Dental Implants Procedure Pros Cons And Risks Involved

A dental implant is a synthetic surgical tooth root used to support a dental prosthesis for a missing tooth like a crown, bridge or denture, preventing jaw bone loss at the same time. 

Those who suffer from tooth loss or decay become self-conscious when they smile, and their eating and chewing habits get profoundly affected at the same time. 

Dental Implants

What Does It Cure? 

When you get new implants, you can eat anything you like without the struggling or the pain. Dental implants also help prevent bone loss that stops facial deformations. And most importantly your self-confidence and ability to smile is restored with your teeth. 

Facial injury, tooth decay, root canal conditions, infected gums, pre-birth defects generally are the common causes of tooth loss. 

Additionally, good oral hygiene for the process is vital, and enough area of the jaw bone should be available to support the implant. 

The Procedure Of Treatment

• Discuss with your dentist about the right way to go for you, and then he will conduct a CT scan or an x-ray to determine if there is enough bone structure for introducing the implant and its exact location. He will then make a customized plan just for you. 
• Some plastic or metal dental plates on which you have to bear down your teeth may be used to measure your entire teeth structure, jaw bone shape, and gum shape to determine the right artificial fittings for you. 
• Osseointegration is done by anchoring the implant to your jaw bone. It takes up to 3-6 months for the bone to heal around the implant after which the dentist places the crown on the tip of the implant.This procedure is only recommended post-adolescence for everyone. Also, if you have diseases like diabetes, cancer or periodontal disease or even if you're a smoker, some treatments need to be done before the main procedure as your jaw bone may not be strong enough.
• The screw root is generally made of titanium. A small access hole is drilled into your jaw bone to guide the screw through it based on your CT scan. This hole is increased in diameter slowly to introduce the screw into it. The implant is covered with the nearby gum tissue, and a protective screw is secured on it to allow the area to heal over a few months. After it is cured, your dentist will attach an abutment on top of it and tighten it with a dental torque wrench. Then he will form a temporary crown so that the gums can take their natural shape around it. And finally, it is replaced with a permanent crown.
• Note that if a damaged tooth is still in place, it has to be extracted before the procedure using proper anesthesia.

Advantages 

• Long lasting solution- up to 8 to 10 years life. 
• You can gain your self-esteem back with implants as they look the same as your natural teeth and you can flaunt your healthy smile. 
• Eliminates the situation for bone grafting which is more expensive, painful and intrusive.
• Cutting of natural teeth is avoided during bridge work, and loss of bone around the decayed tooth is prevented. 
• Biting, chewing and speaking become very comfortable gradually and you can maintain your implant as you would your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, your dental implants do not need uncomfortable metal hooks to keep them in place. 

Disadvantages 

• Implants require surgery and healing time can take up to a year at times. 
• During insufficient bone structure, grafting is required which is more painful. 
• Initial expenditure is high. 
• The tooth or the crown has to be replaced gradually and a small amount of bone loss over the years is possible. 

Related Risks 

As dental implants are a form of surgery, it always has risks related and a chance of failure. They include mouth infection, damage to adjacent bones and teeth, nerve rupture, failed bone healing, jaw cracks and fracture, extensive bleeding. 

Therefore, tooth implants can improve your confidence in the society and can be very beneficial in every platform. Is the initial investment high? Yes! But it is economical in the long term and worth it! Dr. Brady Bates, a Spokane Dentist, suggests that action must be taken in time to ensure the appropriate management of your tooth. Choose the right dental care provider and find a solution to every dental problem. Finally, take care of your teeth!