Dental Implants

If you no longer believe in the effectiveness of traditional dentures, crowns, and bridges, you can consider dental implants; according to available statistics, there are about 3 million people with dental implants in the United States, and this number is expected to grow over time.

Dental implants are known as artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone to allow the dentist to place new teeth or crowns into the jawbone.

Types of dental implants include endosteal implants, which are the most common and placed “in or within” the jawbone, and subperiosteal implants, which dentists place “on or above” the jawbone.

Dental implants carry many benefits and positive effects. In summary, the following list includes the most important benefits you can gain from these implants:

• Get teeth with a natural appearance and a brighter smile.
• Obtain a permanent implant lasting many years with minimal care afterward.
• Improve your speech abilities and avoid slurring or stuttering words.
• Gain more comfort and avoid the pain associated with removable dentures.
• Feel comfortable eating and chewing as implanted teeth work just like natural teeth.
• Boost your self-confidence, especially when smiling and talking with people.
• Enhance your oral health in the long term and keep adjacent teeth healthy and intact.
• Get a suitable and fixed solution that does not require frequent removal or adhesives like removable dentures.

First, you need to find an experienced dentist who has successfully performed this procedure on many patients before. You will have an initial consultation with your dentist before the surgery, during which a comprehensive examination will be done to assess your oral and dental health.

Preparation also includes:

• Taking X-rays and discussing alternative options.
• Eating a light meal two hours before surgery if you are undergoing local anesthesia.
• Avoiding eating anything after midnight before surgery if you are receiving intravenous sedation.
• Taking antibiotics to prevent early implant failure.
• Avoiding smoking to ensure better healing after surgery.

Dentists usually perform dental implant surgery in an outpatient clinic under general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or intravenous sedation. The implanted fixture is attached to the jawbone to act as a tooth root and is often made of precious materials such as titanium.

The surgical steps vary depending on the type of implant your dentist will use, whether it is an endosteal implant or a subperiosteal implant.

In any case, the general steps for an endosteal implant may include the following:

1. Exposing the jawbone
The dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone.

2. Drilling holes in the jawbone
The dentist will drill deep holes into the bone to create space for the implant or fixture.

3. Inserting the artificial implant
Finally, your dentist will insert the implant into its correct place. They may also place a removable denture over the hole until the permanent tooth attaches to the implant later.

Keep the following instructions in mind during the recovery phase after surgery:

• Stick to a soft diet for at least one week.
• Make every effort to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash at least three to four times daily.
• Take medications and antibiotics as directed by your dentist.
• Avoid consuming hot or cold foods and drinks during the first 24 hours.
• Reduce physical activities and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Avoid touching the implant area and refrain from using electronic cigarettes and straws.

The success rate of dental implants is relatively high, and patients often express a high degree of satisfaction. However, unwanted complications can occur in some cases, which may include the following:

• Over-insertion of the implant or post into the jawbone.
• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, or nearby teeth.
• Fracture of the implanted post.
• Placement of the implant in an inappropriate location.
• Infection.