Dental implants are tools used in cases where a patient has suffered tooth loss. They are used for the replacement of missing teeth. They act as the tooth root and provide a strong foundation for fixed, artificial teeth. Dental implants can be chosen by almost everyone who can undergo dental surgeries and dental extractions. The patient must also have good oral hygiene.
However, there are always some exceptions. People who smoke regularly, diabetic patients, cardiac patients, and cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, etc. are not advised to get dental implants and they are individually analysed by the dentist.
What is the dental implant procedure like?
The dental implant procedure begins with the development of an individualized plan for the patient. It has to be individualized as many patients suffer from other diseases that could affect the dental condition and treatments. Next, the tooth root or implant is fitted in the bone socket of the missing tooth. It is made of titanium metal. Then the teeth are left alone for 12-14 weeks. During this period, the gums and jawbone heal. The jawbone grows around the metal post, embedding it and securing the implant into the jawbone.
After the jawbone and gums are healed, a connector post called an abutment is applied on top of the implant. Then impressions of the teeth are taken, and the bite, shape of teeth, etc. are recorded. The new tooth is created based on this impression. A crown is then attached on top of the abutment.
When the new artificial teeth are prepared, the colour is matched with that of the real teeth, because shade variations are possible. The new teeth are then placed above the crown and begin to function just like natural, real teeth.
Apart from functioning just like natural teeth, dental implants also have plenty of other advantages. Dental implants can also help prevent tooth loss and various diseases. Let us try to understand how.
1. Dental Implants improved oral health
When one or more teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth are negatively affected. The adjacent teeth are not able to get proper nutrition and hence they become weak and fall off quickly. The patients are also not able to clean and brush their teeth properly if there is a space left by the missing tooth.
Having dental implants ensures that the teeth around the missing tooth are supported structurally. And hence cleaning becomes easier, the overall structure of the teeth improves and the patient experiences good oral health.
2. Prevents shifting of the other teeth
Each tooth provides support to the surrounding teeth. It provides a space for leaning onto it instead of tilting downwards. When this tooth falls off the surrounding teeth are left with nothing to lean on. Hence, they start tilting downwards and shift from their socket. Shifting of even a single tooth affects the whole structure. Tooth loss and tooth decay also take place very easily because the teeth have shifted. Shifting of teeth also affects biting, chewing and the jaw joint. The longer the teeth are left untreated, the more the teeth shift towards empty space, and hence, the risk for tooth decay, tooth loss, and chewing problems increases day by day.
When a dental implant is fitted into teeth, it acts just like a natural tooth and allows other teeth to use it as support. It is fixed firmly into the jawbone. Shifting is also prevented as the missing tooth space is filled by the implant and there is no space left for other teeth to fill. Since shifting of teeth is prevented, tooth loss and tooth decay are prevented as well.
3. Stimulation of jaw bone tissue
The natural teeth and the roots provide stimulation for the jawbone tissue and keep the bone cells active. So, whenever a tooth or multiple teeth fall off, the jawbone starts to deteriorate and its condition worsens as days go by. When this condition is left alone without treatment for too long, the jawbone starts to degenerate and the slowly starts to lose bone tissue. Then it becomes extremely difficult to replace missing teeth. Jaw shrinkage is also possible along with jaw collapse. With the placement of dental implants, the pressure on the jawbone is properly applied and the jawbone is equally stimulated since we know dental implants function just like natural teeth.
4. Dental Implants Easier cleaning
Due to missing teeth, it becomes difficult to clean teeth with toothbrushes as well as advanced dental equipment. Dental tools need an even surface for proper cleaning. The gaps between teeth make it hard for the tools to clean in between teeth as they can get stuck in between the gaps. Also, the condition can be very painful as toothbrushes and other equipment rub over sore gums due to missing teeth. When dental implants are applied, they provide an even surface for dental tools and help in proper cleaning, and also prevent painful sensations caused by cleaning and rubbing over the teeth surface.
5. Durability of Dental implants
Implants are very durable and hence a very convenient choice. They can last up to decades and they can last up-to even a patient’s lifetime if the patient properly takes care of them. They also come in very handy as they are removable and can be attached back. Also, adhesives are not required to hold dental implants in place. Many adhesives are messy and toxic to the tissues. With dental implants, there is no need to use such adhesives, and hence, the risk of getting infections from certain adhesives is reduced.
6. Prevention of gum diseases
When there is a space created by missing teeth, it becomes easier for food particles to accumulate in them. These food particles eventually rot and germs like bacteria start to form colonies over them, damaging the teeth further. These bacterial accumulations can develop into various dental diseases like tooth decay, periodontitis, and tooth loss is also possible. Gum disease is a severe disease and can affect the gums and teeth deeply. Attachment of a dental implant to the teeth can help prevent gum diseases and other dental conditions as well.
