Dentists can replace missing teeth by surgically implanting prosthetic dental roots into the jaw. As the bone heals around the implant for several months, it becomes firmly fixed. The missing teeth are then replaced by attaching a metal connector to the implant.
Types of Dentistry Implants
Endosteal (in the bone)
Surgery is required to place endosteal implants, artificial tooth roots placed deeply into the jawbone. A single implant might serve as the foundation for a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth.
Subperiosteal (on the bone)
When placing subperiosteal implants, the jawbone is not drilled into. They sit on the surface of the bone rather than being implanted into the tissue around it.
Surgery Procedure and Recovery
Evaluation
Examination of the teeth, gums, and jawbone is the initial stage. Determining whether or not your jawbone is strong enough to support the implant is an integral element of this preliminary examination.
Jawbone thickness and softness can prevent dental implant placement from being attempted. You also need to ensure that you do not have any periodontal disease.
Implant dentistry is a procedure used to restore missing teeth. The procedure’s details and length depend on how many teeth you want to be replaced.
Placing the Implant
For endosteal implant:
- The oral surgeon will cut the gums, revealing the jawbone.
- Drill deep holes into the bone and insert the implant.
- Temporary, removable dentures can be placed over the gap until the permanent tooth can be linked to the implant.
Subperiosteal implants do not require drilling into the jawbone because the implant post is positioned on top of the bone.
Osseointegration
After a dental implant has been placed, it might take anywhere from two to six months for new bone to form around the screw. Osseointegration is the process through which the surrounding bone and tissue of the patient’s jaw fuse with the dental implant.
Installation of Abutments
A metal extension called an abutment is usually placed to strengthen the implant further. If gum tissue has grown over the implant, an incision must be made to attach an abutment at a subsequent procedure. This helps to keep the implant safe, but it also usually stops tissue from developing over it.
Dental implants require a second surgery in which the healing cap is removed, and the abutment is secured to the implant. The gums will then reshape themselves to accommodate the abutment.
Placing the Tooth
The artificial teeth can be permanently installed or easily removed. In the case of a removable tooth, the prosthetic will be permanently affixed to the abutment via a metal frame. This tooth structure can be taken out for everyday dental cleaning.
If you get a fixed tooth, it will be glued or fastened onto the abutment for good. The appearance and the feel of your new teeth will be completely normal. They must be brushed and flossed twice daily, at the very least. They can be cleaned with standard household products. You should care for them just like you would your natural teeth. Maintain routine dental checks as well.
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