|
What is a
dental implant ?
Dental Implant is a modality of treatment wherein Roots of
missing teeth are replaced by Implants fixed in the bone.
These Implants can either support Crowns, Bridges or
Removable Dentures in the mouth. Oral Implantology has
become one of the fastest growing disciplines of dentistry.
Most modern implants are made of titanium. Titanium and
titanium alloy are well accepted by the jaw bone. The
external surface of the implant may be treated by different
methods to increase the surface area available for bone
cells to grow into.
Dental implants are available in different sizes and shapes
like screws, blades and cylinders. The implant dentist
selects the most appropriate implant after studying the
case.
Why to
place an implant ?
Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges.
Conventionally fixed replacement of missing teeth was done
by Bridges after abrading natural adjacent teeth for
support. However, if teeth on either side of the missing
tooth space were not present it would not be possible to
make a tooth supported bridge & an Implant supported bridge
would be the other alternative. Implants need neither gum
nor teeth to support them. Implants are placed directly in
bone and do not damage surrounding teeth. They function like
individual natural teeth. Loose removable dentures can be
made firm in the mouth by clipping them over 2 or 4
Implants.
At what age can an implant be placed ?
Boys younger than 18 years and girls younger than 16 are
usually not treated with implants, though there may be
exceptions depending on the individual considerations.
Healthy individuals, however old they may be can avail of
implant treatment, after consulting with their respective
physicians.
What are the advantages of an implant ?
1) Improved self esteem
Removable Dentures can loosen and dislodge while speaking.
With implants, however the person can confidently talk, eat,
chew and speak naturally.
2) Improved comfort
Conventional Removable Dentures is seated on the gum and
hence is mobile. Such Dentures can be clipped on Implants
which remain firm as they take their support from the bone
and the thus the Denture would be stable & more comfortable.
3) Improved health
Implants greatly enhances chewing efficiency and hence allows
the patient to eat all types of nutritious food easily.
4) Improved appearance
When teeth are lost the facial appearance begins to change.
The muscle tone is lost and the person looks older. Dental
implants greatly reduce the bone loss and this in turn has a
beneficial effect on the facial musculature.
How does
an implant prevent bone loss ?
Biting forces are transmitted to the jaw bone by the roots
of teeth. This stimulates the bone and keeps it healthy. As
teeth are lost, the bone in that area does not receive
adequate stimulation and becomes weaker and gets gradually
reduced. Placement of implants allows adequate stimulation
of the surrounding bone and hence leads to a healthier bone
environment.
How long
do implant procedures take ?
The time to place implants can range from a few minutes to
an hour or more, depending on the type of implant procedure
necessary. The teeth can be fixed over the implants either
immediately or after a few months as the case demands and
allows.
Why are
implants costly ?
Implants are cost-effective. Most implants are imported and
their advantages far outweigh the initial investment in the
long term, as compared to loose removable dentures. Long
term health with natural esthetics and function are provided
with implants.
Are implants successful ?
Treatment with dental implants is highly successful and very
predictable. However, as with all dental procedures,
adequate hygiene and maintenance has to be observed to
ensure long term success.
|
