They are artificial root made of titanium alloy, placed in the jaw or jaw bone, which will support ceramic crowns or bridges. They can also replace a single missing tooth directly or replace the entire dentition of an arch completely.
In fact, in some cases, with a minimum of four dental implants, a fixed implant-supported prosthesis can be placed that replaces the entire dentition of a jaw. In most cases, the placement of six implants is recommended to support this structure. First Class Dental Care is a cosmetic dentistry clinic that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, dental implants, crowns, veneers, and more
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
The placement of dental implants must obey a methodology that comprises four phases. To know:
- Planning
- It involves studying each case, with the clinical and radiographic examination and dental treatments to ensure good oral health before placing the dental implant.
- Surgery
- It is the placement of the implant in the jaw bone. The surgery is simple, performed in an office, with local anesthesia, without pain and in a single intervention. On the same day, temporary prostheses or temporary teeth can be placed, and the person recovers on an outpatient basis.
- Restorative Phase
- It concerns the preparation of the prosthesis to be placed on the implant. The goal is to find the balance between function and aesthetics on a case-by-case basis. It can occur on the same day of the surgery (when crowns or provisional prostheses are placed) or up to 6 months after the implant placement for the definitive work placement.
- Maintenance
- It is the one that will allow the longevity of the implant. Oral hygiene care and regular visits to the dentist are essential to ensure the durability of the implant.
WHO CAN RECEIVE A DENTAL IMPLANT?
Generally speaking, over 18 who have undergone a tooth extraction or oral surgery are eligible to receive a dental implant.
More particularly, some conditions may require more specific planning. This is the case for people with diabetes, who may require metabolic control, people with osteoporosis, patients with cardiovascular problems or people who have undergone radiotherapy in the neck or head.
The dentist should also be informed if the person is on medication that may interfere with blood clotting and platelet aggregation levels.
ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
The main advantage is, as already said, they are similar to natural teeth. The person who places a dental implant does not feel any difference in their natural teeth.
These benefits are reproduced not only in terms of aesthetics and self-confidence but also in terms of the phonetic and masticatory function that is fully rehabilitated.
On the other hand, dental implants facilitate oral hygiene since they are, there it is, just like a natural tooth.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
During the postoperative period, there may be slight discomfort. The patient must take some simple precautions, such as not eating very hard or hot foods, not practising some contact sports and avoiding intense physical efforts. The period of integration of the implant into the bone (osseointegration) is, on average, 12 weeks.
Thereafter, care is the same as that recommended to the general population:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes.
- Be two hours without eating after washing your teeth.
- Use the floss once a day (preferably at night) and go to the dentist every six months.
These recommendations are essential to ensure the longevity of the implants.