Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically inserted into the jaw to improve a person’s chewing ability. They act as a foundation for dentures, bridges, and other artificial (fake) teeth like crowns.

Dental implants are made up of three main components. The implant, the crown, and the abutment are the main parts of dental implants.

Implant

The implant itself functions as a root for the tooth. The main material used for dental implants is titanium which is placed into the jaw surgically.

Crown

What you see that looks like a real tooth is called the crown. Crowns are often composed of ceramic, however less expensive alternatives are available. The abutment is where the crown is attached.

Abutment

The prosthetic tooth is secured in place by the abutment. This component is fastened onto the implant and stands above the jawbone.

Types of dental implants

The main types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal implants. Their attachment to your jawbone is the key difference.

Endosteal implants

The jawbone is where these dental implants are put. They are the most popular type of implant, often composed of titanium and resembling tiny screws.

Subperiosteal implants

Subperiosteal implants are placed either on or above the jawbone. Patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone and cannot or do not want to have a bone augmentation treatment to reconstruct it may utilize this type of implant.

When are dental implants necessary?

As quickly as possible, lost or removed teeth must be replaced, and for the majority of patients, dental implants are the best solution. Dental implants do not move about in the mouth when the patient is eating or speaking, unlike dentures or other tooth replacement solutions. Additionally, unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants won’t harm the bone. Furthermore, the implants will stimulate the jawbone and decrease the possibility of bone loss. By doing this, the patient’s facial structure may be preserved.

Are dental implants painful & how do I take care of them

Patients who have undergone dental implant surgery often experience discomfort as a result of soft tissue manipulation, not from the hole that is made in the bone or the insertion of the implant.

One to three days of discomfort are normal before it stops hurting. Any discomfort patients experience will be relieved by non-prescription medications.

Those who practice proper dental hygiene will have longer-lasting implants. This indicates that you must clean and floss your teeth at least twice daily.

The longevity of your dental implants might be shortened by foods that are hard, sticky, or sweet. Most likely, you will be asked to stay away from this type of food for whatever time it takes for your mouth to recover. Furthermore, if you expect your dental implants to last, you must refrain from smoking and consume only moderate amounts of alcohol. Routine dental examinations are also crucial.