Dental Implant

What is an implant?
 

A dental implant essentially takes the place of a natural root and is typically shaped like a screw or cylinder. Nearly all dental implants are made of titanium and are placed in carefully drilled sockets at the intended position of the tooth. The primary goal during the placement of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. Dental implants, which support replacement teeth, typically have a kind of internal screw thread or post space that allows for various components to be fitted. Once in place, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges, or prostheses.
 

Can anyone have an implant?
 

It depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw. Your surgeon will arrange a series of special tests to determine the amount of remaining bone. If there is not enough or if it is not healthy enough, it may not be possible to place the implant without bone grafting. If you are a candidate for dental implants, it is strongly advisable not to delay. The jawbone surrounding a missing tooth begins to shrink immediately and eventually can no longer support an implant, so ideally, implants should be placed within one year of losing a tooth.
 

What can be done if you don't have enough bone?
 

In some individuals, there may not be enough space to secure an implant after the loss of the teeth due to extractions or bone loss. In such cases, there are a number of options that may be suitable and can be discussed with your dentist.

Sinus lift: It is possible to increase the height of the existing bone by creating new bone in the sinus above the back teeth in the upper jaw. This procedure is called a 'sinus lift.'
 

Bone graft: There are several ways that bone can be added, but a simple concept is to take a piece of bone from one place and secure it as a 'graft' in an area that is lacking. The new piece of bone will gradually fuse with the underlying area, and once it has healed and matured, an implant can be placed in a more suitable position.
 

What are the benefits of getting an implant?
 

Your dental implant's crown will be almost indistinguishable from your remaining teeth. Removable partial dentures can loosen and cause damage to supporting teeth, while fixed bridge prostheses involve procedures on adjacent teeth, making implants a longer-term solution. Additionally, implants are not just aesthetically pleasing once in place but also highly functional. Unlike removable prostheses, teeth attached to implants function like natural teeth. This means you can comfortably eat tougher foods and experience no speech issues, unlike with conventional dentures. Beyond meeting aesthetic expectations, the most significant advantage of implants is their ability to halt bone loss. Missing teeth can cause atrophy (bone loss) in the jaw over time, which can alter the appearance of the face due to sagging around the mouth. Dental implants can actually improve your bone structure by simulating growth, mitigating the aging effect of missing teeth on your appearance.
 

Will I feel any pain during implant treatment?
 

As dental implants are typically performed under local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. It is quite common to experience some discomfort in the following days, but this can be managed with regular anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your dentist.
 

How long do implants last?
 

Implants aim to mimic the natural structure of a tooth, and therefore, their longevity largely depends on how well they are maintained, much like your remaining teeth. When properly cared for, a dental implant can last for many years. However, neglect and other issues can lead to the same problems you may experience with any other tooth. Cleaning implants requires the same level of dental hygiene as natural teeth.

Will my prosthesis move?
 

You and your dentist can decide on removable, fixed, or a combination of artificial teeth:

Fixed
 

Teeth of this type are either permanently screwed or cemented onto individual implant abutments. They require care, just like your natural teeth, and cannot be removed for cleaning or while sleeping. Typically, each tooth is attached to its own implant. However, because implants are extremely strong, several teeth can be supported by a single implant if they are bridged together.

Removable

​

These can be partial or full dentures, similar to traditional removable prostheses. They contain artificial white teeth surrounded by pink plastic acrylic. They are mounted on a metal frame attached to an implant abutment and fit securely in place. They can be easily removed for maintenance or daily cleaning. Implant-supported removable prostheses have the significant advantage of being easy to clean. Contrary to popular belief, they do not move during use and require fewer implants to be placed.

​

How will my treatment process work?

​

Treatment is typically divided into two or three stages, each of which may require several visits to your dentist. Preoperative assessment

Before implants are placed, you will need to have X-rays taken. This allows your surgeon to plan the best way to treat you.

​

Surgical Treatment

​

The next stage of your treatment is the placement of implants. This is typically done by lifting the gum under local anesthesia (an injection that numbs the area being worked on), gently and carefully drilling into the underlying bone of the jaw. The implant is inserted into the bone, and the gum is sutured together. After placement, some implant types emerge from the gum, while others are submerged beneath it. Implants are typically left for two to three months before they can be used to support replacement teeth. If additional procedures (sinus lift) are carried out, a healing period of up to 6 months may be required for the bone to develop. Implants that are submerged beneath the gum will require a second small surgical procedure to expose them before they can be used to support replacement teeth.

​

Prosthetic Treatment

​

You will need several appointments to create your crowns, bridges, or dentures. This will involve taking measurements and checking the fit of the components used to make your teeth.