O Shreeji – Blog on Dental Implants

Dental Implants are the standard for prosthetic replacement of missing teeth. It consists of a surgical fixture that is placed in the jawbone, that eventually fuses with the bone in a few months. This artificial root holds a bridge – a fake tooth on the top, to fill the gap created by the missing tooth. Most implants are made of titanium, as it is noncorrosive and not recognised as a foreign body by our system. The success rate for dental implants is 98%, making it an extremely safe process to undergo.

There are three ways to replace a tooth-

1. Partial or complete denture
2. Cemented bridge
3. Dental implant

Dental implant is the best solution due to its permanence and feel of a normal tooth, while dentures are removable which can cause discomfort, and bridges can get loose due to wear and tear.

A dental implant consists of 3 parts –

1. The implant screw – the artificial root
2. The abutment – connection between screw and crown
3. The crown – fake tooth made of porcelain, to mimic your real teeth

You can get a dental implant when you lose a tooth, or teeth. The most common causes for tooth loss are tooth decay, injury or trauma, periodontal diseases, medication and old age.

The process takes place in 2 steps, over 6-9 months overall

Step 1- The titanium implant is attached to the bone and allowed to completely fuse – which can take 6 to 9 months depending on your body

Step 2 – The dentist takes an impression of your existing teeth, creates a crown according to that and fits it onto the implant, and it finally looks like you have a natural tooth

There are four types of dental implants

1. Single tooth – When one tooth is missing and needs replacement
2. Implant supported bridge – When several teeth are missing, the implant acts as an anchor for the teeth, instead of each tooth done separately
3. All -on-4 Implant – When the whole upper or lower jaw needs replacement, the implant is permanent, but the bridge is removable
4. 3 on 6 implants – These are 3 individual bridges for 6 teeth implants

What kind of implant is necessary for you will be decided by the dentist, based on certain factors such as need and want.

Certain risks such as swelling of gums, minor bleeding and pain are natural and not a threat to the implant. In rare cases the patient can develop an infection or nerve damage which causes damage to the implant, and the implant needs to then be removed as the body is not ready to accept it.

If good care is taken of the implant, it can last from 15-20 years, sometimes even longer.

The same dental hygiene required for your normal teeth is required for your implants. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, and regularly checking up with the dentist ensures your implant is healthy and clean.

Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, therefore there is no pain during the surgery. After the effects of anaesthesia fade, there can be some discomfort until you get used to the implant, but pain is usually due to swelling, which can be brought down by an ice pack.

O Shreeji Dental, by Dr Hemal Shah and Dr Sejal Shah,  has over two decades of experience in dentistry, with Dr Hemal Shah being a leading expert in Implantology. With experienced and qualified doctors as well as helpful staff, we ensure that all your dental procedures happen smoothly and painlessly.