WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants, also known as teeth implants or tooth replacement, are without a doubt the most well-liked and ideal solution for replacing your missing tooth or teeth. Over the course of the last 25 years or so, dental implants have changed dentistry dramatically. Essentially, a dental implant is a titanium post or screw that is surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line to function as a tooth root. An implantologist will then attach a crown to the implant to ensure that it looks and feels like a natural tooth.

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WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS?

- Speech difficulties can arise due to gaps left by missing teeth.
- Chewing can become challenging.
- Facial appearance may age, leading to sunken cheeks and wrinkles as muscles lack support without teeth.
- Facial muscle pain and an improper bite can result from missing teeth.
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to food trapping and plaque buildup in gaps.
- Adjacent teeth may shift, leading to an improper bite.
- Untreated missing teeth can lower self-esteem and confidence, causing people to hide their smiles in social situations.

Dental implants offer a comprehensive solution to these issues and are widely recognized as the best remedy for missing teeth. They are suitable for anyone regardless of age or gender. Dental implants, with a success rate of 98%, provide reassurance to patients about their oral health. These implants consist of a titanium screw that fuses with the jawbone.

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ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

1. Longevity: Dental implants are a durable solution that can outlast the patient, offering a long-term substitute for lost teeth.
 
2. Preservation of Natural Smile and Facial Structure: They maintain the natural smile and prevent facial muscle sagging caused by missing teeth, thereby preserving the face's shape.

3. Bone Preservation: Dental implants help protect healthy bone, which can deteriorate when teeth are missing.

4. Enhanced Appearance and Comfort: These implants provide superior appearance and comfort without causing speech problems commonly associated with other tooth replacement options.

5. Boosted Self-Esteem: By being a perfect substitute for missing teeth, dental implants can significantly boost self-esteem by restoring a complete smile.

6. Freedom to Enjoy Food: With dental implants, individuals can relish their favourite foods without concerns about instability or discomfort often experienced with other tooth replacement options.

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DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE

Placing a dental implant has various stages. They are listed below:

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Placing The Implant

Modern dentistry techniques have made implant placement painless and comfortable. Anxious patients can request sedation to help them relax during the process. The procedure begins with the preparation of the jawbone; the surgeon then makes a cut to expose the bone for drilling holes; these holes are kept deep enough for the implant to be placed correctly and deep into the bone, like the root; in cases where the bone is weak or insufficiently strong to support implant surgery, the doctor may need to use bone grafting. Finally, the surgeon waits for the jawbone to heal before inserting the metal post. The entire procedure, from beginning to end, may require

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Healing

When patients have healthy bone structures, the entire procedure can be finished in a single day. Following this, you can schedule the second surgery, but only after the implants have fused with the bone. Your dentists will take an x-ray to confirm whether the implant is fit for the second surgery. This second surgery will be simpler than the first where a new artificial tooth is placed. This process is known as osseointegration; it helps to offer a durable base for the new artificial tooth, much like roots do for natural teeth. Generally, this process takes three to six months

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Abutment Placement

A temporary crown will be placed for four to six weeks to allow the gums around the abutment to heal. This type of crown is softer and can cushion the implant and stress the soft tissues that can aid in healing. As a precaution, you may need to eat only soft foods after each stage of surgery to allow the surgical site to heal properly. The placement of the abutment, which is the piece to which the crown will attach, may require additional surgery, but only after healing is complete. This procedure is generally fairly simple and is usually performed under anaesthesia in an outpatient setting.
 

Placement Of Permanent Crown

In the following phase, the dentist will concentrate on creating a permanent crown that closely resembles your natural teeth. All the components, including surface texture, colour, and anatomy, will be adjusted to blend in with the surrounding dentition. If you are unhappy with the crown for any reason, speak with your dentist so that the dental technician can make the necessary adjustments. Impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are taken to create the crown, which will be placed after the jawbone has grown sufficiently to support the new tooth. The permanent crown will be made in less than two to three weeks and cemented.

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POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

1. Refrain from touching, spitting, or rinsing the wound on the day of the dental implant procedure.
2. Avoid touching the metal healing abutment that extends through the gum tissue.
3. Expect some bleeding or redness in the mouth for up to 24 hours post-surgery.
4. If excessive bleeding occurs, bite on a gauze pad on the wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, consult the dentist.
5. Swelling is normal after the procedure. Use an ice pack on the cheek in the surgical area to minimize swelling. (You can also use a plastic bag or ice-filled towel.)

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POST IMPLANTS CARE

- Brush your teeth twice daily using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head.
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months to prevent fraying or damage to your gums and teeth.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly but gently to avoid abrasion, refraining from excessive force.
- Floss at least once a day to eliminate food particles, bacteria, and debris from between your teeth.
- Flossing is crucial for maintaining the condition of your implants as well as your overall oral health.

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