Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically placed within your jawbone and they look and function like your real teeth. An implant is made up of two parts, a metal post and a crown. The titanium in the implant fuses with your jawbone providing strong support to the roots of missing teeth.
Dental implants are an alternative to dentures or bridge-work in cases where:
If your teeth are missing or you need to replace crooked teeth to get back your beautiful smile visit our expert dentists. We will carry out a comprehensive examination to determine how much bone volume and density is present in the area of the missing tooth, so that it supports a dental implant. An implant will be suggested if dentures are not suitable for you.
Diagnosis:
The dental specialist at Medcare will conduct a comprehensive dental examination which includes:
Treatment Options:
Dental implant surgery does not require hospitalisation. Same day dental implants procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthesia. Your gum will be cut away and a hole will be drilled in your jawbone. An implant, usually made of titanium, is placed in this hole, to replace the root of your tooth.
Healing time is required between procedures, when the jawbone and implant get fused. After this, a connector, called an ‘abutment’, is attached to this implant. The artificial tooth is attached on top of this abutment. This provides a permanent tooth that resembles a natural tooth in appearance and function.
The services of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, as well as a periodontist and a prosthodontist are available, as required for your treatment.
A: As the anaesthesia wears off, you may experience soreness and pain around the treated area. The extent of pain depends on the number and type of dental implants. For example, Endosteal implants are more invasive than Subperiosteal implants, making them more painful.
A: In a dental implant surgery, a post, usually made of titanium, replaces the root of your tooth. This implant is placed deep within your jawbone, after cutting away the gum and drilling a hole in the bone.
Over time, the jawbone grows and the implant gets integrated into it. After this, a connector, called an ‘abutment’, is attached to this implant, and then the artificial tooth is attached. The implant is permanent as it is fixed in the jawbone, and the artificial tooth is as close to your natural teeth as possible.
A: Yes, dental implants are an excellent and long-term solution for children who have lost permanent teeth, so do discuss this with your child’s dentist. The dentist will usually advise this to be done only after the child’s facial development has been completed, so you may have to wait for a few years.
A: While the time required for a dental implant treatment varies from case-to-case, the average is between three to six months. After the implant is fixed to the bone, the bone needs to fuse with it, and you may need to wait for some weeks or months for this to happen. In cases that require jaw surgery and bone grafting, the procedure may take longer.
A: It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to get the best out of your dental implants. The care required is similar to the way you would care for your natural teeth – regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups.
Your dentist may recommend an interdental brush to clean around the implant. It is also advisable to avoid eating very hard foods with your artificial tooth, as that may damage the crown.
A: Dental Implants are metal frames that fuse into the jawbone to provide higher stability to your replacement teeth. They essentially fill the gap caused by tooth loss due to infection, injury, or decay and ensure that everything stays in its place.
A: Endosteal and Subperiosteal are two highly recommended types of dental implants. Endosteal implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. It happens in three sittings as the implant is first inserted, and after the tissue heals, another surgery connects it to a post. The replacement teeth are then attached individually or in groups.
Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, are frames placed under the gum. After the gums heal, the frame becomes permanently fixed and ready to hold a replacement.
Although Endosteal implants are more common, Subperiosteal implants are preferred for people with poor jaw health.
A: As anaesthesia is used during the procedure, there is only mild pain and discomfort while getting dental implants. However, this can vary in patients.
A: Just like your natural teeth, dental implants can last a lifetime if cared for properly. However, on average, they are known to last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. This is subject to pre-existing conditions like gum disease or improper treatment. Sometimes, the location of the implant also determines its lifespan.
A: Whether it is the fear of the surgery or budget considerations, people who avoid or delay getting dental implants face further dental issues and even complications during future dental surgeries.
A: Both, bridges and dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, but each comes with its own pros and cons. A Dental implant can support itself, unlike a bridge which requires the support of adjacent teeth. Dental implants also look more natural and cause little to no change in your existing oral care routine. This means that since a bridge is cemented together, it can make tasks like brushing and flossing inconvenient, whereas an implant needs no extra care.
However, bridges require a simple, non-surgical procedure, is less painful and faster to get done compared to implants.
A: Typically, the pain doesn’t last beyond ten days and is mostly attributed to swelling and minor bleeding. However, most patients report a reduction in pain and discomfort within the first three days. If the pain continues, it is best to consult your doctor. It is also advisable to consume soft foods during this time to allow the implant site to heal.
Dental implants don't always have to be scary. Visit our dental experts to get the right guidance on how to go about your treatment.
A: Maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly is essential. Avoid any form of tobacco consumption as it could weaken the state of your mouth.
A: Lack of oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of bacteria around the implants, resulting in infection, decay, bleeding, soreness and discomfort. Implants are vulnerable to all issues that may afflict your teeth, such as cavities.
Don't wait to get that pearly white smile. Visit our clinic today and let our experts address all your concerns.
A: Besides affecting your physical appearance, avoiding a dental implant procedure leads to gum recession, bone loss around the missing tooth or teeth, and damage to neighbouring teeth. It can cause jaw aches and headaches and difficulty in speaking and chewing. It could also lead to the adjacent teeth shifting position, which can cause them to wear out prematurely.
A: Dental implants provide support and structure to the jaw. If you delay getting the procedure, you may need to first get grafting done before inserting the implants, which only lengthens the process making it more expensive and inconvenient.
Looking to get Dental Implants? Look no further, as Medcare's team of dental experts have you covered.
A: A Dental bridge is the cheaper option. However, bridges will need replacing so you will need to estimate the cost of maintenance as well. An Implant, on the other hand, is more permanent.
Looking to fix your missing tooth? Visit our clinic today to let our experts guide you to an option suited to your unique needs.