The dental implant can be defined as an artificial tooth root located in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are often considered to be the best alternative for individuals who have lost a tooth or teeth because of health conditions such as periodontal disease, injury, or some other reason.
1. Endosteal (in the bone): Endosteal is considered to be the most commonly used type of implant. The different types include screws, cylinders or blades which are placed surgically in the jawbone. Each one of the implants holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an option to bridge patients or removable dentures.
2. Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are positioned at the top of the jaw with the metal framework's posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who cannot carry conventional dentures and possess a minimum bone height.
Dental implants usually have three parts:
1) The implant: This implant is a screw which serves as the root of the new teeth. This is what is attached to the jaws all the time.
2) The abutment: This is permanent but at the same time it can be removed by your doctor. The abutment is a connector which supports and holds a tooth or set of tooth.
3) The crown (or the prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth which is visible and can be seen. It is usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and beautiful appearance.
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth, multiple teeth or sets of upper and/or lower teeth. In the event that you need to restore a full arch, you may be an ideal candidate for all-on-four treatment.
Dental implants have many advantages which are listed below:
1. Helps in the improvement of appearance. There are no obvious differences between dental implants and teeth as they are both alike. And because they are designed to connect with the bone, they become durable.
2. Enhanced speech. With poorly customizable prostheses, teeth may slip into your mouth, which leads to the formation of a speech that is not cleared or slur your words. Dental implants assist you in talking absent the fear that your teeth might slip.
3. Improved comfort. Because they later become part and parcel of your body, implants get rid of the discomfort which is caused by removable dentures.
4. Make eating easier. Sliding dentures can make chewing very hard. Dental implants work like your teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite food with confidence and without pain.
5. Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you a smile and help you feel better.
6. Improvement of oral health. Dental implants do not need to reduce other teeth, as well as a tooth-supporting bridge. Since the adjacent teeth do not change to support the implant, more than your teeth remain intact, which in the long term improves oral health. Individual implants permit easier access to the teeth and also improve oral hygiene.
7. Durability. Implants are very strong and can last for many years. When you take care of it properly, many implants last a lifetime.
8. Convenience: Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants get rid of the unpleasant disadvantages of removing dentures in addition to the need for neural adhesives to keep them in place.
The success rate of dental implant differs depending on the location of the jaw the implant is fixed, but generally, the implants give up to 98% of success rate. With proper care, implants can last for a lifetime.
In many cases, any person that is healthy enough to go through routine dental extraction or oral surgery may be regarded as an ideal candidate for dental implants. An ideal candidate for dental implants must be in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in the jaw is required to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissue without periodontal disease.
Heavy smokers, people with uncontrolled chronic conditions - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients undergoing radiation therapy in the head/neck area should be evaluated individually. If you're thinking about implants, discuss with your dentist to ensure that it's the best option for you.
Numerous people who have gotten dental implants affirm that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can also be adopted amid the procedure, and most patients report that implants include less pain than the tooth extraction.
That same care you give to your real teeth is also needed for dental implants and this includes brushing, flossing, rinse with antibacterial mouthwash and regular dental exams.
