The dental implant surgery is meant for patients who have lost a single tooth, or multiple teeth in the oral cavity, and wish to replace them. The implant with its crown, resembles a natural tooth; the lower screw-like portion replaces the missing root, whereas the top porcelain/zirconia part replaces the crown of the lost tooth. Other methods of tooth replacement, such as dentures and bridges, only replace the crowns of the missing teeth. The presence of an artificial root plays a vital role in giving the implant unmatched strength and stability that sets it apart from all other treatments.
Here are a few important things you need to know about dental implant surgery and how it can benefit you:
- The roots of our natural teeth keep the jaw bone whole and healthy. Tooth loss and the failure to replace missing teeth can initiate the process of bone resorption, making it hollow and weak over time. The thinning of the jaw bone also causes facial muscles to lose their wholeness and tone. Dental implants can prevent all these changes from happening by effectively replacing the missing roots and actively contributing to bone health.
- The dental implant surgery is an invasive one, which means that the screw-like portion of the unit will be embedded into the bone, underneath the gum. Dental surgeons have to assess each patient’s medical/drug history and oral health prior to deeming them eligible for the procedure.
- The implant procedure is generally performed in two phases with a gap of at least two months between the visits.
- Because the jaw bone forms the foundation or anchor for the implant, these artificial teeth are highly stable and there are no chances of implant fracture or displacement in the mouth during function. Implants are fabricated using Titanium, one of the strongest known metals, whereas the crown is made with zirconia or porcelain, both of which are highly resilient materials.
- Dental implants looks and feels exactly like the natural teeth in the oral cavity and therefore offer outstanding aesthetic makeovers.
How does a dental implant procedure work?
The dental implant surgery is performed in two different phases. Following the initial consultation and radiographs, the dental surgeon will administer anaesthesia to numb the region. The lower half of the artificial teeth, the screw-like implant, is then surgically placed into the bone, underneath the gums.
With new instruments and techniques in place, the procedure is much more conservative today than it ever was before. This means that proper measures are taken to ensure that surrounding soft tissues are not damaged during implant placement, and sutures are placed to promote swift healing. At times when the density of bone at the site of surgery is inadequate, an additional procedure known as Bone Grafting may be required.
Once the implant has been fitted into place, the incisions are closed with the help of sutures. The purpose of placing this implant in the bone is to initiate a process known as osseointegration, or the fusion of the implant with the surrounding bone. The success of the dental implant surgery depends upon this integration which takes place over a span of 2-3 months.
When the patient returns for the second appointment, a radiograph is first taken to determine whether or not the implant has successfully fused with the jaw bone. If the findings are satisfactory, the surgeon proceeds to fitting the implant with a custom fabricated, tooth-coloured crown. This is the final phase of the surgery, following which the patient will be able to use the artificial tooth normally for mastication. Implants can be used to replace as many teeth in the mouth as needed. Advancements in the field of oral surgery have also enabled surgeons to retain complete dentures in the mouth using four or six dental implants.
If you wish to learn more about dental implant surgery, how long does a dental implant procedure take and how it helps patients gain complete oral and dental rehabilitation, you can get in touch with the team at Serenity Smiles. Call now on (02) 9158 6753 or book an appointment online– our experts will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure.