An Overview of Dental Implants

by Qarah Ict Qarah ICT

Dental implants comprise a titanium rod that is surgically fitted into the jawbone at the site of the tooth being replaced; a metal extension attached to the titanium rod once the rod has fused with the jawbone, and the prosthetic ceramic tooth which is attached to the metal extension after a cast is made of the patient's teeth so that the prosthesis can be molded to fit perfectly.

Titanium, because it is an inert metal, is the metal of choice for a dental implant. Unlike the steel used in early implants with disastrous results, titanium does not trigger the body's rejection response and will fuse into the jawbone with no adverse side effects. A titanium-based dental implant will strengthen the jawbone because the stress of biting and chewing with the implant will increase the bone's density.

Who Should Not Consider A Dental Implant?

If you can get through a tooth extraction without complications, you can probably handle a dental implant. If, on the other hand, you have any chronic medical conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes; are a smoker; have gum disease; or have undergone radiation therapy on your neck or head, you will need to be evaluated more closely to determine if a dental implant is a good idea.

The success rates of dental implants depend on the position of the teeth they are replacing. A dental implant that replaces a lower front tooth has a Lower front dental implant will achieve in 9 of every 10 cases, while upper posterior dental implants will succeed in 7 of 10 cases.

Dental implants have several advantages, such as:

It replaces a tooth without depending on the neighbouring teeth for support.
It suits any adult regardless of the number of teeth missing.
It avoids bone shrinkage that occurs after tooth loss.
A Dental implant looks and perceives like a real tooth.
The success percentage of dental implants is high.
It adds to your confidence by enabling you to speak and eat without worries about your teeth.

The two common types of implants are:

Endosteal Implants: This involves screws or cylinders or bones being placed into the jawbone surgically. Usually, this kind of implant is used for patients with removable dentures or bridges.
Sub-periosteal implants: This implant suits people with minimal bone height and people who cannot wear conventional dentures. The implants are placed on the top part of the jaw.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure will generally occur in three phases over nine months to a year. In the first phase, the dental surgeon will make an incision in the gum where the tooth is to be replaced, drill a hole in the jawbone, and insert the titanium rod for the dental implant. The patient will heal for three to six months while the jawbone and implant rod fuse.

The second phase of the Dental implant process will be when the dental surgeon attaches the extension to the titanium rod below the gum line and takes a cast of the patient's mouth from which a mold can be made for the ceramic prosthetic tooth.

Dental implants are an ideal solution for those who don't want to maintain deteriorating teeth or are tired of the discomfort of trying to chew with poorly fitting bridges and dentures. Even at a high cost, a dental implant can be a good investment over time as it eliminates the need to maintain and replace dentures.