Are tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities affecting your oral well-being? Don't worry; we're going to tell you everything you need to know about the most proven dental solution: implants!
According to the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report, 3 out of 4 people face severe oral health issues. Hence, you must understand the vitality of dental implants, their procedure, and why you should consult the best dental implant specialist. But first, let's find out exactly what dental implants are.
Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots fused with your jawbone. Made of titanium, implants ensure stability and lasting strength through osseointegration. Unlike dentures, implants stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss. This provides a natural feel and function to your tooth, restoring your eating, speaking, and talking capabilities. If you have missing teeth, getting a dental implant can hold crowns, bridges, or dentures, and restore your smile. But how many different types of dental implant procedures are there?
Types of Dental Implant Procedures
Here are the five types of dental implant procedures that you can get if you’re suffering from tooth decay, cavities, periodontitis, or any other tooth disease.
1. Full-mouth Dental Implants: To solve all your tooth problems, consider getting a full-mouth dental implant! In this process, several teeth are replaced using six to eight implants per row. Consulting a full-mouth dental implant specialist is recommended when opting for this treatment.
2. Single Tooth Implant: If you're missing one tooth and want to improve how it looks and works, go for a single dental implant. It requires a single dental crown that connects to the implant screw.
3. Implant-Supported Bridge: Implant-supported bridges are ideal for people with several missing teeth. They keep your other teeth in place, ensuring everything works smoothly. The only difference from full-mouth implants is that bridges need support from nearby strong teeth.
4. All-on-4 Dental Implants: All-on-4 implants are recommended when a patient seeks a secure solution for many missing teeth. This approach restores your entire upper or lower jaw, or both arches, providing a permanent restoration. In contrast to a full mouth dental implant, which involves 6-8 implants, here you get 4.
5. 3-on-6 Dental Implants: An alternative to a denture is a 3-on-6 implant. It consists of three single dental bridges attached to six dental implants. But when compared to full-mouth tooth surgery, 3-on-6 is comparatively less extensive.
Who should go for a Dental Implant Surgery?
Whether you’re someone dealing with early dental issues such as tooth sensitivity or cavities, or someone facing more severe problems like tooth decay or periodontitis, a dental implant solution is always an option for you. It offers a permanent fix to your oral health, eliminating the need for yearly retreatments.
But what are the different implant procedures involved when opting for a dental implant?
Dental Implant Procedure - Steps to Follow
Before going deep into the surgery process, there are a few steps you should know about that’ll determine the type of dental implant you’re going to need:
1. Initial Consultation:
After the CT scan and x-ray are complete, you’ll know whether it’s one tooth that is the problem or if there are multiple that need attention. Depending on your problem, it’ll be decided whether you need bone grafting during a dental implant or not. An experienced dental implant specialist is someone who can give you the ultimate guidance and a step-by-step implant plan.
2. Specialist’s assessment:
A dental implant specialist will consider your medical history and check for any health conditions that might impact your dental implant procedure’s success. If you have gum disease, it will be treated before starting the tooth implant process. Once everything looks good, you’ll know whether you’ll need tooth extraction and bone grafting during the implant process.
3. Dental Extraction:
Dental extraction is when a dental implant surgeon surgically removes a tooth from its place in the jawbone. If the tooth at the implant spot is extremely damaged, decayed, or infected, it probably has to be extracted before putting in the implant. This makes sure the implant has a healthy start and avoids possible issues.
4. Bone Grafting:
Bone grafting is a dental procedure that adds bone material to your jaw, making it denser. This is often needed before getting dental implants, which need strong bone support for success and stability. A certain bone density is vital for a successful implant and lasting stability. If the jawbone where the implant goes is weak because of missing teeth or other issues, you might need a bone graft to make it strong for the implant.
Now, let’s go into the 7 stages involved in dental implant surgery.
5. Dental Implant Surgery and its stages:
* Sedation: At the dental clinic, you'll get a sedative when you arrive. They'll talk to you about the type of sedation, like a local injection or general sedation, before the procedure. * Gum Incision and Implant Placement: The dentist cuts the gums to show the jawbone. Then, a small hole is drilled into the bone to put in a durable, lightweight titanium implant known for its low rejection rate. * Post-Surgery Care: The procedure takes up to two hours and may include stitches. Following the dentist's post-operative care instructions is crucial to preventing future issues. * Temporary Denture or Crown: If you want, you can wear a temporary denture or crown while your tooth heals, which takes about six weeks. * Pain Management: Pain after the implant procedure can usually be handled with over-the-counter medicine. If it gets worse, make sure to tell your dental implant specialist. * Healing Collar: A healing collar is given to keep the gums from covering the implant. If it comes off, reach out to your dental implant specialist to have it put back in place. * Osseointegration: While healing, a process called osseointegration happens, where the jawbone grows around the implant, securing it in place.
However, the implant process can’t be called complete until the final placement of the artificial tooth takes place.
In the final step of the dental implant procedure, the artificial tooth or teeth are installed. After healing and jawbone fusion, impressions are taken for making these replacements. The permanent dentures are then connected to the abutment, marking the completion of the dental implant process. If removable dentures are chosen, they can easily be attached and detached for cleaning. But one vital question remains, why, as a person seeking dental solutions, should you opt for dental implants and not other procedures like bridges, dentures, or root canal therapy?
Why Should You choose Dental Implants over other Treatments?
Here are three reasons why you need to go for dental implants and not other alternative dental treatments:
1. Long-term Success Rate: Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, while root canals and other dental treatments range from 80% to 95%, requiring constant retreatment.
2. Preserve jawbone health: Getting a dental implant prevents jawbone problems by promoting bone growth and maintaining bone density. Dentures and bridges, in contrast, may make the jawbone around the treated tooth prone to decay.
3. Improved Functionality and Aesthetics: Dental implants work like real teeth, restoring your biting, chewing, and speaking abilities. They also look nicer than crowns on root-canaled teeth.
The best implants are those that last decade after decade. But are they always safe?
Consult the Best Dental Implant Specialist
The best dental implant specialists undergo special training beyond general dentistry, focusing on placing implants, restoring teeth, and handling potential complications. So, when you’re looking for someone with such expertise, look no further than Dr. Vishwannath Hiremath! With over 27 years of experience, he ranks among the top dental implant specialists in Bangalore. Known for his excellent skills in dental implants and smile treatments, Dr. Hiremath provides the most outstanding dental care. So, if you're looking for foolproof dental implant treatment free of complications and retreatments, Dr. Hiremath is the ideal specialist you deserve!
Here's what a patient of Dr. Hiremath had to say after the successful completion of his dental implant surgery:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the dental implant procedure?
The dental implant procedure normally takes up to a few months. It starts with a consultation, then the implant is placed, and there's a healing period. Finally, the new teeth are attached. The whole thing can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months, depending on your situation.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are meant to last a long time—up to 20 years or more with good care. However, the crown on the implant might need replacing after 15 to 20 years due to regular wear and tear.
Can a dental implant be done in one day?
Yes, you can get one-day dental implants, also called same-day or immediate load implants. This means you can have a temporary tooth on the same day as the surgery. But keep in mind, it's not for everyone and depends on your oral health conditions.
What is the best age for dental implants?
There's no specific 'best' age for dental implants, but it's usually suggested for those over 18 when the jawbone is fully developed. However, age isn't a restriction for older adults.
Is it safe to have dental implants?
Yes, dental implants are usually safe. They're approved by bodies like the FDA and have a high success rate. But, like any medical procedure, there are some risks, such as infection, nerve damage, and implant failure. Whether they're suitable for you depends on your health conditions.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about dental implants, why they're a top choice, and the benefits of seeing the best specialist, you're ready to pick the best solution for your dental care! Book your appointment with the top tooth implant specialist today!
