dentalssale Dental implants are artificial structures placed in the jawbone. They are becoming increasingly popular, with prevalence projected to hit 23% by 2026, up from 5.7% since 2010. People have dental implant surgery for various reasons. Some want to improve their chewing ability or restore their facial appearance, while others have it to replace a missing tooth.
There are two basic types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Your surgeon might recommend an endosteal dental implant procedure if your dentures or bridges appear intact. The procedure involves inserting a tiny screw-like material into your jawbone to support one tooth or a set of prosthetic teeth. On the other hand, the subperiosteal implant procedure is performed on or above the jawbone. It involves placing a metal post under your gum to hold it in place. The subperiosteal implant procedure might be more suitable if you can’t wear regular dentures or have a naturally weak jawbone.
Thanks to evolving dental health technology, many dental implants now come with state-of-the-art and highly advanced features. One example is the immediate dental implant, which is gaining popularity as a viable teeth replacement solution, especially for people who have lost their anterior teeth. This implant treatment was developed to shorten the tooth replacement procedure, which could take up to 12 months to complete using the conventional procedure. Apart from its effectiveness, the immediate implant procedure reduces contamination of the extraction socket and the healing time of the soft tissues.
Mini dental implants are also very advanced. They’re less invasive and afford you a faster recovery. The procedure uses a one-piece screw smaller than 3 millimeters in diameter, unlike traditional dental implant screws, which are made of two pieces and are wider. This makes this implant option more minimalistic and guarantees faster results. It also fits into smaller areas of your mouth and isn’t painful to place and repair.
Dental implants follow extensive procedures performed by oral or maxillofacial surgeons, as per the Dental Health Society. The process often starts with the administration of an anesthetic before the implant is screwed into the jawbone. You might need about 10 to 12 weeks for the gums to heal. Only when the healing process is complete will the doctor continue fitting the crown and ending the process. Nevertheless, your surgeon might spread the procedure spanning various steps starting with an evaluation of the jawbone, gums, and teeth, to ensure your gums are free from periodontal disease and determine how healthy your jawbone is. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, they might recommend a bone graft before starting.
Implants offer a look and feel as close to natural teeth as possible. They help restore your bite, your smile, and your confidence. They can also help improve chewing power since implants become anchored in your jaw bone after surgery, just like your natural teeth.
Like with most procedures, various risks are associated with dental implants according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These risks are present during and after surgery. For example, you may feel damage to surrounding natural teeth and tissues during surgery and you may experience a fracture. On the other hand, after-surgery risks include a sensation of loosening or twisting of the tooth caused by a loose screw. In some cases, the implant body might also become loose caused by local infection in bone and gums or by systemic infection —which is more common in people with diabetes.
It’s important to communicate any discomfort during or after surgery to ensure healthy upkeep of your tooth and jawbone.
