Dental Implants
Even with improved dental care, many people lose their teeth due to a cracked tooth or tooth decay. Just in case a tooth extraction happens to you, a dental implant can replace the missing tooth and restore your smile.
These are artificial teeth that function and appear much like normal teeth.
They are small, made out of titanium, and fused right into the jawbone. It is a very solid structure that doesn’t decay. They are placed into your jaw during a minor surgical procedure in a dental office.
After the implant a porcelain crown is attached. The success rate is about 95 per cent.
To be eligible you need to be in good health, but keep in mind that smokers and heavy drinkers take longer to heal.
Anyone below 17, or with heart or gum disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and infections in the adjacent teeth are certainly not eligible.
They do not qualify.
Also serious care should be taken when considering pregnant women or people who have diabetes, since it will interfere with the healing process after the surgery.
The Implant Procedure
Placing the implant usually involves two surgical procedures.
1. The first procedure of an implant is to precisely screw it into the position of the missing tooth within your jawbone. During the period of up to six months after surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums and they gradually bond with the jawbone. You should be able to use the temporary dentures to eat. A soft diet is suggested during this time by your dentist. During this period your dentist is creating your new replacement teeth. In order to fit a replacement tooth, the implant has an internal screw for various components that can be used for dentures, crowns, and bridges. It takes about three months, for the jaw bone to grow over the screw. This is called osteointegration. It makes the implant stronger.
2. After which an artificial tooth is placed. Some patients can have the immediate process done in just one visit, but generally you may need to wait for a replacement tooth. This ensures that the strength and stability of the implant in place.
3. Finally your dentist will attach the post which will be the anchor for your new tooth. It may take up to eight months, but this generally does not affect a patients daily activities. It is strongly recommended to brush and floss around the teeth and reach in between. Make sure to schedule regular checkups to be safe.