Dental implant is a surgical procedure done to replace the tooth roots with metal posts and attach a new prosthesis on top. It is a permanent and more durable fix for missing teeth than dental dentures and bridges, especially when there are not enough natural teeth. The dental implant artificial tooth is designed to be natural-looking and functional just like the original teeth. Before you make your decision on whether to get a dental implant treatment, it is best that you learn thoroughly about it first. This article will discuss the parts of a dental implant and other things like the candidacy, procedure, and aftercare for you to know what to expect from a dental implant surgery.
Wait no more, read on and find out with us Sydney Dental.
1. What is a dental implant and why is it done?
Generally speaking, dental implants play as the substitute roots for your teeth. They bring patients a strong base for permanent or detachable false teeth that are designed to match your original ones.
Those who have lost one or more teeth can find dental implants helpful. A dental implant is also needed if you have missing teeth as a result of:
- Tooth decay, also called cavities;
- Breaks in the tooth roots;.
- Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism;
- Periodontal conditions;
- Injuries to the face;
- Innate tooth loss (born with some teeth missing).
2. How many components are there in a dental implant?
An implant is typically a three-piece dental restoration. These include an implant post or body, an abutment as a connector between the implant body and the top part – the tooth restoration, which can be in the form of a denture, crown, or bridge.
2.1. The implant body
The implant post is put into the jawbone through a short surgery. It is similar to the original tooth root with a tapered end. These posts come in a range of diameters which can be chosen according to the size of the affected tooth. For instance, a larger post is good for larger teeth like molars and a smaller one would be more suitable for smaller teeth like incisors.
A dental post can be 18 mm long. Posts for mini dental implants are usually longer than usual to provide more stability and strength. A traditional dental implant body is hollow for the abutment to be attached on top.
During the first treatment stage, i.e. the implant placement, local anesthesia will be applied to numb up your mouth so you will feel zero pain and discomfort. Sometimes, based on the particular needs of the patient, IV sedation can be used.
Next step involves making a small incision in your gums to place the metal post into the jawbone where the lost tooth is. After that, the dentist will seal the gums over the implant body to keep it covered.
The patient will have their recovery at home and come back for the second stage of the treatment after several months. That allows time for the post to be fused with the jawbone for it to be secure enough for holding the abutment and tooth restoration. This is also referred to as osseointegration.
2.2. The implant abutment
There also exist a series of implant abutments for different implant restoration systems. The abutments that hold crowns and bridges are not the same as those used to secure dentures.
Abutments for a bridge or crown looks like a metal small tooth sticking out of the gum while those for dentures come with special attachments on the surface to support a bar. The bar is where the dentures clip onto.
As the healing process varies for each individual, it can take some time up to 6 months for the osseointegration to be completed. In some special cases, a patient can have the dental implant done in only one dental visit.
At the second visit, the dental provider will then check if your dental post is secure in place. If everything goes smoothly, they will put an abutment over it to hold the artificial tooth.
2.3. The artificial tooth
Once your gums are healed, impressions of your teeth will be taken to make a custom artificial tooth, also known as a crown. This crown is then bound to the inserted abutment for the treatment to be completed.
The top restoration part can be a bridge, crown, or denture. A single implant usually uses crowns while multiple implants can have bridges or dentures on top. The crowns and bridges are bound permanently and can only be removed by a dental professional.
3. What benefits can dental implant surgery bring?
The benefits you can obtain from dental implants are numerous, including:
- Better looks. Dental implants are similar to your natural teeth to the eyes and touch. As they are attached to your bone, they are permanent.
- Better communication. The slips of teeth from ill-fitting dentures are gone with dental implants. No more numbling or slurring in your everyday speech.
- More comfort. Unlike removable dentures, as dental implants stay there like a natural part of your body, you may not realize they are even there at times.
- Improved eating. Functioning like your original teeth, dental implants help you chew freely with ease and no pain. No more worries of dentures sliding inside of your mouth while chewing.
- More confidence. Your shiny smile can be back with dental implants. That way you’ll be much more confident and comfortable with yourself
- Enhanced oral wellness. Dental implants keep more of your original teeth intact, as no tooth reduction or alteration is required to support the implant. This can boost your oral health in the long run. Additionally, individual implants give teeth space to breathe, thereby improving your mouth hygiene.
- Long-time use. These pieces are very durable and can stay good for multiple years, or even a lifetime with good care.
- Convenience. You won’t have to feel the embarrassment of removing dentures anymore and no more messy adhesives for sticking them to your mouth by opting for dental implants
4. What happens during a dental implant?
During the treatment, the dental specialist will:
- Put you under anesthesia. They will calculate the right dose of local anesthesia to numb your gums up. If you want to be sedated, meaning you’ll fall asleep during the procedure, the provider may accommodate that request as well;
- Make a cut in your gums. As soon as you feel comfortable with the help of the numbing medication, the professional will create an incision in your gums to give space for the upcoming dental implant. This will reveal the bone underneath for the implant to be located;
- Prepare the jaw. Your dentist will use specialized tools to make a hole in your jawbone. They’ll expand the it until it is of the exact diameter for your the implant;
- Position the implant. The provider will place the dental implant into your jaw with extra care;
- Seal the cuts. Finally, your dentist will reposition the gums and stitch the incision shut.
The procedure of dental implant is usually the same for every patient. That said, in some cases, the dentist may place a dental implant and restoration, like a dental crown or bridge at the same appointment. Usually you will need to wait a couple of months for the implant to fully heal prior to the final restoration for safety purposes. The dental provider can create a temporary, often detachable, restoration for the patient to use throughout the healing time.
5. The aftercare
Considering dental implants are like the real deal, proper care includes brushing, flossing, rinsing on a daily basis and periodic oral visits.
You can help your dental work — and remaining natural teeth — last longer if you:
- Commit to thorough oral hygiene. Try to keep your dental implants, false teeth, and gum tissue clean just like your original teeth by bruising, flossing, and rinsing on a daily basis;
- Pay regular visits to the dentist. Have checkups with the dental provider to make sure your implants are functioning properly and healthy. Also receive in-clinic cleanings as advised by the dentist;
- Avoid poor dental habits. Avoid chewing on hard foods, like ice or hard candy because these can cause breakage to your restoration like crows or even your original teeth. Also refrain from tobacco and products containing caffeine to prevent staining of teeth. If you have bruxism, meaning you grind or clench teeth, seek medical attention.
6. A note from Sydney Dental
Hopefully after this read you’ve had a good idea of what components make up a dental implant as well as if it is something you need for the time being. If you are still unsure of which treatment to go with for a new unforgettably stunning smile in your particular case, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are at 499-501 Ba Hat St, Ward 8, District 10, HCMC looking forward to your visit. You may also call us at (028) 3504 9440 for a free no-obligation comprehensive consultation. Your pretty, shiny smile is 100% guaranteed at Sydney Dental!
