Dental implants are inserted through a process called implantology. This involves a specialized dental clinician drilling a hole into the jawbone where the titanium screw implant is going to sit. The implant has a special clip or internal screw onto which the false tooth will be attached. At least one minor surgical procedure will need to be done to begin the process of inserting dental implants. This may involve a CT scan to ensure the dentist knows the position of your other teeth, the thickness of your jawbone and to determine the exact position to insert the implant.
Immediate or delayed dental implants
The implant is either an immediate implant, where the implant is put straight into the hole where your tooth has just been removed from or a delayed implant, where the tooth is removed and the gum is given a couple of months to heal before the implant is inserted. If a delayed implant is used, the dentist will need to drill a hole through your jawbone via a cut made in your gum in which to place the implant.
Both immediate and delayed implants can be done using two different techniques. The first is when both the implant rod (which is below the gum) and the abutment (the part above the gum which the false tooth joins on to) are inserted at the same time. The false tooth is not usually connected at this time as the mouth needs several months to heal first. However the dentist may offer you a dental bridge or set of dentures to conceal any gaps in your teeth.
The second is when the implant rod is inserted and the gum is closed with stitches, making the implant unseen beneath the gum. Then several months later the gum is cut open and the abutment is attached to the rod. The false teeth are then attached, either permanently or they may be able to be removed for cleaning.
Benefits and Side Effects Of Dental Implants
Like other surgical procedures, dental implants also present benefits and possible side effects and complications to an individual. However, the side effects and complications are rare and the long term benefits of dental implants are overwhelmingly positive.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits of dental implants include having a permanent and fuss-free solution for a missing tooth or teeth. They are easier to manage than a set of dentures as they form a permanent part of your mouth and are not going to move about or cause discomfort as dentures can. Dental implants are also beneficial because they allow you the opportunity to have no restrictions on what you can eat, making your eating experiences enjoyable. They also assist in the creation of a beautiful appearance as implants ensure that your jawbone does not shrink as the implant attaches to it. Without an implant to replace a missing tooth, the jawbone shrinks which ages your facial appearance significantly.
Possible Side Effects of Dental Implants
The common side effects of dental implants can include swelling, bleeding, and pain at the site of the implant. These side effects can be minimized by taking analgesics which can be prescribed by your doctor. Rare complications of dental implants can include bleeding during the implantation process, the implant not fusing to the bone which makes it unsecured and temporary or permanent nerve damage which results in numbness or tingling to your tongue, lower lip, lower teeth, and chin.
For more information How Dental Implants Work feel free to Le Sueur Family Dental.