Knowing the dental implant procedure, what are the advantages?

Usually people choose to install dentures to replace missing or missing teeth. However, now you can use other dental treatments, namely dental implants. What are dental implants? Is it safe to do so? Check out the answer here.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are implanted into the jaw of a tooth to replace the loose root of the tooth and hold the replacement tooth to replace the root of the tooth. Titanium and other materials are compatible with the human body.

Implants are posts that are surgically attached to the upper or lower jaw, where they serve as sturdy anchors. So, you could say that dental implants are implanted teeth. Implants made in the upper or lower jawbone will then fuse with the bone after a few months.

This procedure can be used to replace one or more loose teeth. The teeth to be implanted have the same shape and function as natural teeth. This method can also provide natural results because it is more stable when used.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

• Improve speaking skills. Most dentures do not fit properly, which can distract you from speaking. But this implanted dental procedure will allow you to talk casually without worrying about your teeth slipping.
• Feel more comfortable. Dental implants are claimed to be much more comfortable to use than wearing dentures.
• Eating easier. Dentures that slide can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth and allow you to eat more comfortably and painlessly.
• Increase self-confidence. No need to be ashamed if you want to smile or laugh, because this method is able to replace lost teeth perfectly.
• Maintain oral health. Unlike dentures, when they are installed, they have to pull out the surrounding teeth. Inserting a dental implant does not require you to remove another tooth.
• Durability. Implants can last a long time and are used for years. With good care, many implants can last a lifetime.

How successful are dental implants?

The success rate of the implant varies depending on the location of the jaw to be implanted. In general, this one treatment method has a 98 percent success rate. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

The risks of dental implant procedures

Just like any other operation, implant surgery also has several health risks. The problems listed below are rare because they are less likely to occur and are easy to treat.

However, it's good to still recognize some of the risks in order to be able to decide with certainty.

• Infection at the implant site.
• Injury or damage to structures around the implant, such as teeth or other blood vessels.
• Nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness or tingling in natural teeth, gums, lips or chin.
• Sinus problems can arise when a dental implant placed in the upper jaw protrudes into one of your sinus cavities.

Who can do this method?

In most cases, anyone who is well enough to undergo routine tooth extraction or oral surgery can consider having this procedure.

The patient must have healthy gums and bones that are strong enough to hold the implant. You also need to be diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene and making regular visits to the dentist.

Heavy smokers, people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, patients who have undergone radiation therapy to the head or neck area need to be evaluated before having implants.

If you are considering getting implants, talk to your dentist to see if this is the right method for you.

How is the dental implant procedure?

There are several steps taken to carry out this procedure, of course, from good preparation to implementation. So, how is this medical procedure done.

Preparation

During the consultation and planning stage, the dental surgeon will examine the teeth and mouth by performing an oral X-ray, panoramic film, or CT scan. At this time, the quality and quantity of the jawbone was assessed to determine whether more bone was needed at the implant site.

The first stage

After the placement location is determined, the patient will return for the dental implant surgical procedure. During the surgical procedure, the patient is usually given local anesthesia to numb the surgical area as well as other sedatives needed for comfort and anxiety.

The first stage of oral surgery often involves extracting the tooth. Often times, the place where the implant will be placed will still contain the remains of a tooth that has been damaged. To prepare it properly, the remaining damaged tooth needs to be extracted (removed).

Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods, and warm soups as they heal.

Second stage

Next, a bone graft is placed to reach a solid bone base for the implant. This procedure can take two weeks to six months to heal.

For conditions where teeth and bone are missing, a different bone graft will be required that is placed over the existing jawbone. This procedure usually takes about six months or more for healing.

Furthermore, the bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration it means "to join the bone" and this process takes time.

Some patients may need to wait for the implants to be completely integrated and up to several months before the replacement tooth can be attached to the implant.

After the bone has been confirmed strong, the implant is ready to be done. At the placement site, the dental implant is placed into the bone with a special drill and tools. Healing cap placed on top of it, then the gums are sutured, and the healing phase begins.

Third phase

During this healing phase, temporary dentures can be made to replace the missing teeth. The healing time depends on the quality of the bones.

The healing time usually ranges from two to six months. During this time, the implants become integrated with the bone. It is important to avoid putting pressure on the implant while it heals. Check your implant regularly with the dentist to make sure there is no infection and that the healing process is going well.

After the healing process, the implant is tested to determine if it was successfully removed by the surrounding bone. After that, the abutment is connected to the dental implant via a screw. Abutments serve to hold the replacement tooth or crown.

The fourth stage

The dentist will take an impression of this support in the mouth and have a crown implant that is tailor-made to fit. Crown implants are cemented or secured with screws to the abutments.

When placing the denture for a single tooth implant, your dentist will adjust the new tooth which is called a dental crown. A crown will be made based on size, shape, color and size, designed to blend in with your other teeth.

If you are replacing more than one tooth, the bridges or dentures will be tailor-made to better fit your mouth and implants.

Replacement teeth usually take some time to make. Meanwhile, your dentist may provide you with a temporary crown, bridge, or denture to help you eat and speak normally until a permanent replacement is ready or finished.

Things that might happen after the procedure

Whether you have implant surgery in one stage or several stages, the following may happen. Common discomforts associated with this dental surgery are:

• Swelling of the gums and face
• Bruises on the skin and gums
• Feeling pain where the implant is placed
• Minor bleeding

Therefore, you may need pain medication or antibiotics after dental implant surgery to reduce discomfort. Consult your dentist about the right medicine.

If the discomfort is due to swelling or other problems that are getting worse, then don't wait any longer to call your oral surgeon.

After the operation is over, you are also advised to eat soft foods to reduce other discomfort.

Treatments that can be done after the procedure is over

Most dental implant surgeries are successful, but there are also conditions when the bone fails to fuse with the implant. One of the causes is smoking which can lead to implant failure and complications.

If the bones fail to fuse properly, the implant will be removed, then the bone cleaned, and you can try the procedure again in about three months.

Therefore, you need to do some of the treatments below to help maintain the results of the procedure for longer.

• Practice good oral hygiene. As well as maintaining the health of your natural teeth, you must also keep the implants, dentures, and gum tissue clean properly. A special toothbrush such as an interdental brush can help clean the gaps around the teeth, gums, and metal posts.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Schedule a dental exam to ensure the health and function of your implants are still working properly.
• Avoid habits that can spoil the results. The habit of eating foods that are too hard, such as ice and candy can damage your crown or natural teeth. Also avoid using tobacco and caffeine, which can stain teeth.