As missing teeth harm your bite and affect alignment, they end up altering the facial structure. Besides, you would feel self-conscious while trying to smile. If you have missing teeth and want to get them replaced, the dentist might suggest that you get dental implants to ensure that artificial teeth are attached to the jawbone. This post shares all the information you need to know about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. It takes a few months for the bone surrounding the artificial tooth roots to grow and hold them securely in place. Then, replacement teeth are placed with the help of metal connectors to fill the gap.
What Are The Different Types of Dental Implants?
When it comes to dental implants, there are two types of options available as mentioned below.
Endosteal Implants
Considered to be the most common type of dental implant, Endosteal implants resemble small screws and are made using body-safe materials like titanium. They are inserted deep into your jawbone through surgery and act as tooth roots. Implants act as an anchor for one or more teeth.
Subperiosteal Implants
Another type of dental implant that is suggested when you do not have enough healthy jawbone is Subperiosteal implants. Unlike Endosteal implants that are placed in your jawbone, Subperiosteal implants are placed on your gums. Instead of being placed in the bone, they are placed on or above it.
Surgery Timeline
In order to get dental implants, multiple visits over a period of 3 to 9 months are required. Different types of dental specialists will be needed such as an oral surgeon and a periodontist to ensure that the treatment is a success.
Evaluation
Firstly, you will have to visit the dentist who will inspect your gums, teeth, and jawbone. It is an essential part of the procedure as it allows the medical professional to determine if you have enough healthy jawbone for supporting the implants. A bone graft might be required if your jawbone is too soft or thin. In addition to this, your gums also need to be perfectly healthy. Thus, they would be checked for periodontal disease. Dental implants replace one or several teeth.
The amount of time required to get the implants depends on the number of teeth that require replacement. Generally, dental implant surgery involves the use of general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or IV sedation. The dentist would let you know which type of anesthesia would be used.
Placement of the Implants
If your dentist agrees that you are a suitable candidate for an Endosteal implant, you can expect the following steps.
- Your gums will be cut by an oral surgeon which would expose your jawbone.
- Then, holes would be drilled into the bone for inserting the implant post.
- You can also opt for a removable denture for aesthetic purposes until the permanent teeth are attached.
On the other hand, Subperiosteal implants do not require the jawbone to be drilled. Instead, the implant post would simply be placed above or on the bone itself. Now, you should be prepared to experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure regardless of which implant you opt for. The pain would last for a few days. However, you should be able to return to daily activities once the implants have been placed.
Osseointegration
Once the dental implants have been placed, it should take around 2 to 6 months for new bone growth to occur. The process is called Osseointegration as it involves the combining of the implants with the bone. Therefore, your natural jawbone would grow and strengthen around the dental implants which would ensure that they remain firmly in place and act as artificial roots.
Abutment Placement
An abutment is a metal extender that is added to dental implants. It can either be placed during the first procedure or the second procedure and involves the use of a local anesthetic. The metal extender connects with the implants to allow the replacement teeth to be placed.
An incision might be needed if the dentist decides to add the abutment during the second procedure. It is normally the case when gum tissue grows. Although it protects the implants, it is necessary for preventing the tissue from growing over them.
The healing cap would have to be removed during the second procedure and the abutment would be placed. Then, the gum tissue would contour around it and take a few weeks for the gums to heal.
Teeth Placement
After the healing is done, an impression will be taken by the dentist for the permanent teeth to be made. These can either be removable or fixed. If you decide to get removable teeth, they would be added to the abutment and mounted on a metal frame. You should be able to take them off for proper cleaning. If you decide to go for fixed teeth, they would be permanently screwed or cemented on the abutment. Once the procedure is done, you would need to let the dentist know if you experience any discomfort such as an uneven bite, swelling, severe pain, ongoing discomfort, or bleeding.
As for the new teeth, they would look completely natural. You must look after them through regular flossing and brushing. There is no need to use any special materials for cleaning. In fact, you can treat them just like the surrounding teeth. However, regular checkups are important.
Cost
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of teeth that require replacement and the extent of the procedure. Since implants last a long time, their price tag is worth it. However, you may be able to opt for dentures and bridges which are covered by dental insurance. You can check your provider to determine coverage. Generally, an implant would cost anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a lifesaver. Not only do they enhance your smile but are also necessary for protecting the integrity of your jawbone. You can discuss with the dentist to find out if there are any flexible payment options.
