When you lose a tooth, you have several options for dealing with decay, periodontal disease, an injury, failed root canals, or root resorption. Loss of a tooth can impact your appearance and your ability to chew and eat if left untreated. Here, tooth implants come into action. However, know everything about implants here before opting for the permanent dental implant option.
Some are afraid of dental implants as they are not aware of the many advantages dental implants have. Thus, they opt for another possibility of tooth replacement, for example, dentures, partial dentures, or dental bridges. Aesthetically, these can provide a more pleasing appearance, but functionally, this option has some limitations. Dental implants are now regarded as the best tooth replacement option available in modern dentistry. Dental implants can improve your oral health and keep you smiling for many years.
Dental implants are medical devices that are surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person’s chewing ability or appearance. They serve as a foundation for artificial (fake) teeth such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. A dental implant is not a tooth in and of itself; it is part of a technique that replaces the tooth’s root with metal, screw-like structure and instals a replica tooth that looks exactly like the original tooth.
A small titanium post, screw, or fixture is inserted into the jawbone, and a single crown, bridge, partial or full denture is attached.
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and health.
Tooth implant systems comprise a dental implant body, implant abutment, and an abutment fixation screw. The dental implant body is surgically implanted in the jawbone to replace the tooth’s root. The abutment fixation screw attaches the dental implant abutment to the implant body and extends through the gums into the mouth to support the attached artificial teeth.
Discover the Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages(due to their comfortable and simple design) for patients who have lost teeth.
- Neighbouring teeth are not harmed: Dental bridges are supported by neighbouring teeth, whereas dental implants are inserted and fused into the jawbone. This shields your adjacent teeth from damage or strain.
- The implants fuse with the bone, providing the same level of bite strength as natural teeth. On the other hand, Dentures give only half the bite strength of natural teeth and lose that strength over time. As a result, eating with dental implants is far more convenient than eating with dentures. The biting and chewing power of implant-supported teeth is nearly identical to natural teeth.
- They are more at ease: Loose, removable dentures are inconvenient and get in the way, but dental implants are custom-made to fit your mouth. Thus, dental implants prevent the bone loss that occurs naturally beneath missing teeth—this aids in the preservation of the size and shape of your jaw.
- Tooth implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for, whereas dentures must be replaced every 5-6 years.
- They are more practical. It is embarrassing to remove dentures in front of others, but there is no need to remove your dental implant. It adheres to your gums without the use of adhesives.
- They make speaking more comfortable. It is easier to talk because dental implants fuse with the jaw bone and fit tightly in the mouth. Dentures can move around when you speak, cough, or sneeze, but dental implants stay put.
- They boost your self-esteem. There is no need to worry about permanent dental implants falling out or people noticing the artificial teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth.
- They benefit your oral health. Because of the increased spacing between teeth, dental implants make it easier to maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing. Other treatments, such as bridges, necessitate the grinding of your existing teeth, but implants leave these untouched and unharmed.
- Implant-supported crowns keep the adjacent teeth firmly in place, preventing them from shifting into the gap and causing bite problems.
- Implant-supported dentures are held securely, do not require adhesives, and significantly increase chewing power. Implant-supported dentures do not need a false palate, which impairs your sense of taste, and the chewing pressure placed in the implants aids in the preservation of bone in your jaw.
Now, you must be wondering, are there any cons or disadvantages of implants?
The answer is ‘Yes’.
Every treatment has its pros and cons; thus, the implant also has
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- The dental implant procedure mostly needs multiple visits. It cannot always be completed in a single visit. However, a temporary tooth will be placed over the area for functional and aesthetic purposes.
- If there isn’t enough bone available to place the implant, bone and gum grafting procedures may be required, raising the cost of your treatment.
- Furthermore, the implant’s disadvantage is that the implant’s cost appears to be on the higher side compared to traditional dentures and dental bridges, which causes many patients to be afraid. However, when you consider its long life and comfort, it is a good buy. Also, now insurances are there to cover some of the implants costs.
What is the Procedure of a Dental Implant?
The procedure of putting dental implants in Calgary is the same. The first step is to examine the patient’s mouth thoroughly. This will frequently include X-rays of your entire mouth. This is done to see if a patient is a good candidate for a dental implant.
Dentists use X-rays and physical examinations to assess the quality and quantity of jawbone and determine whether more bone is required at the site. Once it has been determined that a dental implant can be placed in the desired location without major complications, the patient is asked to return for dental implant surgical procedures.
The dental implant is placed into the bone on the day of surgery, and a “healing cap” is placed. The gum is stitched up, and the healing phase begins. The entire procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia.
If a missing tooth or teeth are visible, a temporary denture can replace missing teeth during the healing period for cosmetic reasons. Healing time can range from two to six months, depending on the quality of bone present and the patient’s health. During this period, the implant is fused to the bone.
One must avoid any force or stress on the dental implant during the healing period. Follow-up appointments to check the surgical site are usually scheduled to ensure no infection, and that healing is proceeding normally.
Once the implant has successfully fused with the surrounding bone, a screw connects a prosthetic component known as an “abutment” to the dental implant. This abutment connects the replacement tooth, also known as the “crown,” to the implant.
Finally, the dentist will take an impression of the abutment in the mouth and have the implant crown custom made. The implant crown is either cemented or screwed to the abutment.
Postoperative Care
During the healing process, one must be extra cautious, so here are a few ground rules to follow:
- Take your medication exactly as directed. Once the anaesthesia has worn off, this will help to relieve any pain and discomfort.
- Following surgery, you should eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Ideal foods include Khichdi, Dalia, Curd, soup, eggs, and a liquid diet. As the wound heals, you can gradually transition to harder foods.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise until the wound has healed within 3-4 days.
- Tobacco use or smoking is a no-no because it interferes with the body’s ability to heal and causes healing to take much longer than usual. It also raises the likelihood of implant failure. It is always best to stop smoking before the procedure and until the healing process is complete to avoid complications.
- Maintain contact with your dentist. If you experience unusual bleeding, swelling, or numbness, please contact your dentist immediately to address your concerns. This will prevent complications during treatment, which is critical for a successful outcome.
Conclusion
Now you have all the information needed to go for dental implants. By now must be sure that a dental implant is a good and long-term option for tooth replacement. It has numerous advantages and can give you a feeling of natural teeth. The procedure is not as tough as it sounds; it is less painful than removing a tooth. Thus, do not worry; visit a dental implant clinic in Calgary and ask about dental implants. Replace your missing teeth with implants and enjoy every food you have ignored due to missing teeth. Implants can change the quality of life!
