Introduction

A dental implant is a surgical device that is implanted into the jawbone and allowed to integrate with the bone over time. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that replaces a lost tooth’s root. This “artificial tooth root” then holds a new tooth or bridge in place. Basically the replacement of the tooth roots is called as dental implants. Implants offer a solid base for fixed or removable substitute teeth, which match your natural tee

Dental implants are artificial dental roots that are used to replace missing teeth. Fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are created to match your original teeth are supported by implants. A single tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire set of teeth can be replaced by the help of dental implant. Teeth replacement in dentistry aims to restore both function and appearance.

Commonly there are three options when it comes to tooth replacement.

  1. Complete or partial denture
  2. Cemented dental bridge (fixed)
  3. Implant (dental)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Advantages:

  1. Natural looking
  2. Restores mouth function
  3. Long-lasting
  4. Facial symmetry is maintained
  5. Prevents the bone loss
  6. Prevents other teeth from getting curved
  7. Facilitates in good-oral hygiene
  8. Easier eating
  9. Improved self-esteem

Disadvantages:

  1. Infection
  2. May cause damage to other teeth
  3. Delayed bone healing
  4. Nerve damage
  5. Prolonged bleeding
  6. Jaw fractures
  7. Gum disease

 

Types

Endosteal and subperiosteal dental implants are the two types of implants available.

The most prevalent form of implant is endosteal. They are implanted in the jawbone by a surgeon and can hold one or more prosthetic teeth.

On top of the jawbone, a surgeon places a subperiosteal implant. This is the alternative that dental surgeons recommend for patients who don’t have a lot of jawbone height.

Procedure

Because dental implants necessitate one or more surgical operations, you should undergo a complete examination to prepare for the treatment, which should include the following:

  • Comprehensive dental exam that may include X-rays or 3D images
  • Overview of your medical history
  • Treatment procedure

Anesthesia can be given before the procedure/surgery to get rid of pain and control it which may include local anesthesia, general anesthesia or sedatives.

Dental implant surgery is commonly conducted as an outpatient treatment in stages, with healing time in between. The placement of a dental implant requires several steps, including:

  • Damaged tooth removal

Most of the time here is utilized by the development of the new bone in your jaw.

  • Jawbone Preparation

Before you may have dental implant surgery, you may need bone grafting if your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft. Because your mouth’s intense chewing action puts a lot of strain on your bone, if it can’t sustain the implant, the procedure will most likely fail. Multiple kinds of bone graft materials can be used for the rebuilding of a jawbone. The transplanted bone may take many months to develop enough new bone to sustain a dental implant. How you continue is determined by the state of your jawbone.

  • Placement of Dental Implant

The surgeon puts a cut over your gum and eposes the bone area. The dental implant metal post is inserted into holes bored into the bone. The post is inserted deep into the bone since it will act as the tooth root. You’ll still have a gap where your tooth is gone at this stage. If necessary, a partial or temporary denture might be used to improve look.

  • Wait for Bone Growth

Osseointegration begins when the metal implant post is inserted in your jawbone. The jawbone develops onto and connects with the surface of the dental implant throughout this phase. This process provides a solid base for your new artificial tooth that may take few months.

  • Placement of Abutment

A minor surgery is done by giving local anesthesia for the placement of abutment. The surgeon therefore reopens your gum to uncover the dental implant. The abutment here is attached; the gum tissue is closed around the abutment not over the abutment. Your gums must recover for two weeks after the abutment is put before the artificial tooth can be connected.

  • Picking your New Artificial Teeth

The impressions of your teeth are taken to make the crown that must be placed/implanted. You can choose whether the artificial teeth are fixed or removable.

Cost

The cost of dental implant surgery varies and depends on the following factors:

  • Within the jaw, the implant locations
  • Types and number of implants required
  • whether any further treatments are required to prepare the mouth for surgery

First and foremost, each case is unique. Single dental implants, on the other hand, range in price from $1,500 to $2,000 per implant. Not procedure-by-procedure, but implant-by-implant.

Dental Implants and Their Failure and Success Rates

The success rate of implants varies according on the location of implants in the jaw. They usually have a success rate of 98%. Interestingly, the probability of success is fairly high and typically failed in the improbable case of infection, dental implantation fracture, dental implant overloading, surrounding area injury (nerves, arteries, and teeth), improper dental implant placement, low bone quantity and/or quality. Therefore a surgeon needs to be qualified enough to prevent any failure.

How Long Does Dental Implant Last?

Mostly implants lasts for a lifetime, they totally depend upon the ability of the surgeon. Multiple studies show that dental implants’ long-term survival lasts up to 20 years. Dental implants have been able to endure stress up to a decade or more whether the studies have examined short- or longer-term use. Crowns can frequently endure between 10 and 15 years prior to substitution.

 

References

[i] https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm

[ii] https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants