dental venue - Dental Implants

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Implants

If a tooth has been lost, or extracted, the remaining space may be restored through fabrication of a bridge, denture, or implant. Dental implants are metal, or carbon posts that are surgically placed into bone. They are comprised of 3 parts: anchor, post, and artificial tooth. The anchor is plugged into the bone; and the post secures the artificial tooth to the anchor. Implants can replace one or several teeth, or support partial or full dentures.

Bone grows around the implant, actually attaching itself to the implant’s rough outer surface. Once the implant has been successfully anchored into bone (oseointegrated), it’s ready to be restored.

Implants can be used to either replace a single missing tooth, provide an abutment (anchor or retainer) to replace several missing teeth, or used as a retainer to provide added retention to a removable dental appliance - such as a full denture.

Procedure

Two separate events are needed in replacing a missing tooth with an implant. First, there is the surgical phase when the implant is placed, and second the prosthetic phase, where the replacement teeth are constructed and fixed into the proper position.

Implant placement involves making a small incision into the gum area where the implant is to be placed, preparing a site in the underlying bone, inserting the implant, and closing the tissue with several sutures. This area is left undisturbed for several months (usually 5 - 6 months). Depending on the situation, more healing time may be required. The bone in the lower jaw is far more dense than in the upper, thus healing time is usually reduced in mandibular implants.

After the implant has successfully been incorporated into the surrounding bone, the placement

site is exposed. Your dentist will then fasten (by cement or with internal threads) to the implant

the appropriate post that will be attached to the crown, bridge, or whatever type of replacement that is indicated.

Implants offer one of the highest success rates among all dental restorations - more than 93% are successful.

Complications

Complications are usually of relatively short duration. If they occur, it's generally within the first

few days following placement. Complications include pain, bleeding, swelling, possible

infection, nausea, and partial numbness. Proper maintenance of Oral hygiene is probably the

most significant factor in reducing complications.

Failure of the implant to osseointegrate occurs in about 1 out of 20 implants. Usually the reason

for rejection is unknown. Though, smokers tend to have an increased chance of rejection.

Advantages

The most important advantages of implants lie in the improvements patients notice in

their appearance, speech comfort, and ability to chew food. Other advantages, include:

They maintain one of the highest success rates of any dental restoration.
Implant restorations are the closest thing to your natural teeth dentistry can offer.
Proper placement and restoration will generally increase your chewing efficiency over conventional tooth replacement (fixed and removable prosthesis).
Their placement preserves bone mass that would otherwise be lost.

Disadvantages

If you are in a rush, implants probably aren’t for you.
Time has to be allowed for healing before the implant can be restored (usually around 6 months).
Bone grafts are occasionally needed.
Implant therapy is usually more expensive than other treatment alternatives.

Considerations

Implants are usually a very comfortable and effective replacement for teeth. They look and feel

natural. Most last anywhere from 20 years to life. However, implants aren’t for everybody.

There are a number of conditions which should be met prior to establishing you as a

successful candidate for the procedure. For example, an important factor in osseointegration

(joining of bone and implant) is the periodontal condition of the rest of your mouth. Patients

at risk for developing gum disease (i.e diabetics) may not be great candidates. You must

also be committed to maintaining your oral hygiene to help keep the supporting bone healthy.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to implants if you wish to replace a missing tooth or teeth - fixed

bridges (attached crowns), resin bonded and retained bridges, removable partial dentures,

removable complete dentures or you can simply do nothing at all.

Cost

Cost is dependent upon the number of implants placed, implant type and the materials

used. Nationally, costs range from around Rs.20,000 for a single implant. The estimated

cost for placing, maintaining, and replacing a prosthesis for an implant is twice the cost of

the actual implant and ten times the average cost of traditional dentures.

Note: It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should see your dentist. Please note that without the benefit of a full dental examination, including a review of medical history, dental x-rays, and diagnostic aids, no attempt can be made to provide specific diagnosis or recommended courses of treatment. However, we will be happy to update our site to include topics you feel deserve mention. contact us