Replacement of missing tooth surgically with the artificial tooth is known as a dental implant. The success rate of dental implants is higher when they are kept with proper care.

When a dental implant is needed?

A dental implant is preferred by people when they miss more than one teeth. Option for a dental implant will work best for you if you:

  • Have a completely grown and healthy jawbone.
  • Don’t have any type of infection or gum disease.
  • Are not suffering from any type of condition that can affect the healing of bone.

You should arrange a detailed meeting with your dentist, he will assess you and guide you if dental implants are suitable for you or not.

What is the procedure for dental implants? (1)

It is a dental operation in which an artificial tooth is replaced in the missing space via surgery. Dental implants cannot be removed easily while dentures are easy to remove. With minor operations, dental implants are fixed in the jawbone following a series. The small piece is made of titanium or any other material that is similar to a screw is used as a dental implant. This small piece is placed into the roots of the jaw bone. With time, the bone will begin to grow around the screw and it will help to hold the tooth at the place.

 

Crown is the common name for an artificial tooth that is placed in the missing gap. Crown is all similar to the natural tooth including size, color, function, and shape. Now dental implants are also used to fix the DENTURES or DENTAL BRIDGE at the right place.

During a dental procedure:

Series or minor operations are performed for dental implants that usually complete in few months. Following procedures take place during dental implants:

  • The first step is to scan and x-ray so the missing gap can find out easily. ScaThe scan provides a clear picture of missing space.
  • With a minor operation, a dental implant is fixed into the jawbone. Dentists usually give anaesthesia to the patients so they don’t have to bear the pain of surgery.
  • Within few months, the bone will grow around the implant.
  • When the implant becomes stable, your dentist will start creating the structure of the new artificial tooth that is quite similar to natural teeth.
  • The dentist usually take a mould of your mouth to create an artificial tooth
  • Once the structures are ready, your dentist will fix them up with the cemented foundation.
  • The process is slow and you have to show patience on your several visits to the clinic for scanning and x-rays.

Expectations after dental implant:

When you go through minor operations for dental implants you may face bruising, pain, swelling, and discomfort in the gums. Bleeding might occur from the gums in some cases. So you have to be careful during surgeries by eating soft food so dental implants can heal as soon as possible. After the procedure, no special care is recommended but you should take care of dental implants the same as your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing with regular check-ups is mostly recommended.

What are the different types of dental implants?

The two most common kinds of dental implants include:

  • Endosteal implants: it is the most common type of dental implant in which the dental implant is placed into the jawbone. Jawbone served as a root so it can hold the crown in a fixed place.
  • Subperiosteal implants: it is the less common type of dental implant and is rarely recommended by dentists. This option is suggested to people who are unable to wear CONVENTIONAL DENTURES. In this type, the metal implant is specifically designed for fixing the existing bone.

Insertion of dental implant is performed by a dentist who has completed his training in implantology. Oral surgeons and periodontists may also perform the procedure of dental implants.

What is the cost of a single tooth implant? (2)

The cost for a dental implant varies from one area to another but on average it cost ranges between three thousand dollars to four thousand dollars for a single tooth. Some people consider the cost well worth as your dentist creates a structure for you and provide a permanent solution to missing tooth. However, the risk of developing cavities or other oral conditions in the future is also reduced with dental implants. This reason pushes you to pay the amount to secure your future.

 

The cost for more than one tooth varies. When you need a full mouth dental implant, a dentist would recommend dentures that are supported with an implant as they are budget-friendly. Dentures supported by implants will not only reduce the cost but also provide long-term solutions for your missing teeth. You can discuss with your doctors the method you should adopt.

What is the failure rate of dental implants?

Dental implants have a high success rate so; overall the failure rate is very low. No other contraindications are observed with dental implants. Conditions that can increase the risk of implant failure are discussed with the patients before surgery and informed consent is processed. The failure rate is only five percent in dental implants if proper care is given. Replacement of hormones or radiation therapy is associated greatly with the failure rate of dental implants.

How long do dental implants last?

A lifetime of dental implants can be prolonged with proper brushing and flossing. Patients should visit a dental clinic for regular checkups every six months. The life span for the crown is about ten to fifteen years. After the life span, they need to be replaced. The lifetime of the crown can be increased by more than fifteen years if they are kept with proper hygiene and excellent maintenance. Location of dental implant is also the main factor that can predict the lifetime of the crown. Rear teeth are mostly used in chewing the food so chances of wearing out are more than front teeth.

References:

  1. https://www.google.com.pk/amp/s/www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/dental-implant
  2. https://www.lovettdentistrymissouricity.com/dental-blog/cost-of-a-single-tooth-implant/