Dental Implants Service
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth.
What Is A Dental Implant Procedure Like?
- Pre-Treatment Evaluation And Treatment Planning Your Dentist will carry out a detailed assessment with the aid of study models and radiographs to determine if it is feasible for dental implants to be placed. There must be adequate bone to surround an implant. Should there be a deficiency due to previous bone loss, the Dentist will discuss with you the different methods of bone augmentation.
- Implant Placement It basically involves making a small incision in the gums to expose the underlying jaw bone so that the Dentist can prepare the chosen site for implant placement. During this process, you will feel some vibration, similar to that of having a tooth filled. This procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia.
- Placement Of Implant-Supported Crown, Bridge Or Denture By this time, the implants would have integrated with your bone and the dentist will proceed with the fabrication of replacement teeth. An abutment connects the new tooth or teeth to the implant. This process may take a few visits. You should be able to function immediately after these replacement teeth have been fixed in your mouth. Your dentists may also want to see you again for a final review.
What Can I Expect After Receiving A Dental Implant?
As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!
After treatment, your dentist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.
Is the treatment painful?
There will be some discomfort after implant placement, similar to extraction of a tooth. It is normal to have some bruising and swelling too but your Dentist will prescribe some painkiller and anti-swelling medications. You will be advised to adhere to soft diet after the surgery. You should brush your teeth but to avoid the surgical area for the first two weeks.
What precautions should I take before surgery?
If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking for at least two weeks before the surgery, but if possible give up your smoking. Studies have shown that smoking decease the success rate of implant placement significantly.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Most people return to work within a day or two after the surgery. If you are an existing denture wearer, your denture may need to be adjusted to ensure a better fit during this interim period. Please contact your dentist.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
Is depends from your habits. However, smoking and some medical conditions, such as diabetes, will compromise wound healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
How long does implants last?
Implants can fail if you do not practice proper oral hygiene techniques. As such, it is important for you to visit your Dentist at least twice a year to assess your overall oral hygiene condition and the implant stability. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups will help to ensure the long term success of your implants.
