A dental implant is the best long term solution for a missing tooth. Most people worry about dental implants because they associate them with other types of implants. Dental implants are made in a single session and without any pain. Let’s learn more about them in this article about dental implant frequently asked questions.
What is a dental implant?
The dental implant is a metal piece like a screw, located in the jaw bone or mandible in the former dental root to help replace one or more missing teeth. Implantation is made after the extraction site has healed or sometimes immediately after extraction. The process involves a small, but not very complicated surgery. After a while, another piece of metal, called abutment is added and the doctor may place a crown, bridge or denture, which replaces the tooth or teeth that are missing. The metal implants and abutments are made up of high purity titanium.
Who is a suitable candidate for implants?
In general, any patient who lacks one or more teeth can go for it. Each case is evaluated clinically in part, to inform the patient of how many implants would be needed and if there are other treatments required and other details like what will be the cost of treatment is provided to the patient. However, there are cases in which the patient may not be a suitable candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will be able to tell you more about it after thorough check up.
What are the stages of treatment and how long it lasts?
In the first stage, the implant is inserted in the gum bone. Once this process is complete, the gum is carefully stitched and the patient does not feel or notice anything else besides suture. This procedure takes about an hour for an average implant and a little more if you have a large number of implants. The patient may even go to work that day.
A waiting period, known as osseointegration, is required during this process. During this time, the implant settles down firmly with the bone. This process may take from three to six months. After this period, the implant and abutment is attached by screwing. Finally, prosthetic dental crowns, bridges or dentures require several sessions. The treatments are similar to natural teeth in both feel and function.
A quick, but important question: does it hurt?
No. An anesthetic injection is used during the surgery and you will not feel anything.
More questions? Reach out and we’ll be in touch!
Source by William Jam Smith
