Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

For the past few decades, dental implants have emerged as the gold standard for replacing missing or damaged teeth. They resemble the anatomy of natural teeth and also provide greater functional ease than conventional tooth replacement options. A conventional dental implant has three main components: implant post, abutment, and prosthetic. These components are further divided into subtypes that vary according to their constitution and function.

Implant post

An implant post, also known as an implant fixture, is a screw-like component that replaces the root portion of a natural tooth. It is cylindrical in shape and tapers towards the bottom to match the anatomy of a natural tooth root. The majority of implant posts are threaded, i.e., they have a screw-like structure that provides a greater surface area to integrate with the bone and increased rigidity.

They are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is not harmful to the surrounding living tissues. In certain cases, these implant posts are coated with a material called hydroxyapatite, which promotes the fusion of the implant with the surrounding bone structure.

Dental implant posts are available in varying lengths and diameters. It depends on the size and width of the tooth to be replaced. For example, if an incisor is being replaced, it will require a narrow implant post that resembles the thin root of an incisor. Similarly, if a molar is to be replaced, it will require a wide implant post to compensate for the multiple roots. The length of implant posts also varies. They can have lengths up to 18mm. Mini dental implants usually have longer lengths to provide better strength and stability. Most implant posts are hollow inside so that an abutment can be screwed on top later.

An implant post is inserted into the jaw bone during a surgical procedure. Once it has been placed successfully, it is allowed to fuse with the surrounding bone tissues through a process known as osseointegration. This process takes 4 to 6 months before proceeding to the next step in dental implant treatment.

Implant Abutments

An implant abutment is a small metal piece that connects the implant post with the prosthetic. The lower part of an abutment is designed in a way to screw into the hollow portion of an implant post. The upper part can be of different shapes to adhere to the dental prosthetic.

There are multiple types of abutments depending on the type of prosthetic that they need to support. The abutment for a single crown or bridge resembles a tiny tooth sticking out of the gum line. This is different from abutments used for implant supported dentures. These abutments have special attachments that allow the denture to clip onto them. This way, the denture can be removed easily when required.

Most abutments are placed upright, but they can also be placed at a different angle to follow the natural curvature of an arch. Our dentists decide the placement of an abutment based on your case. In certain cases, the abutment may already be attached to the implant post. These kinds of implants have two-piece units, which means that the implant post and abutment are fused to form a single unit. In other scenarios, the abutment is placed after successful osseointegration of the implant post has occurred.

Implant prosthetics

An implant prosthetic refers to the visible component of a dental implant that has the closest resemblance to a natural tooth. It can be of different types, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced. The three common types of implant prosthetics are discussed below. :

• Crown: A dental crown is placed on top of an abutment to replace a single tooth or multiple missing teeth that are not present adjacent to one another. Dental crowns are typically made of ceramic, PFM (porcelain fused to metal), or zirconia. These crowns are either cemented directly or screwed onto the abutment. The contours and shade of a crown have a close resemblance to that of a natural tooth.
• Bridge: A dental bridge is used to replace a number of missing teeth that are adjacent to each other. They can be used to replace 2 to 4 teeth in an arch. The units of teeth to be replaced by a bridge are fused together. For example, if you have 3 missing teeth in a row, two implant posts will be placed on either side, and a 3-unit bridge will be placed on top of them. In some cases, a single implant post can be used to support a 2 unit prosthetic to replace two adjacent missing teeth.
• Denture: Dentures are used to replace an entire arch or full jaw of missing teeth. People who have lost all their teeth can get both upper and lower dentures. Generally, there are two types of dentures that are placed using implants: implant-supported dentures and implant-retained dentures. The main difference between the two is that implant-supported dentures are removable, while implant-retained dentures are fixed. Both have their own pros and cons, and our dentist decides which option is best for your case.

A dental prosthetic can be attached to the abutment using a dental cement, or it can be screwed over the abutment. The type of prosthetic you choose will also influence the number of implant posts to be placed. For the replacement of a full arch, our dentist may recommend an All-on-4 or All-on-6 implant system for better retention.

Who Are Ideal Candidates For Dental Implants?

Before considering dental implants as a suitable treatment, our dentists will evaluate some factors to decide whether they are a good option for you. A complete evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaws, and overall health will be required to predict the prognosis of the treatment.

Proper Dental Hygiene

People with good oral hygiene are considered the best candidates for dental implants. Maintaining good oral hygiene ensures a low risk of infection or gum diseases post-treatment. It also impacts the healing period after implant surgery. Those with poor oral hygiene may experience delayed healing or implant failure.

If you have dental cavities, bleeding gums, or any other oral disease, it is best to get it treated first before implantation. Our dentists offer the best treatment options to improve your oral health and optimize it for this dental treatment.

Adequate Jawbone Thickness

Dental implants are inserted in your jawbone and observed for a few months to allow osseointegration. Healthy jaw bones and sufficient supportive tissues are necessary to form a good foundation for dental implants. Even if you have some degree of bone loss, it is still beneficial to opt for implants because they prevent further loss of bone structure. Those with severe bone loss may require additional treatment measures, such as a bone graft or a sinus lift, to improve their jawbone strength.

Age and Overall Health

Dental implants require sufficient jaw strength and bone integrity. For this reason, they are not recommended for younger adults who haven’t had all their teeth erupted yet. It is suggested that you get dental implants after the age of 18 or until your jaw has fully grown. Other health factors that can diminish your eligibility for this treatment include uncontrolled diabetes, alcoholism, cancer, and radiation to the head and neck area. People who take immunosuppressant drugs or medications are also not qualified to be ideal candidates for this procedure.

Non-smokers

Smoking can disrupt the integration of bone with dental implants and also prevents normal healing. This can lead to an increased risk of implant failure. If you are a smoker, it will be recommended to quit it before opting for dental implants. Lack of commitment to quit smoking after the placement of an implant can affect the overall prognosis.

Long-term commitment

The placement of dental implants is not a quick procedure. After the placement of an implant, it may take three to six months in an ideal situation for osseointegration and gum healing. In some cases, it may take even longer. Therefore, if you opt for dental implants, you must commit to the guidelines given by our dentist throughout this whole process. You can achieve the best results by following the correct guidelines and maintaining optimal oral hygiene throughout the treatment process.

What Happens During The Dental Implant Process?

The procedure of dental implant placement has several steps and can take about 6 to 8 months. Here is a detailed overview of the procedure.

Initial Consultation

The first step is to have a consultation with our qualified implant specialists. We will evaluate your case and determine if you are a suitable candidate for implant surgery.

Before beginning the process, you will need to follow some preparatory steps. These steps are necessary to decide which type of implant will be best for you and how long the procedure will take. The prognosis of the implant surgery can also be predicted on the basis of detailed clinical and radiological examination.

Oral Examination

A detailed clinical and radiological examination is done before finalizing the implant surgery. Our dentist will perform a comprehensive clinical examination to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw bones. Your medical history is also required to make sure that there are no conditions that may lead to implant failure. Our team will record dental X-rays and three-dimensional images to evaluate the condition of your jaw bones and determine the location of nerves and sinuses.

Treatment Plan

Based on the condition of your teeth and surrounding tissues, we will design a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Our dentist will finalize the precise placement of the implants to attain the best outcome and avoid possible complications. If you have severely damaged teeth that cannot be salvaged, they will need to be extracted before the procedure. People with severe bone loss will need a bone grafting procedure before implant surgery.

Dental Implant Surgery

The conventional method of dental implant surgery requires multiple appointments. If you have a single tooth or a few teeth missing, the process will be done under local anesthesia. In order to replace a full arch of missing teeth, sedation or general anesthesia may be suggested. Our dentist will guide you through the best options to minimize pain and discomfort during surgery.

Initial incision: After successful anesthesia, a small cut is made on the top of your gum tissues to expose the underlying bone. This incision is necessary because it allows access to the bone where the implant is placed.

Drilling: After exposing the bone, our dentist will use a special instrument to drill a hole directly into the bone. The width and length of the hole depend on the implant’s size. It can also be made at an angle in certain cases of implant-supported dentures.

Implant insertion: We will insert the titanium metal post in the prepared region and secure its position. After completion of this process, the incision on the gums is sutured and allowed to heal before the next step.

Healing period: Once the implant post has been inserted, the process of osseointegration ensues. In this process, the bone grows around the implant and fuses with its surface to provide support and rigidity. The healing period can take 3 to 6 months. Special care is required in this period to avoid any kind of infection at the implant site. You will need to follow the post-op instructions to avoid any complications. After this period, a fresh cut is made on the gums to expose the implant. A healing cap or collar is placed to stimulate the healing of the surrounding gum tissues.

Placing the abutment: A few weeks after the placement of the healing cap, it is removed and an abutment is placed that connects the implant post with the prosthetic. This is a minor surgery and can be done under local anesthesia. The gums are closed around the abutment but they do not fully cover it. The top part is left visible which links to the prosthetic.

Placing the prosthetic: Our team will take impressions of your dental arches and send them to a lab, where the dental prosthetic is designed to match your natural teeth. Whether you are getting a crown, bridge or a denture, the desired dental prosthetic is cemented or screwed atop the abutment. In the case of removable implant-supported dentures, the prosthetic is clipped onto the abutments, which can be removed when necessary.

Post-Operative Instructions

The completion of an implant surgery is followed by post-operative care that ensures the stability of an implant. You may experience slight discomfort or other symptoms after the surgery. These symptoms may include pain at the implant site, swelling of surrounding gum tissues, minor bleeding from gums, and facial swelling. Generally, we prescribe medications to prevent these issues.

We recommend a soft diet for 1 to 2 weeks after implant surgery. This will give time for the implant to stabilize in your jawbone and prevent further pain or discomfort. Once these symptoms have faded, you can gradually add other food items to your diet. Maintaining oral hygiene is critical because a lack of oral hygiene may lead to implant failure. Regular brushing and flossing should be done. Interdental brushes can be used around the implant for better cleaning.

Smoking is strictly prohibited during and after the implant procedure. To monitor your recovery after implant surgery, we will also schedule a follow-up appointment. Proper care ensures the long-term success of this treatment.

FAQs

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If you are considering long-term tooth replacement with dental implant procedure, schedule a consultation with our specialists today. We will guide you through every step of the process to help you make an informed decision about your oral well-being. You can reach out to our team to schedule an appointment.