Dental Implants

Dental implants are a modern invention which has made it very simple to replace missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which you need to take out often, implants stay in your mouth and look and feel like natural teeth. If you are curious to know what dental implants are, how they work, and why they might be right for you, then reading the following details may be helpful.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that a dentist inserts into your jawbone where your tooth is missing. These posts act like roots of teeth embedded in the bone. After placing the implant, a fake tooth, called a crown, is put on top of it.

Parts of a Dental Implant

• Titanium Implant:

  This resembles a metal screw and is surgically placed into your jawbone.

• Abutment:

  This part is essential to connect the implant with the permanent crown

• Crown:

  After the implant fuses with the bone, the abutment is connected to the implant and the final crown is fixed above it.

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Implants:

These are the most common type. They go directly into the jawbone.

Subperiosteal Implants:

These go under the gum but on the jawbone. They are used if you don't have enough bone.

Zygomatic Implants:

These are used when there's not enough jawbone. They attach to the cheekbone and are longer than regular implants.

All-on-4 Implants:

This method uses four implants to support a whole set of upper or lower teeth.

Getting Dental Implants

First check up and examination

Your dentist will check the space where your tooth is missing and take X-rays to see if implants are right for you.

Before the surgery

Sometimes, you might need extra procedures, like bone grafting, to make sure there is enough bone to hold the implant

Implant placement

The dentist places the implant into your jawbone during the surgery. The area around the implant will be numb so it won't cause you any pain.

Wait for healing

Your bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This takes around three to six months, depending on quality of your bone

Final Step

Once healed, the abutment and crown are placed on the implant.

Post-Surgery Care and Maintenance of Dental Implants

Always follow the care guidelines given by your dentist to ensure proper healing.

Take rest after the surgery

Use prescribed pain medications and apply ice packs to reduce swelling.

Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hard or chewy foods that can strain the implant site.

Drink plenty of water but avoid using straws, as the suction can harm the healing process.

Keep your mouth clean. Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can delay healing.

Regular Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly to monitor the healing process and the stability of your implant.

Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, as this can damage the implant.

Once fully healed, clean your implant just like your natural teeth by brushing and flossing daily

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

1) Good overall health is a basic need for getting implants.

2) Medical complications can lead to implant failures.

3) Your oral hygiene also needs to be well maintained before you start the dental implant procedure.

4) Adequate bone is needed for dental implants to take support from; hence certain tests are done to check the bone quality.

5) Implant crowns require a minimum height of 5mm, so the dentist will ensure this space is available in your mouth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Improve Appearance:

Implants replicate the look of natural teeth and do not give a fake appearance like dentures.

Very Comfy:

Implants feel like natural teeth and are stable. They don't move around like dentures.

Smooth Speech:

You can talk freely without worrying about teeth slipping or falling out of your mouth. Even difficult words are not a problem to pronounce with implants

Unrestricted Diet:

You can eat any food items with ease and your chewing efficiency will also improve.

Extremely Long-lasting:

Successful dental implants can last many years, often a lifetime with proper care.

Risks and Care

Dental implants come with several risks, including infection at the implant site, implant failure, nerve damage, and sinus problems. There’s also a chance of bone loss, gum recession, allergic reactions to implant materials, and prolonged healing times. Surgical complications like excessive bleeding and anesthesia issues can occur. Additionally, dental implants can be costly and the process requires multiple visits over several months. Despite these risks, many find the benefits outweigh the potential downsides, but it’s important to discuss concerns with your dentist.

Dental Implants Cost in India

The cost of dental implants ranges from 35000 - 40000 INR per implant.

This cost can be multiplied by the number of implants required to get an approximate cost for multiple implants. Any additional procedures required may cost the patient an additional fee. These could include bone grafts and membranes which may be needed in certain cases. The charges of an experienced dentist may differ from those of a novice and also the location of the clinic could make prices fluctuate.

Success and Longevity

Dental implant surgery when performed by an expert under hygienic conditions can be very successful. The general success rate of these surgeries is over 95%. Following up regularly with your dentist and keeping the area around the implant clean is very important. Your overall health also plays a key role in the success of the implant.

Finding a Specialist: Dental Implants Near Me

Sometimes it may seem confusing to choose a dentist for placing a dental implant. However, asking your family and friends for recommendations may ease this problem. Google reviews of dentists can be read to make a better decision. You may need to visit your dentist regularly and hence choosing a dentist near you would be a good idea.

Dental Implants Before and After: