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Missing teeth are a common oral health concern that can result from trauma, accidents, severe gum diseases, tooth decay, or poor oral hygiene. This condition can lead to speech problems, difficulty in chewing, pain in facial muscles and improper bite. Various dental treatments are available for missing teeth. Dental implants have gained popularity in recent years, serving as an effective way to replace missing teeth and overcome the above problems.
Dental implants consist of titanium screws or posts that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone to function as a tooth root. After the post has stabilised, the dentist places a crown on top to resemble the natural appearance of the tooth. These implants replicate the natural look and function of the teeth.
The cost of the implants may deter some patients, but not replacing the missing teeth can be even more expensive in the long run. Eg: Shifting of adjacent teeth in the space, extra pressure on remaining teeth while chewing, disturbance of occlusal plane, exaggerated bone loss etc.
Dental implants are a preferred treatment because:
The dental implants provide a natural look, feel, and function. The long-term aesthetics of dental implants are also good, as they prevent bone resorption, ensuring the smile looks natural.
Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials. Titanium is the most commonly used material for dental implants, especially for making posts and abutments. Dental implants made from zirconia or porcelain are also available. The cost of zirconia implants is slightly higher than that of titanium.
There are three components of dental implants:
An individual with one or more missing teeth can get a dental implant, provided that they are in good systemic health. The quality or quantity of the underlying bone for implant placement is an important factor in determining who can get a dental implant. However, those with significant bone loss can also get a dental implant after bone graft placement. Although, in certain cases such as individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, dental implants may yield a poor outcome.
Dental implants require a significant amount of planning before placement. The implants are usually placed in two phases. For most patients, the treatment can take several weeks to months. In cases where bone grafting is needed, the treatment duration can be six to nine months or even longer.
The number of implants placed differs depending on the type of prosthesis recommended by the doctor. With one implant, a single missing tooth can be replaced. In the case of bridges, two or three missing teeth are replaced by two or three dental implants. For a complete denture, a minimum of 2 or a maximum of 8 implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw.
The discomfort you experience during dental implant placement is similar to tooth extraction. During the surgical procedure, you will be administered an anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. Painkillers can be prescribed to you to manage pain post-surgery.
Dental implants preserve the jaw bone and do not affect the long-term health of the adjacent teeth. However, for tooth-supported bridges, the neighbouring teeth have to be trimmed. The long-term prognosis of dental implants is also good compared to bridges or dentures, which may have to be replaced several times throughout the patient’s life. Also, dental implants provide an aesthetically pleasing look compared to other treatment options. Based on these points, dental implants are considered a better tooth replacement option. However, the suitability of the treatment option can vary based on the patient's needs and their health status.
Single implant-supported crowns and implant-supported bridges are cleaned just like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. In case of implant-supported overdentures, both the implant support and the overdentures must be thoroughly cleaned. You must visit the dentist every 6 months to optimise the longevity of implants.
The advantages of getting dental implants are:
Similar to other oral surgical procedures, implant placement increases your risk of developing infection, pain, or inflammation.
Dental implants have different success rates for different people. For an individual with good oral health, dental implants reportedly have a success rate of 90 to 95%. Maintaining healthy gums and bones is important for lasting implant success.
No, dental implants cannot be removed as they are fixed to the bone. In case of post-op complications such as pre-implantation leading to implant failure, the implant may require removal by a dental professional.
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