What Is a Dental Implant?

• Dental implants are made of materials (e.g. Titanium) that are compatible with human bone and tissue.

• The implants are surgically placed directly into or on top of the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implants which protrude through the gums.

• These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

• The new tooth looks, feels, and performs just like your natural teeth. In appearance and in function, the dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and a good alternative to conventional Bridge and dentures

Prosthetic options can be provided based on patient needs which include:

• Dental Implants (दंत रोपण (इम्प्लांट्स):

• Dental Implant for Single tooth replacement ( एका दातासाठी डेंटल इम्प्लांट)

• Multiple implants with porcelain/metal bridge or Zirconium bridges (पोर्सिलेन/मेटल ब्रिज किंवा झिरकोनियम ब्रिजसह अनेक इम्प्लांट्स)

• Full-mouth implants with immediate teeth loading (संपूर्ण तोंडामध्ये इम्प्लांट्स करून तात्काळ दात लावणे )

• All-on-4 implants (4 implants with fixed bridge) (ऑल-ऑन-4 प्रत्यारोपण (फिक्स ब्रिजसह 4 इम्प्लांट्स )

• All-on-5 implants (5 implants with fixed bridge) (ऑल-ऑन-5 रोपण (फिक्स ब्रिजसह 5 इम्प्लांट्स)

• All-on-6 implants (6 implants with fixed bridge) (ऑल-ऑन-6 रोपण (फिक्स ब्रिजसह 6 इम्प्लांट्स)

• Implants supported Overdenture (प्रत्यारोपण समर्थित (इम्प्लांट सपोर्टेड ओव्हरडेंचर)

• Mini Implants (मिनी (छोटे) इम्प्लांट्स)

• Basal Implants (बेसल इम्प्लांट्स)

• Zygomatic and Pterygoid Implants (झ्यगोमॅटिक आणि टेरिगोईड इम्प्लांट्स)

• Sinus Lift and Bone grafting (सायनस लिफ्ट आणि बोन ग्राफ्टिंग)

Implants are much more convincing as real teeth than detachable dentures or even crowns placed atop dental bridges that require the dentist to destroy two adjoining healthy teeth in order to place a false tooth or teeth between them and the gap of missing teeth, hanging over them like a bridge of sorts.

Parts of an Implant

A step-by-step guide for dental implant procedure.

Preparatory Precautions

Here are the steps that you should expect to happen. In many ways, preparing for the implant takes longer than the dental implant procedure itself.

• Initial Consultation: First step is to undergo a consultation with a prosthodontist before any work is done. This specialist will determine if you’re a qualified candidate for implant dentistry or not.

• Comprehensive Examination:

• Review both dental and medical history.

• create impressions of your gums and teeth (for the sake of creating teeth models)

CBCT Scan of the jaws for planning dental implants: a computer tomography scan (also known as a CAT or CT scan) is required which assists in

\ a. determining how much jawbone is available for implantation or

\ b. If bone grafts are called for (particularly those who lack a strong jaw or chin will need bone augmentation) or

\ c. Any other complications

\ d. Nerves and Sinuses: The CT scan also assists in locating structures such as sinuses and nerves that should be avoided while doing implant surgery.

Conventional dental implant procedure/ Method:

The conventional method requires two procedures, with three to six months between each. The extra months are for the sake of allowing the patient to heal first.

IMPLANT STEP 1: INITIAL SURGERY

The surgery commences with administration of local anesthesia,

Initial Incision, drilling, placement of implant fixture: After the small gum incision has been made, space is made in the bone to accommodate implant, after that implant is fixed in the bone. After implantation is complete, the incision on the gums is then stitched and then allowed to heal.

IMPLANT STEP 2: OSSEOINTEGRATION (HEALING) PERIOD

• After successfully placing the dental implant fixture, it will be left undisturbed in the jawbone for a period of three to six months.

• During this time, the bone attaches to the implant and OSSEOINTEGRATION takes place.

• Depending on the case type, a temporary removable denture may be worn to preserve cosmetics of your smile.

IMPLANT STEP 3: HEALING ABUTMENT CONNECTION

The osseointegration of the implant period differs from patient to patient. However, once it is complete, the surgeon exposes the top of the implant and attaches a healing abutment. This abutment passes through the gum. After this second surgical treatment, the gums take few days to weeks to heal.

IMPLANT STEP 4: FINAL PROSTHETIC RESTORATION

As a final step the dentist will take an impression of the implant for the lab technician to make the new implant-supported tooth (crown), bridge or whatever type of replacement indicated as per the original treatment plan. The final prosthetic tooth can be screwed to place or cemented. The new tooth is firmly anchored into the bone and gums, and will look and feel just like a natural tooth. Several fittings of the new teeth may be needed.

Recent advancements in dental implant procedures

a. Single or One Stage Implant Process

• During this procedure, your dentist will place the implant, healing abutment, all in one visit. The healing of the gum will have to go through an already completed implant setup with no healing caps involved.

• On the bright side, the dentist won’t have to do incisions and stitches over and over again over a three to six-month period. The again, this carries the risk of complications since traditional implants allow your body to better acclimate itself with the placement of the implant compared to a one-step dental implant procedure.

b. Immediate Loading Implant Procedure:

With the new possibilities in sight, permanent or temporary prosthetics may be loaded immediately during the same treatment visit when the dental implants New prefabricated components now enable shorter treatment time and make it possible to give the patient an esthetic appearance during the whole treatment period.

c. Sinus Lift/Sinus Augmentation

• Most important for an implant to be successfully placed is the quantity and quality of the bone. The most difficult area is upper back jaw, where it is often experienced to have insufficient bone quantity and quality. The loss of bone in that area could be due to periodontal disease or tooth loss in extraction. If sinuses are very large and implants could not be placed, bone grafting is done first. In this procedure, the width and height of the bone is expanded from within the implant site thereby creating a new sinus floor necessary bone for the implant. A 6-9 month period allows the bone graft to mature is followed by the conventional placement of the implants. A variety of graft materials can be used in these procedures. In our experience, the best source of bone is the patient’s own (autogenous) sources.

• After the implants are placed, an additional healing period is required. In some cases, the implant can be placed at the same time the sinus is augmented. Another technique used in certain cases with a moderate amount of bone is to use an osteotome and tap the bone gently with specially designed instruments going from the bony ridge inward (towards the sinus) and elevate the floor prior to placement of the implant. Sinus augmentation has been shown to greatly increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come. The surface of the implant is generally rough. This creates more surface area for bone to bond to. Scientists are also researching other substances for coating implants, such as special proteins that further encourage osseointegration.

d. Bone Grafting

If there’s not enough bone in your jaw to hold an implant according to x-rays or the CT scan, the dentist can discuss options for bone augmentation or buildup.

As noted in the earlier sections, grafting might be called for in order to ensure there’s enough bone for the post to embed itself in. Otherwise, the dental implant procedure might fail and end up dislodging itself when you apply the regular biting forces of the human mandible unto your implant.

• What to Expect with Bone Grafting: When it comes to augmenting your jaw, it typically involves taking bone from other parts of your jaw/hip/chin, through a donor, or through artificial bone material (calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite) and adding it to your jaw so that an implant can anchor itself deep into your mouth like a real tooth root.

If one of these procedures is needed before you can proceed to the actual dental implant procedure, it will probably take four to twelve months for the bone to be ready for grafting and implantation.

• You need to have your implant surgery approved before anything else.

FAQ regarding Dental Implants:

Is the implant placement painful?

A: No, it is usually done under local anesthesia. Most procedures can be done in Dental clinic set-up.

How much pain will I feel after implant placement?

A: The discomfort you may feel should be minor. Take prescribed medication to alleviate any pain you may have.

How long does it take to place dental implants?

A: Usually 1 hr-2 hrs, depending on the location and the number of implants. Your implant consultant will review your treatment time in detail.

What can I eat after having an implant placed?

A: Your dentist will outline a diet for the next few days including some soft foods.

How long does placement, healing and construction of the replacement teeth take?

A: The entire process usually takes from 3 to 9 months, depending on your treatment plan.

How do I care for my implant?

A: Home care for your implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are required for long-term health and success.

How long does an implant last?

A: If your body accepts the implant, it should last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

If my body rejects an implant, what happens?

A: The implant is removed and the site is allowed to heal. Another implant can usually be placed after healing.

Will it hurt?

A: Dental implant surgery has less discomfort than having several teeth removed. And just like any surgery there can be some discomfort. However we use anesthesia to eliminate any discomfort. We also prescribe medication to control any discomfort or swelling that may occur after the procedure. We take special care to remain in contact with you and to see you post-operatively.

Are all implants successful?

A: Data collected over 30 years has shown that dental implants are 95% successful. Dental implants are made from titanium, which is compatible with our bodies, so the body does not reject dental implants as it might a soft tissue implant, such as a heart or a lung.

How much will it cost?

A: The procedures vary in cost ending on the type of implant needed. An implant is a man-made replacement made out of titanium, a very unique, strong material that is the most compatible with the human body. Special drills, components and equipment must be also be used for the delicate procedure. For a FREE consultation call 9503519898

What do they feel like?

A: Dental implants feel similar to natural teeth. They provide a strong, solid base to affix permanent teeth, and they feel very real.

Is there particular Age to undergo Implant surgery?

A: As long as you are in good health, age is not a factor. Dental implants can be placed in patients in their 70s and 80s.

Do dental implants look like teeth?

A: Yes. Your teeth will look natural. If supporting bone and gum tissue has atrophied (shrunken down) your new teeth may need to be slightly longer to fill the space, but the difference will be so minor, no one will be able to tell.

Should I avoid any medications and/or vitamins prior to surgery, and if so, for how long?

A: It’s important to discuss all of your medications and supplements with your surgeon prior to treatment. We will work with your physician to safely manage your medications.

Is there much blood loss?

A: No. Blood loss from dental implant surgery is generally very minimal, even if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners).

How much time, if any, will I miss from work?

A: Depending on the extent of the procedure, and what you do for work, you will need anywhere from a matter of hours to a few days to return.

Can I expect any facial bruising?

A: Ordinarily, bruising is not seen. But sometimes it can be expected. Post-operative instructions will be given, including cold compresses to reduce swelling and inflammation.

When can I resume fluid intake and when can I start to eat soft food again?

A: Clear liquids can be started immediately. The patient’s diet will be determined based on the nature of the surgery.