From the very beginning of time, people have used various dental implants to replace missing teeth and improve overall appearances. Therefore, people in ancient Egypt carved bones and shells to use them as fake teeth.
When it comes to modern implantology, you should remember that a Swedish orthopedic surgeon concluded that he could use titanium in combination with bones. He added a first dental implant in the mid-60s that lasted for a lifetime.
It is important to check here to learn more about this particular procedure.
Nowadays, dentists and orthodontists place approximately half a million implants annually, which is essential to remember.
Compared with other tooth replacement options, implants come with a high success rate. Still, it would be best to understand everything before you make up your mind.
The Procedure
You probably know that losing teeth is a problem that can happen to anyone. It does not matter if it happens due to trauma or condition because it is a widespread problem.
Therefore, it is a perfect way to replace a missing one because it features three essential components:
- The implant comes from titanium and resembles a screw, which goes inside your gums to act as a root.
- The abutment is a tiny piece you can attach to an implant, which will connect a crown with it.
- Finally, a dentist will attach a crown to the abutment, which is the last step of this procedure.
Keep in mind that they go into a jawbone to create a solid and stable foundation for a crown. Compared with dentures, you will be able to prevent gum recession and other issues from happening.
However, before you undergo this procedure, you must complete a few steps, including:
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- Consultation – Before you decide the best course of action, you should talk with a dentist. At the same time, you will have to undergo an X-ray diagnostic to determine whether you can take implants in the first place.
- Surgical Evaluation – Another essential aspect is that you will go to a surgical specialist to get a proper evaluation. You will need a strong bone that can handle a dental implant because, without it, you will end up with severe problems and the inability to take the crown. If you have a soft jawbone, it means you should add a bone graft to ensure the best course of action. We are talking about a procedure that will add a grafting material, a solid base for future implants.
- Treatment Plans – Finally, you will create treatment plans based on evaluation and needs, which is a final preparation step.
Of course, everything depends on your overall condition, but you may need to undergo various procedures and steps to create naturally-looking and functional appearance, such as:
- Bone Graft – If you do not have teeth in particular areas of your mouth, the process of bone deterioration and reabsorption is likely to happen. It means you will not have a high jawbone that will provide you implant support. Therefore, you may need a bone graft to ensure jawbone strength beforehand. The procedure includes replacing the entire bone or growing it, depending on your requirements and needs.
- Extraction – You may have a few parts of the tooth inside your mouth, which is why a surgeon will remove all traces beforehand. Afterward, a bone graft is a next step to preserve the place you wish to add it.
- Sinus Lift – You should know that sinuses are on the top of the upper teeth and behind the cheeks. A small and thin bone separates your mouth from sinuses, especially if you do not have teeth inside. As soon as the wall becomes too thin, it is vital to conduct a lifting procedure to ensure enough room for implants. It means that surgeon will create an additional area for bone grafting. That way, your new bone will create enough space for the implant procedure.
As soon as you reach a point where you have undergone procedures that will help you support implants, a primary process starts.
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A placement includes these steps:
- You will get local anesthesia, which means you can rest assured because you will not feel anything throughout the process.
- The next step is drilling a hole inside your jaw with an idea to place a particular implant you agreed beforehand.
- The placement will fill the socket in combination with bone grafting material as well.
- You will have to wait for a few weeks so your jawbone can grow around and heal.
- As soon as the bone reaches a proper formation after healing, the dentist will attach a crown, which is the final step along the way.
Recovery
The time for recovery depends on numerous factors, including the procedures you underwent beforehand and overall success. For instance, you should wait between two and three months to continue the process if you need to add a bone graft.
Still, after the implant placement, you will feel better promptly. For instance, you can go to work right after an operation.
Of course, you may feel post-operation symptoms such as slight bleeding, swelling, bruising, and general discomfort. However, you can handle everything by using over-the-counter pain meds.
After the healing process, you should undergo osseointegration, which means fusing it with a jawbone. The process will create a strong foundation that will prevent further issues.
In some cases, you will receive temporary teeth. Remember that osseointegration will require a few months. As soon as it reaches desired effects, you will get abutment. The next step is to heal gums from the abutment procedure, which leads to adding a crown as a finishing step.
As soon as you click here, you will understand the importance of dental implants.
Durability
You should know that they come with lifetime designs, which means they will stay in your mouth for the next fifty years at least.
Generally, they are highly successful compared with other options such as bridges or dentures. Of course, a few factors can affect its success rate. For instance, you should conduct proper oral hygiene, which will ensure overall and long-term success.
Still, it is a better option than regular crowns or bridges that tend to last up to ten years.