The natural tooth actually consists of two parts, the crown (the visible section above the gum) and the root. The root is the part that is bonded to the jawbone and keeps the whole tooth in place.
Dental implants have been developed as a result of modern scientific research to replicate this natural structure. By using cutting edge materials and equipment, good quality prostheses are now available for patients who meet the criteria for treatment. Modern implants osseointegrate, which means that they bond with the bone securely. In many cases this provides a stronger structure than the natural root.
A single missing tooth can be replaced using implants, or they can be used to create a complete new set of working teeth. No additional stress is placed upon the remaining teeth, which can sometimes be the case with a bridge.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Implants have many advantages when compared to conventional dentures, which were the most common replacement for lost teeth up until very recently.
Dental implants look and feel very similar to natural teeth. This allows renewed confidence and self-esteem as normal capabilities and appearance are restored.
Dental implants are extremely durable. They allow the patient to eat their favourite foods without any pain or discomfort.
Because dental implants are rooted firmly in the bone, they stabilise the facial structure. This negates the shrinkage of the jawbone that can make the face look much older.
The structure and bonding of the implant
The implant fixture, or abutment is constructed from titanium, a material completely biocompatible, which provides a solid basis onto which the crown will be fixed. According to the latest dental research, titanium was found to be the most suitable material for the jaw bones and gums. The abutment is inserted into the jawbone to replace the damaged or missing root.
Dental Implant Procedure
Once the patient has decided to undergo implant treatment, they must be prepared for a fairly lengthy process. The initial surgery takes from 20-40 minutes under normal circumstances and is carried out under local anaesthetic. Nervous patients can also request that general anaesthetic is used, although whether this is available will depend upon the clinic. The injections used under local anaesthesia mean that no pain is felt, and in some cases the patient will barely even remember the procedure.
The gum is cut open during the surgery to allow access to the jawbone and for the implant to be gently placed into position. Once this is achieved successfully, the gum is sewn back up and the initial phase is over.
The postoperative process
Normal dental implant procedures require around 3-6 months before the permanent crown is placed. This allows time for the jawbone to grow around the implant and provide a strong enough structure to support the replacement tooth. A second small surgical procedure is then required to make an incision into the gum and allow the healing post to be put into place. This then requires a further 3-6 week period to facilitate healing of the tissue around the post.
Once this is complete, the dentist or specialist can create a new crown to be fixed onto the post. This is created to match the colour and shape of your existing teeth, which re-creates the aesthetics of a healthy, natural mouth.
Is the procedure painful?
As with all surgery, some discomfort is experienced during the initial healing process. This can be treated with painkillers and many patients report that the pain is not as bad as they had expected. The anaesthetic prevents any pain during surgery itself.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is critical in ensuring that the procedure is 100% successful and that the new teeth will last for many years. Regular visits to the surgery will allow the dentist to assess the condition of the implants and the gums.
