Dental Implants: The Procedures and Benefits

Teeth loss is quite a natural occurrence to all of us, and though we do not lose them many times in our lives, we have to decide on the best plan to replace the lost teeth once they are gone. Dental implants are most often the solution for this, and unlike a denture or bridge, it replaces the lost tooth with an anchored one. It helps people deal with the most common teeth problems, such as self-esteem problems. It usually occurs when the space where the tooth once was is visible when the person smiles, laughs, or talks. Biting difficulties, which is caused by the missing tooth, is also taken cared of.

The benefits of dental implants range from cosmesis to function. The most important purpose it serves is it becomes the replacement for the lost tooth, making it possible for younger people who usually have many more years of chewing left to avoid the complications of lost teeth. It is also ideal for people who are not able to deal with dentures or bridges.

History

We probably do not know it, but dental implants have been around for a thousand years. It started with the Mayans, who used pieces of shells placed into the jaw bone to replace the lost teeth. Now, technology has improved the implants, but the idea remains the same. The implants are actually very durable since they are anchored in the bone. Osseointegration, the process of growing around the implant, is one of the many processes involved.

First Step-Drilling a Hole

The first step involves drilling a very small hole in the empty socket, going through the bone. This procedure is very delicate, and a tiny miscalculation could result in unwanted problems like nerve damage or bone splintering.

Second Step-Screwing It Down

In the second step, a hole is carefully enlarged so a titanium screw can be screwed down into it. A three to six month waiting period is then given after the top of the screw is capped. This allows the bone to grow around the implant anchor to set it in place. The failure of an implant may be visible in this step, when the bone fails to integrate the screw into the jaw bone.

Third Step-Replacing the Crown

This is now the final step, where there is an addition of a permanent cap to the space. This is done once the titanium screw is anchored firmly into the jaw. The temporary one is then removed, leaving the permanent one attached. During this step, it is impossible to tell the difference between your regular teeth and the dental implant. If compared to dentures and bridges, these implants work better. It is also stronger and much more durable.

Failure Rates

Studies show that lower jaw implants are more successful than the upper jaw by a small difference. Lower jaw implants are 95% successful, while the success of upper jaw implants is at 90%. This may be due to the fact that the lower jaw is able to receive screws better because of its bigger mass.

Factors that Affect Failure

There are many factors that contribute to a failed implant, though the main reason is probably the lack of bone growth around the attached screw. Smokers are known to have a higher rate of dental implant failure. So if you are a smoker and you are planning to get one, it is better to quit smoking beforehand. It is however, important to remember that these implants are not invincible, so do not expect them to last forever. They can be broken and infected like any normal tooth, except that implants cannot get cavities. They form gum disease instead. It will also be affected by bad hygiene, so take care of it like any of your real tooth.

Advancements

Now, as technology has improved dental implants, it is now possible to attain a faster osseointegration that completely occurs in just a few weeks instead of a few months. This can be achieved by having the procedure done as soon as possible.

Dental Implants may be uncomfortable due to the oral surgery you have to undergo, but the effects are worth it. When you have gone through it, you can finally eat normally and smile like you never lost your tooth.