Teeth give a definition to our face and smile. The loss of teeth immediately gives a sunken appearance to the face and can alter ones self-esteem. Teeth play a role in aesthetics, form and functional aspects.
There are three main options
A dental implant is an artificial structure replacing the tooth root which look similar in shape to screws. This is fitted by a small connector called the “Abutment” which is then covered with a custom made cap similar to your natural tooth.
Dental Implants are placed surgically in the jawbone (the screw part is not visible outside, it is embedded in the bone) to replace a missing tooth. It is made of commercially pure Titanium that is the only substance that can fuse with the natural bone and provide a strong foundation for subsequent tooth replacement.
A wide variety of dental implants are available today. At our Clinic Dental Folks, we select Implants which meet International Quality standards such as Nobel Biocare, Osstem, Straumann, Alpha Biocare. We perform Implants with utmost care in terms of hygiene and sterilization.
The first step involves making physical impressions of your teeth for analysis of the type of tooth replacement, bone height width etc. A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scan (CBCT) is required for a comprehensive understanding of the situation, the relation of important structures such as nerves, adjacent teeth close to the implant site. Implant placement is a Technique sensitive procedure and should be done with utmost caution by a trained specialist. It is also prudent that the implant should be placed in a hygiene and sterile manner to avoid any kind of failure.
The surgical treatment is done under local anesthesia , hence there is no pain during the treatment. A small incision is made and a punch hole is made for implant insertion. Bone grafts may be placed for individuals with inadequate bone at the implant site. The process is non invasive and relatively quick as all parameters are previously meticulously planned before the procedure (like the length and diameter of the implant). The healing is also fairly quick. Although there may be some facial swelling after the procedure and mild heaviness post insertion which usually resolves within a week. You may also be given stitches that have to be removed after two weeks. As with any surgical procedure, antibiotics and analgesics are given to minimize the risk of infection.
Following the first visit, a minimum period of 3 months later the second visit is planned wherein the implant is uncovered and a healing cover cap is placed and left for a few weeks. Then the last step involves an extension (abutment) portion that is placed only after ensuring that the implant has fused with the natural bone. During these 3 months we can place temporary tooth options in the missing space. An impression for the final cap is then made in the subsequent visit.