Dental Implants
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Shop No. 12, Nimbus Center, Opp Laxmi Industrial Estate, Sab TV Lane, Off New Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400053.
Dental Implants
Dental implants take the place of a lost tooth root. These permanent metal screws secure artificial or fake teeth — such as dental crowns, dental bridges or dentures — in place. A dental implant can replace one or more missing teeth.
How do dental implants work?
A surgeon places a dental implant into your jaw during an oral surgery procedure. Once the implant heals, your dentist can place a crown on top. Depending on your oral health goals, your dentist can restore your implants with crowns, bridges or dentures.
Who might need dental implants?
People who have one or more missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. You might need a dental implant if you have tooth loss due to:
- Cavities (tooth decay).
- Tooth root fracture.
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth).
- Gum disease.
- Facial injury.
- Congenitally missing teeth (you were born without certain teeth).
How should I prepare for a dental implant?
Before the dental implant procedure, you should:
- Give your dentist a current list of medications and supplements you take. It’s important to tell your dentist if you’re taking a blood thinner (anticoagulant). Your dentist will decide in coordination with your primary care provider whether you need to stop taking any medications before your implant procedure.
- Make sure that you’ve seen your primary care provider recently for a checkup and blood work to ensure that there aren’t any conditions that would interfere with implant success.
- Talk to your dentist about sedation options. Most surgeons offer sedative medications that help you relax during your dental implant surgery.
- If you plan on having sedation, arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure.
What happens during dental implant surgery?
During dental implant surgery, your surgeon will:
- Give you anesthesia. They’ll administer local anesthesia to numb your gums. If you opted for sedation, they’ll give you those medications as well.
- Create an incision. Once you’re comfortable, your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gums where the dental implant will go. This exposes the bone underneath so your surgeon can place the implant.
- Prepare your jaw. Your surgeon will use a series of specialized instruments to create an opening in your jawbone. They’ll widen the opening until it’s just the right diameter for your new dental implant.
- Place the dental implant. Next, your surgeon will carefully place the dental implant into your jaw.
- Close the incisions. Finally, your surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.
- The steps for dental implant placement are generally the same for everyone. But sometimes, a surgeon can place a dental implant and restoration (like a crown or bridge) all in one visit. Most of the time, however, you’ll need a few months for the implant to heal before your dentist can safely place a final restoration. In these cases, your dentist can make a temporary (usually removable) restoration for you to wear during the healing phase.
What happens after dental implant placement?
Your surgeon will give you a detailed list of postoperative instructions. They’ll also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of soreness and discomfort:
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for at least 72 hours. (An elevated heart rate can result in increased pain and swelling.)
- Chew on the other side of your mouth. (If you had implants placed on both sides, eat soft foods for a few days, and then add other foods as your comfort level allows.)
- Brush and floss every day.
- Clean the implant site as directed by your surgeon.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer a wide range of advantages. They can:
- Improve speech and chewing ability.
- Enhance the appearance of your smile.
- Secure permanent or removable bridges and dentures.
- Provide teeth replacement without altering (shaving down) your neighboring teeth. (This is necessary for dental bridges.)
- In addition, dental implants can’t get cavities. (But they’re not invulnerable to gum disease, so it’s still important to practice good oral hygiene.)