Dental Implants Surgery

Dental implant surgery is a process of replacing the missing or damaged tooth roots with artificial tooth root using metal, screw-like post to hold a replaced tooth or bridge. Through this procedure, the damaged or missing teeth is replaced with artificial teeth that works almost like real ones.
Dental implant surgery can be a better alternative for people who have lost teeth or a tooth due to injury, periodontal disease or some other reason. It is considered to be a better alternative in comparison to dentures that often fail to fit properly.

Dental Implants Surgery

Implants are placed surgically in the jawbone to function as roots of your missing teeth. The implant fuses with the jawbone so well that patient gets complete relief from the problems like slipping of the implant, noise or bone damage that usually occurs with dentures or bridge work. Another benefit is that the material used for dental implant won’t decay.

Procedure

How the surgery will be performed will depend upon the condition of your jawbone and type of implant you are recommended. First of all, you need to discuss various options with your dentist. Your dentist will decide whether you are a good candidate for dental implant or not by taking into account your complete dental history, thorough oral examination and x-rays.

If you are the right candidate, then your dentist will decide the type of implant you need. Dental implant surgery is performed in stages and often involves several procedures. The surgical procedure is done usually in the dentist’s office using a local or general anesthetic. Dental implant surgery is done to provide solid support to your teeth and hold it tightly around the implant.
The healing process requires time and can take several months. After this, comes the restorative phase. Dentist takes impression and makes prosthesis to attach them to the implants; this may require several visits to dentist’s office. Once the procedure is complete, you will get natural looking strong teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are mainly two types of dental implants. For most implants, titanium fixtures are used as they are very effective in fusing with your living bone (osseointegration). The most commonly used implant type is Endosteal (in the bone). Various type of screws, blades or cylinders are placed surgically into the jawbone.

Source: http://dentalimplants.uchc.edu/about/types.html

These types of implants are most often used for patients with removal dentures or bridges. Subperiosteal (on the bone) is recommended when a patient does not have enough bone height and is unable to wear usual dentures. Subperiosteal implant is custom made metal framework placed on the top of the jawbone like a plate to hold the prosthesis.

Who Is The Right Candidate For Dental Implant

You are the right candidate for dental implant if you are in good health and have healthy oral tissues and a jawbone with full growth. A person with a health condition that can effect bone healing should stay away from this procedure.

This procedure is basically right for those who are unwilling or unable to wear dentures. The process takes several months to complete; so if you are willing to commit for a long treatment plan, you can go for it. A person who wants to improve his/her speech can also go for this procedure.

Risks

Just like any other surgery, dental implant surgery also poses some health risks like infection on the implant, nerve damage, injury to the surrounding structure etc. But this type of problems is rare and can be treated easily.