A dental implant is a metallic frame that is surgically put in the jawbone so that artificial teeth can be fitted. This is mostly done to people who have one or more teeth missing. False teeth are implanted in the jaws alongside the real teeth, and in most cases, one cannot tell them apart.
The implant is what will support the artificial teeth placed, and they can be removable or permanent. To qualify for an implant, one needs to very healthy gums and a good jaw bone, as it will work as the primary support.
The other good thing is that it is an outpatient procedure, which is performed in stages, so one does not have to worry about spending a lot of time in the hospital.
The Dental Implant Procedure
This process takes quite some time, as it involves several procedures. It can take several months, depending on the jaw healing process of an individual:
- Evaluation: First, there is an evaluation that must be done to the teeth and jawbone to ensure that one can go through the procedure. This includes having an X-ray done and checking the jawbone structure so that the doctor can get matching teeth for a flawless fit.
- The doctor has also to check if one has any underlying medical conditions and if it would be a problem with the procedure. If there are any loose or damaged teeth, they are also removed at this stage in preparation for the implants.
- Preparing the jawbone: For the jawbone to support the implants, it has to be strong and healthy. With teeth problems, over time, the jawbone gets worn out. In some cases, grafting is done to rebuild the jawbone tissues before going through with the implant.
- The implant placement: Once the jawbone has been confirmed to hold the implants in place, the main procedure begins. A cut is made on the gum first; then, a hole is drilled through. This is where the metal post to support the tooth is placed.
- Waiting for bone growth: This takes some months, but the jawbone has to grow so that the implant can now fit and act as a root.
- Placing the abutments: These are metallic pieces placed on the initial implanted metal to support the crown.
- Placements of artificial teeth: At this stage, artificial teeth (which are crowns) are placed on the abutments. It can either be permanently fixed or removable.
- Aftercare: Once you have gone through all the procedures, you need a lot of after care and to observe a lot of dental hygiene to avoid any infections.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Helps improve speech: They help improve one’s speech because there will be no gaps in the teeth. Implants are just artificial teeth aligned and fixed to fit with the rest of the natural teeth.
- Improved facial appearance: Because the teeth are now well aligned, it improves the general facial appearance of an individual. It also makes one have a better smile, something one cannot achieve with bad teeth or gaps.
- They are comfortable: The good thing about the implants is that they feel like one’s natural teeth. One does not feel uncomfortable at all, and they can go ahead with their day to day duties without feeling like they have artificial teeth.
- Boosts self-esteem: Who doesn’t feel great with all their teeth in the right place? A great implant brings back to life one’s esteem and a smile to their lips. A good smile will always make one feel more confident than usual.
- Long-lasting hence cost-effective: Dental implants are very durable, whether fixed or removable. It is a permanent procedure and very cost-effective when compared to frequent quick dental fixes.
- Improves oral health: dental implants help the general oral health of an individual. One has to take great care of their teeth with implants on, which then improves their general oral hygiene. There is also aftercare, which means frequent dental check-ups. This helps one to pick and curb any infections before they spread further.
In Closing
The dental implant process can take quite some time, but it is worth it ultimately. It can also be a bit costly, but when one looks at the wider picture, it is worth the cost. One must do thorough research about it and make sure they have selected an experienced professional dentist to work with.
