What Are Dental Implants ?

Dr. Prasanna Kumar P

Professor & Head

Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery,

Rama Dental College & Research Center, Kanpur, UP

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that looks and feels exactly like a real, natural tooth. Each individual implant is made of three pieces that fit together to replace your missing tooth: the screw, abutment, and crown. The implant itself is a titanium screw placed deep into your gum tissue. Over the span of a few months, the screw permanently fuses with the jawbone to act as a replacement for missing tooth roots. This creates a sturdy, immovable base that supports the other parts of the implant. An abutment functions as the connector between the screw and the visible tooth called the crown. Every crown is customized to fit the shape and color of your smile perfectly. Using this process, dental implants make it possible to replace an individual tooth, a few teeth, or your entire mouth if necessary!

Not every dentist offers dental implant restoration. You need to find a specialist who knows exactly how to perform the dental implant procedure to give you the best results possible.

Important Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer incredible benefits that extend far beyond the aesthetic improvements they achieve.

Implants are long lasting and reliable, Natural look and comfortable fit, High success rate, Improved ability to eat and chew, Improved Facial and bone features.

Who Might Need Dental Implants?

Dental implants are usually recommended for adults who:

·      Have missing teeth due to injury, tooth decay, or disease

·      Needs support for loose dentures or bridges

·      Needs help to chew and speak properly

·      Are starting to experience jawbone loss

How Does the Dental Implant Procedure Work?

Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process. It occurs in stages to allow for healing time between each step. Depending on the number and type of implants you receive, the entire process may take months.

Not all patients are strong candidates for dental implants, so it is important to know whether you meet the basic requirements for dental implant work. Overall, the best dental implant candidates want a tooth replacement solution that’s more permanent and durable than standard dentures.

Suitable candidates for Dental Implants are people with healthy gums, sufficient general health, and strong & sufficient bone density to support the implant and who are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene. While people with active gum disease, smoking, health conditions that affect healing (Uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus, Osteoporosis, Blood clotting disorders, Cancer, HIV/AIDS) and people with weak and insufficient bone are not considered good candidates for dental implants.

Are There Possible Risks with Dental Implants?

While dental implants offer many potential benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks involved before deciding to get them. Some of these risks and potential complications are infection, gum recession, nerve damage (if implant placed close to the nerve), injury to surrounding structures (if implant is not positioned correctly, sinus problems (relatively low). With prompt treatment most of these risks can be avoided and the implant can be preserved.

Overall, dental implants are considered safe for most people. Your dentist will take the necessary precautions and look for ways to ensure the success of the dental implant procedure. However, discussing the risks with your dentist before dental implant surgery is still important.

Once in place, these dental implants act as a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth or a dental crown. A dental implant abutment, or a small metal connector, is then used to attach the replacement tooth to the dental implant.

Thanks to dental implants, people who have lost one or more teeth can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile once again.