A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Implants: Benefits, Procedure, and Aftercare

Dental implants offer a permanent restoration of both the function and aesthetics of missing teeth. This blog will offer a concise understanding of the benefits, procedure, and post-treatment care required for successful implantation.

Dental implants offer several benefits, including

  • Providing a permanent, fixed denture that offers a beautiful, natural appearance and feel.
  • Enhancing chewing ability, leading to improved functionality.
  • Boosting confidence in both professional settings and social situations by providing a secure, stable dental solution.

Preservation of Adjacent teeth

In the past, dental bridges were the primary option for replacing missing teeth. However, with dental bridges, it’s necessary to prepare adjacent healthy teeth for support.
In contrast, dental implants eliminate the need to shave down adjacent teeth.

Long Term Success Rate

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetimeh.

Dental Implant Procedure

Consultation and Pre-surgery Assessment

Initially, your dentist will assess various factors in your mouth, such as the clinical condition of surrounding teeth, oral hygiene, and bite alignment. They will inquire about the history of previous dental conditions, including the timing of tooth removal, and any relevant medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or prior surgeries. Patients should also disclose any habits such as smoking or tobacco chewing. To evaluate the quantity of bone available, a CBCT scan is typically required. If sufficient bone is present, the dentist can proceed with the implant placement. However, in cases of insufficient bone, bone grafting or sinus lifting may be recommended.

Planning of implant surgery

Generally, dentists take pre-diagnostic measurements and images to plan the dental implant surgery. An implant guide is created from those measurements and 3D images.
This surgical guide assists dentists in accurately placing implants, especially in cases involving multiple extractions and implantations.
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Dental Implant Placement

After collecting all necessary data from the CT scan and completing the planning phase, the dentist is ready to place the implant.
This surgical guide assists dentists in accurately placing implants, especially in cases involving multiple extractions and implantations.

Healing period

Following successful placement of the dental implant, a healing period of at least 3 to 4 months is required before the final teeth can be set.

Restoration period

The restoration period involves multiple measurements and trials to properly fit the teeth. This phase is non-surgical and focuses on achieving optimal aesthetics and functionality.

Dental implant after care

1
Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. Accumulation of plaque and tarter around the implant leads to bone loss. Proper brushing techniques along with flossing are imperative.
2
Avoid hard and sticky food

Long-term chewing of hard foods can lead to fracture or dislodgment of the implant prosthesis. Sticky things may also cause dislodgment of the implant crown.
3
Quit tobacco product

Smoking increases the risk of implant failure while betel nut chewing can lead to fracture of the implant prosthesis. Quitting tobacco is also essential to reduce the risk of oral cancer.
4
Night guard

Wearing a night guard can prevent grinding and clenching forces on the implant prosthesis during sleep.
5
Follow up

Regular check-up, oral prophylaxis(cleaning) and follow up X-rays with the dentist every 6 months are necessary to monitor implant integrity and bone healt

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