What Are Dental Implants? A Complete Guide to Tooth Replacement

Bridge Gaps One Tooth at A Time

Your smile can speak louder than your words because it has the power to bridge gaps and build impressions. However, improving your smile means going beyond enhancing your social charm. Corrections and adjustments will translate into healthier teeth automatically. Imagine flashing a smile that is not only perfect but also free of cavities and gum diseases. Besides — you smile with a whole new confidence when you know your smile is far from requiring expensive dental repairs. So, in a world where confidence drives success, your radiant and healthy smile will be your ultimate power move!

Losing one or more teeth to injury, decay, or gum disease makes tooth replacement non-optional. Leaving the gaps unaddressed can lead to shifting teeth, bite misalignment, and jawbone deterioration. For example, losing a molar affects chewing efficiency and causes digestive issues, while a damaged front tooth impacts speech and confidence. In case of multiple missing teeth, the face may sag, and the patient may start looking older than their age. This is where dental implants, bridges, and dentures jump in as effective tooth replacement options. In this section, we'll discuss one of the most commonly sought dental procedures, dental implants.

Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step

Getting dental implant process is a multi-step procedure that involves placing the implant into the jawbone to act as a root for the artificial tooth. The whole thing takes one to several hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of implants. Here's how your dental expert will implement the procedure:

• Anesthesia: To make sure you stay pain-free throughout the implant procedure, the dental expert will administer anesthesia before starting the process. The type of anesthesia will vary according to the complexity of the surgery and your personal needs. It may involve local anesthesia to numb the area, sedation for relaxation, or general anesthesia for a deeper level of unconsciousness.
• Exposing the Bone: Once the anesthesia takes effect, the dental surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the jawbone. Exposing your bone through an incision is necessary for the placement of the dental implant.
• Creating Space for Implant: Once the bone is exposed enough, the surgeon will use a specialized drill to create a space for the dental implant. They will use a titanium post to serve as the tooth's root. This step requires a skilled set of hands to prevent damage to the surrounding tissues and create a secure fit for the implant placement.  
• Placing the Implant: The titanium post will be placed into the jawbone where the incision is made. Accurate depth and alignment of the post are necessary for optimal stability and function of your smile because this abutment will act as a support beneath your future prosthetic tooth.
• Closing the Incision: After the dental implant is positioned securely, the surgeon will stitch the gum tissue back together over the site. In some cases, they may place a healing cap over the implant before closing the incision. This component protrudes slightly, preparing the area for the attachment of the replacement tooth later.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges  

Both implants and dental bridges are popular tooth replacement methods. However, they are different from one another based on their benefits and placement procedures. Dental bridges use neighboring teeth as anchors to support a false tooth that effectively fills the gap. It is comparatively a less invasive and quicker option than a dental implant, making it an appealing choice for those seeking immediate results. Bridges may require reshaping healthy adjacent teeth, which can weaken them over time. Besides, bridges do not stimulate the jawbone like implants. So, the patient might notice bone loss and slight changes in facial structure.

Typically, dental implants comprise titanium or zirconium oxide. In some cases, gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, titanium alloys, or ceramic materials can also be used as construction materials. All of these materials follow the international consensus standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or ASTM International.

—US Food & Drug Administration

Other Supporting Dental Procedures for Dental Implants

The patient might have to undergo some preparatory procedures to support the dental implant placement, such as:

• Tooth Extraction: In cases where a damaged or decayed tooth cannot be saved, extraction is necessary before implant placement. Removing the affected tooth prepares the area for the implant, prevents infection, and preserves the surrounding bone. After extraction, the site is allowed to heal before the implant is placed, ensuring a solid, healthy base for the new tooth. Sometimes, the dentist may perform a bone grafting simultaneously to maintain bone volume.
• Bone or Gum Grafting: Bone grafting enhances jawbone density to create a stable foundation for the implant. On the other hand, gum grafting improves soft tissue around the site for better aesthetics and protection. The procedures serve a supportive function for a snug fit and natural appearance and reduce the risk of dental implant failure. In these cases, healing might take a bit longer than usual, but the results are worth the wait.
• Sinus Lifts: Sinus lifts are essential when placing implants in the upper jaw near the back teeth. This procedure raises the sinus membrane and adds bone beneath it. As the name literally suggests, sinus lift provides adequate bone height for the implant. So, it is particularly necessary if bone loss or the sinus cavity's position restricts available space.