tooth/teeth. They have definitely changed the course of dentistry in the last quarter of a century or so. A dental implant is an artificial fixture, used to substitute for a missing tooth and it’s root. It helps you go close to your natural tooth, by having a fixed tooth with which you can eat, speak and feel like having a natural tooth.
BEFORE & AFTER PICTURE
7 Facts about dental implant !
- They are the closest you can get to replace a natural tooth.
- A dental implant conserves your jawbone which means it will not disintegrate over time.
- They can be a permanent solution if fitted correctly and maintained properly.
- They will you give the confidence to go back to your normal life.
- They are a safe, reliable and cosmetic replacement for missing teeth.
- It allows the bone to grow into its rough surface, for long term stability.
- The procedure will be carried out under local anesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing.
WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS?
One can face the problem of missing teeth at any point in life. Tooth loss can be due to trauma, accident, severe gum disease, tooth decay or even due to poor oral hygiene. If left untreated missing teeth can lead to various consequences such as:
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- Speech problems resulting from the gap created by one or more missing teeth
- Difficulty in chewing
- Face may start look older and wrinkled with sunken cheeks as missing teeth can cause sagging of muscles which can’t support lips & cheeks
- Pain in the facial muscles of the jaw resulting in an improper bite induced by the missing teeth
- Tooth decay and gum disease, over time, due to plaque accumulation & food entrapment in the gap caused by the missing teeth
- Improper bite resulting from a tilt of adjacent teeth into the empty spaces caused by a missing tooth
- Untreated missing teeth may dent the facial appearance causing low set-esteem or lack of confidence
- Hiding smile during conversations or at public gatherings to avoid the embarrassment caused by a bad smile from missing teeth
Dental Implants help to overcome all the above-mentioned problems. They are no doubt the best, and most popular solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants are fit for every individual having missing teeth irrespective of their age and gender. To know if anyone can get dental implants click here.* link to blog on dental implants)
With a 98% success rate, implants assure dental patients about their teeth and gum’s wellbeing.
What are the Indications for dental implants?
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- Missing teeth
- Painful & loose dentures.
- To prevent shrinkage of the jawbone after tooth loss.
Replacing missing teeth with the look, feel and function of natural teeth- dental implants can make this dream come true.
Difference between Dental Implants & Bridges
| Bridges | Implants |
| May compromise the adjacent natural tooth | Does not compromise with an adjacent tooth |
| A bridge may need replacement at times where bone loss continues at the site of the missing tooth | An implant causes no bone loss as it gets attached to the bone and promotes healthy bone |
| With bridges, your teeth may be prone to plaque, decay or gum disease, with a risk of possible future root canal | With no free spaces in between, implants won’t attract bacteria ever for plaque accumulation |
DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE
Placing a dental implant has various stages. They are listed as below:
Thanks to the modern dentistry techniques, it’s possible to make the implant placement procedure comfortable and pain-free. Concerned patients can also ask the dentist for sedation to feel relaxed while a dental implant is placed.
The procedure starts with the jawbone preparation, for the implant to be placed properly and placed deep into the bone, like the root.
The doctor may require bone grafting in cases where the bone is weak or lacks the strength to support implant.
During this process, the jawbone will grow and unite with the surface of the dental implant. This process is also referred to as osseointegration as it helps to offer a durable base for the new artificial tooth, much like roots do for the natural teeth.
In general, this process takes between 3 to 6 months depending on the bone health & structure. However, the whole procedure can get completed in one day itself when patients have good bone structure.
After that, you can schedule the second stage but only once the implants are fused with the bone. Your dentists will take an x-ray to confirm whether the implant is fit for the second stage.
The second stage will be simpler than the first where we expose the heads of the implants to attach Healing Abutments in order to shape the gums to make the final tooth look like naturally emerging from the bone.
During the procedure, a temporary crown will be given for 4 to 6 weeks to let the gums around the abutment heal. Such a crown is softer which can cushion the implant and may stress the soft tissues that can help in healing.
For precaution purpose, you may need to eat only soft foods after each stage of surgery so to let the surgical site heal properly.
In the next stage, we will focus on making the permanent crown look exactly like your natural teeth. All the elements like the surface texture, color and shape will be tuned up to blend with the surrounding dentition.
If you are not happy with the crown for any reason, discuss with us so that it can be sent back to the dental technician for necessary changes.
Impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are taken to make the crown so that a realistic-looking artificial tooth can be made. The crown, however, will not be placed until the jawbone is strong enough to support the new tooth.
It takes less than 2 to 3 weeks to make a permanent crown which will then be cemented or screwed to the Implant.
After permanent crown placement, your doctor will explain post-implant care instruction.
What are Advantage of Dental Implants?
Placing a dental implant has various stages. It is the best solution for missing tooth.
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- Dental Implants help restore the lost tooth and become the next best thing to your natural teeth.
- Implants are a durable solution with the potential to even outlive the patient.
- Dental Implants help maintains the shape and contour of the face & smile which can go wrong due to missing teeth making the facial muscles.
- Implants don’t harm the adjacent tooth structure in any manner and protect healthy bone.
- Implants ensure superior appearance and comfort with no speech issue to deal.
- Implants boost your self-esteem by being a perfect solution to the missing tooth.
- Implants give you the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods without any worry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
Most dental implants are secured in the jawbone, providing a chewing surface almost as secure as that of natural teeth. Implants stimulate new bone growth in your jaw locking the implant pace. Implant consists of two major parts: a permanent anchor and a prosthesis (artificial tooth). The anchor is secured in the jawbone and the prosthesis is placed on top of the anchor that is secured in the jawbone and can be structured for one or more teeth, a partial denture, or a complete denture.
Your dentist prepares your jaw and places the implants, which will hold your new teeth in place.
Then a prosthesis is made on the implant.
Modern dental implants are sought after by thousands of patients because they have been proven to provide comfortable, permanent and attractive tooth replacement as an alternative to the removable denture and conventional bridges.
Dental implants are known to last for very long, especially with proper care. They can last for as long as 25 years +
For missing teeth, dental implants have become the most promising choice. If your mouth is missing most or all of the teeth, then procedures like all-on-four and all-on-six can help get full mouth dental implants with 4 or 6 titanium posts on your jaw bone.
While getting dental implants from an expert implantologist, the patient will feel little or no pain at all. Part of the preparation for the implant includes administering a local anesthetic so the patient does not feel any pain.
At Dr. Deepika’s Dental Clinic, one get the best quality of treatment. We ensure that our patients get the value for the dental implant cost that they paid by maintaining the quality purchases only from original manufacturers and globally renowned & respected companies like Straumann therefore, maintaining authenticity and quality. The Implant procedure involves different aspects to be factored. Cost of the treatment starts from INR 35000/- per implant and depending the individual case requirement may increase.
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- Follow these post-operative instructions after the Dental Implant procedure, and never hesitate in consulting the doctor for any question or problem.
- Avoid touching, spitting or rinsing the wound on the day of surgery. Don’t touch the metal healing abutment jutting through the gum tissue.
- After implant surgery, it’s normal to have some bleeding or redness in the mouth for 24 hours. To control excessive bleeding, bite on a gauze pad (placed on the bleeding wound) for 30 minutes. If bleeding does not stop, seek further instructions from your dentist.
- Swelling is natural after surgery. To minimize it, apply an ice pack on the cheek in the surgical area (you can also use a plastic bag or an ice-filled towel). Apply the ice as much as you could for the first 36 hours.
- Drink lots of fluids but avoid consuming hot beverages. Stick to a soft diet on the day of surgery. You can get back to the normal diet once the surgical area is healed. Don’t drink anything using a straw.
- Start taking pain medication as soon as you feel the effects of the local anaesthetic are going down. However, take the medicines prescribed by the dentist.
- Healing is not possible without good oral hygiene. Use the prescribed oral rinse while the day after surgery, use the prescribed oral rinse twice – after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out. Use warm salt rinses at least 4-5 times a day as well. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical area to not affect the healing.
- Do not use, or consume, tobacco products in any form or any type after implants. It not only hinders healing but may also increase the chances of implant failure.
- Don’t engage in exercise immediately after the surgery or keep it minimal at best. You should know that exercise may cause bleeding or throbbing, and it really happens, stop the activity right away. This may weaken you since you’re not taking normal nourishment.
Healing abutments will be placed at the time of implant placement. So, do rinse them frequently and keep them clean. Wait for the stitches to dissolve and then clean the abutments through gentle massage. - Don’t use partial or full dentures or flippers immediately after surgery or for 10 days afterwards at least.
Good oral hygiene is important not just for your teeth and gums but also for overall well being. Follow these tips to improve your oral health:
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- Brush twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Choose your toothbrush carefully and go for one with a small head and soft bristles.\
- Change your toothbrush after every two to three months to not let frayed or worn-out bristles harm your teeth and gums.
- Go gently & thoroughly and don’t use too much force while brushing as it might cause abrasion.
- Floss at least once a day to keep plaque, bacteria, and foods struck between the teeth out as it helps keep implants in good condition. A Water flosser can come in handy to know more click here.
- Take proper oral care at home to make your dental implants last a lifetime.
- Use mouth rinses once a day after meals to stay on top of your oral health.
- Don’t eat sticky foods as implants can attract more bacteria than your natural teeth for being artificial in nature.
- Eating and drinking right can help your implants stay out of harm’s way and such good oral care can make them last forever.
- Visit the dental clinic regularly and try to achieve good oral hygiene to make your implants last for life.
Speak to our specialist to get more insights!!!