Every day we are witnessing breakthrough in the domain of dentistry but there is an equal rise in the number of patients suffering from various dental issues. While people mostly suffer from tooth loss and the major causes are tooth decay, injury or periodontal diseases. Gone are the days, when bridges and dentures were the only treatment options available with missing tooth or teeth. Today, dentistry has come up with up-gradation and dental implants have been one of them.
What are Dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is positioned surgically into the jawbone beneath the gums in order to provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth to match the natural color other than conventional bridges or dentures. Considered to be an ideal option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, failing teeth or due to some chronic dental problems.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal (in the bone): Considered it to be the most common one, this type of implant is undertaken as an alternative for bridges with removable dentures or bridges. They are implanted directly into the jawbone. A second surgery is performed once the surrounding gum tissue has healed in order to connect a post to the original implant. Screws, cylinders or blades are some of the types that are placed into the jawbone where each implant holds one or more than one prosthetic teeth. At the end artificial tooth or teeth is joined individually or ground on a denture or bridge.
Subperiosteal (on the bone): In these implants, a metal frame is fitted on the jawbone below the gum tissue. Once the gum heals, the frame is fixed into the jawbone. Followed by a post attached to the frame projected through the gums. This type of implant is most commonly undertaken when patients have minimal bone height or unable to wear the conventional dentures.
How do Dental Implant Work?
Dental implants consist of three parts:
1. The implant: A screw which acts as a root of the new teeth and attaches to the jaw permanently.
2. The abutment: Acts as a connector that holds a tooth or a set of teeth which is permanent yet removable by the doctor.
3. The Crown: More likely made out of porcelain or Zirconium essential for aesthetics and durability.
Hence a dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth and can be further bring into consideration in order to restore a full arch.
Artificial tooth that fit, feel and function like a natural teeth is gaining momentum to become the new standard in tooth replacement. It provides stability as implants fuse to the jawbone of the patient. Since dentures and bridges are mounted to the implants, it alleviates the chances of slip or shift in the mouth which provides an additional benefit while speaking and eating.
There are some common complains of poor ridges, sore spots or gagging in case of ordinary bridges and denture which is quite less in case of dental implants. As compared to the bridges which is more likely be attached on the teeth or either side of the space left by the missing tooth, there is no adjacent teeth need to be created in implants in order to hold new replacement tooth/teeth in place.
But a successful dental implant is possible only if the candidate possesses healthy gums and adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. Healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal diseases can be possible if and only if a strict regime is followed. It is essential to quit smoking, and visit dentists regularly to achieve long-term success.
How Successful are Dental Implants?
In general, dental implants have a success rate up-to 98% depending upon the placement of implants in the jaw. Adhering to the top oral care tips, implants can last lifetime.
To accomplish the elaborate procedure of dental implants, this is a team effort between the patient, dentist and Periodontist. Dental Implants which is connected with the gum issues as well as underlying bone in the mouth can be dealt by experienced and qualified Periodontists who are specialised precisely in this area.
At the end of Dental implants, periodontists work closely with dentists in order to extend the best care to the patient. They structure periodic follow-up schedule not only to monitor the implant, teeth and gum but ensure best oral health.
