Introduction
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to anchor artificial replacements for missing teeth and prevent loss of the jaw bone. Dental implant procedures are categorized as types of artificial replacement, prosthetic, dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Missing teeth makes it uncomfortable to talk or smile. Chewing food becomes difficult creating eating habits that may lead to problems such as malnutrition. Dental implants enable people who have lost teeth to eat normal diets and foods they like without chewing difficulties. Teeth implants maintain and stimulate the jaw bone and preventing loss of bone. They also restore facial features and youthful appearance.
Tooth Loss
Loss of teeth is caused by
- Tooth decay
- Congenital defects
- Failure of root canal
- Excessive wear and tear
- Gum disease
- Tooth injury
Procedure
Modern dental implants are not distinguishable from normal teeth. Functional and structural bond between the bone and dental implant is perfect. Teeth implants are installed in a one sitting but they require some time for osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process through which dental implant attaches to the jaw bone. Osseointegrated implants have a very high rate of success. They are also the most commonly used type of teeth implants. The healing and anchoring process after a crown restoration lasts three to six months. To complete the procedure, the Essex dentist fits a crown restoration. If osseointegration fails to occur, the implant has not succeeded.
When
Dental implants, done to replace lost teeth, are performed after adolescence when bone growth has stopped. Medical conditions, such as periodontal disease, cancer or diabetes, may necessitate additional treatment prior to the implant.
Preparation
The implant consists of a titanium screw and crown. The crown is the tooth-like replacement. A small-diameter hole, known as pilot hole, is drilled at edentulous jaw sites to hold the screw that fixes the teeth implants in place. The Essex dentist uses expertise and great skill when boring the hole and trimming the jaw bone. She/he has to avoid damaging the vital face and jaw structures such as inferior alveolar nerve found in the lower jaw. She/he uses surgical guides prepared from CT scans.
Placing the Implant
The pilot hole is slowly widened to the size of the screw. The screw is then fixed in place. The adjacent gum tissue is held over the implant with a protective cover screw placed on top. The site is then left, for up to six months, to heal and osseointegration to take place. After osseointegration the Essex dentist opens the implant and fixes an abutment which anchors the crown to the implant. In some cases, the abutment is attached at the initial procedure. She/he then creates a temporary crown which is used as a template to guide gum growth and shaping. Implantation is completed by replacing the temporary crown with a permanent crown.
Recovery
After the implant is done, diligent oral hygiene must be maintained to ensure proper setting of the bone structure and implant. With diligent oral hygiene an implant restoration can last for over 40 years. The initial surgical procedure causes minimal discomfort. The face and gums may swell. Minor bruises and bleeding may occur at the implant site. Medication may be prescribed to relieve any discomfort and pain. Osseointegration lasts up to six months and pacing and seating the crown(s) can last up to two months. The actual durations depend on individual cases and procedures used. Follow-up engagements with the treatment personnel are important to monitor the treatment progress.
Aftercare
Eat soft foods for about one week following the procedure. The dentist removes stitches after healing. Self-dissolving stitches do not require removal. Provisional restorations accompanying teeth implants should be thoroughly cleaned to enable the best fusing and healing of the implant. Cleaning also prevents infection of the area around the implant. Avoid smoking.
If you are interested in Cosmetic Dentistry, call Perfect Smile Spa - Dentist Essex for a free consultation on 01708 442114 or email: care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk