A dental implant is a device made from a bio-compatible material, usually titanium, which replaces the root of a tooth. It is surgically placed into the jawbone, below the gum line, to allow for the fitting of new teeth or dental bridges. A dental implant is fixed and cannot come loose like a denture.
If you are considering dental implant work, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. If the bone is too thin or too soft, or unable to support an implant, a bone graft may be necessary. Alternatively, if there isn't enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, a sinus lift might be required.
How do dental implants work?
Since the implants are anchored in the jawbone, they offer stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges fitted onto implants will not slip or move in the mouth – an important benefit especially when eating and speaking. Dental implants help to securely fix dentures and bridges, as well as individual crowns, which feel more natural, both aesthetically and functionally, than conventional bridges or dentures.
For some people, conventional bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or can even cause inflammation. In addition, conventional bridges need to be attached to the teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. One advantage of implants is that they can be fitted individually, without adjacent teeth.
Dental implants are usually more expensive than other teeth replacement methods. The dentists' association considers two types of implants to be the safest. These are:
– Endosteal or intraosseous implantThis is surgically implanted directly into the jawbone and represents the base for fixing one or more artificial teeth. Once the gum tissue around the area has healed, a second surgical procedure is required to connect a screw to the initial implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the screw, either individually or grouped, on a bridge or a denture.
– subperiosteal implant – this consists of a metal frame fitted onto the jawbone, immediately below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone and the subsequent denture or dental crown will be supported by it.
Specific oral care for dental implants
The success rate of dental implants is very high and with proper care, a dental implant can have a long lifespan. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical for the long-term success of dental implants.
Good oral hygiene practice Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. With the help of an interdental brush, the bristles that slide between your teeth, you can clean and more easily reach all the areas around the implant.
Give up smoking Smoking can weaken bone structure and contribute to implant failure.
Avoid chewing hard foods, such as ice and hard sweets, as these can break the crown and natural teeth.
Regular dental check-ups Professional cleaning, once every six months, can ensure the good condition of the implant.
Chiromax is the only dental clinic where the implant is inserted by a surgeon. Book your consultation at our clinic now.