Titanium dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are implanted into the jawbone. These give a firm base for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that match the original teeth. Here’s a close look at what is involved and what you get from getting dental implants:
DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE
- A comprehensive checkup of your teeth and gums, including X-rays and 3D imaging, to evaluate your jawbone state.
- Review of medical history and treatment plan.
- If it hasn’t been already removed, pull out the damaged tooth.
- It may be necessary for the healing period before the implantation procedure.
- There may be a need for bone grafting if your jawbone is either too soft or not thick enough.
- This involves placing additional bone material to reinforce the implant area.
- The implant is a small titanium post placed surgically into the jawbone.
- The jawbone grows around the implant through osseointegration over several months.
- After osseointegration, a small connector, an abutment, is fitted onto the post to which the implant was attached.
- Healing of gums takes place with an abutment in position.
- What appears like an ordinary tooth, referred to as a crown, is made depending on the shape of adjacent teeth and can now be mounted on an abutment.
- This crown matches your surrounding teeth in terms of size, shape and colour.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANT
Natural Look
Implants look, feel and work like natural teeth do. They are permanent solutions to missing teeth.
Comfort
Implants will become a part of you, thus replacing removable dentures that cause discomfort.
Durability
The implant is highly durable and can last for a long time; some even last a lifetime.
Improved Speech
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures allow you to speak with confidence.
Helps in Easier Eating
Since they act like normal teeth, implants empower you to eat your favourite meals without any pain.
Improved Oral Health
Individual implants also allows improved interdental hygiene since it is easy to pass between them.
CONSIDERATIONS
Cost
Dental implants may be more expensive than other options for replacing missing teeth.
Suitability
Not everyone may be suitable for dental implant treatment as this depends on the jawbone density and general oral health conditions.
Time
The procedure can take several months, from beginning to end, including healing times.