Lily Thompson
Medical Content Writer
Dr. Carrasco
Medical Reviewer
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots and replacement teeth that provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. An implant consists of several components that replace both the root and crown of a natural tooth.
A dental implant has a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to mimic a natural tooth root. The implant fuses to the bone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth. Implants can support single tooth replacements, bridges, or full sets of dentures. They allow restored teeth to look, feel, and function similarly to natural teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Appearance:
Implants are designed to blend seamlessly, matching the surrounding natural teeth. This results in a more comfortable, confident smile.
- Comfort:
Unlike removable dentures, implants remain securely fixed in the mouth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and engage in social interactions without restriction.
- Prevent Bone Loss:
The implanted post stimulates bone growth to prevent the jaw shrinkage that accompanies missing teeth.
- Neighbor Teeth Protected:
Bridges require filing down adjacent teeth, but implants don’t impact healthy neighboring teeth at all.
- Sensation:
The titanium-to-bone integration recreates the stimulation of a real tooth root, transmitting natural chewing sensations.
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Types of Dental Implants
There are three main types of implants defined by placement: endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic.
- Endosteal Implants:
The most commonly used type, endosteal implants, are embedded directly into the jawbone through surgical incisions. Each implant post is shaped like a small screw. These can substitute for individual teeth or support bridges and dentures.
- Subperiosteal Implants:
These implants lie over the bone but underneath the gums. They are composed of a metal plate or frame fixed to the jawbone through posts protruding through small incisions. The gums heal over the frame, which provides an anchor for artificial teeth.
- Zygomatic Implants:
When jawbone density is too low for endosteal anchorage, zygomatic implants may be placed in the cheekbone for stability. These extremely long implants are angled to fuse with the more substantial zygomatic bone.
The Dental Implant Process
From initial consult through to finished restoration, dental implant placement follows these key stages:
- Consultation and Planning:
The dentist will conduct radiographs, models, and scans to visualize the underlying bone and structures. A treatment plan will map out the number of implants, locations, recovery time, and staged procedures.
- Implant Surgery:
During this minor operation, small incisions are made in the gums to expose the implant sites. The posts are placed into precisely pre-drilled channels in the jawbone. The gums are stitched closed over the implants.
- Healing Period:
Osseointegration proceeds over the next few months as the implants fuse to the jawbone. Follow-up appointments ensure proper progression.
- Abutment Insertion:
An extension piece called an abutment is fastened to each implant through the gums to present the artificial crown. Impressions are made of the abutments’ positioning.
- Crowns Placement:
The laboratory will design and engineer replacement teeth. Within 2 to 6 weeks, these new crowns, bridges, or dentures are securely attached to the abutments.
The timeline for implants depends on the number of teeth involved and the state of the underlying bone. The procedures often incorporate bone and tissue grafts, extractions, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts over multiple visits. On average, the surgical phases may take 5 to 6 months. Prosthetic attachment then completes the process.
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Preparing for Dental Implant Surgery
To assess health risks and optimize outcomes, pretreatment preparation analyzes both systemic conditions and the morphology of the implant sites.
- Health Evaluation:
Underlying diseases like chronic illness or bone density conditions need to be diagnosed and stabilized in advance through the patient’s physician.
- Bone Grafts:
Inadequate bone volume or density may require thickening procedures using synthetic bone materials or the patient’s bone.
- Tissue Grafts:
Insufficient gum tissue can be expanded through grafts to allow full coverage of the implants after placement.
- Home Preparation:
Assistance with tasks like shopping, laundry, and transportation should be arranged during the short recovery period. Distractions like games, books, and entertainment can make the time pass quickly. Setting up a comfortable recuperation area is also advised.
Dental Implant Surgery: Step by Step
The implant placement procedure progresses through these key phases:
- Anesthesia:
 The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the circumstances.
- Incisions and Flap Reflection:
The surgeon makes small incisions through the gums and reflects back a section of tissue to visually access the underlying bone.
- Osteotomy Preparation:
 Using precision drills of increasing width, tunnels are created through the cortical bone into the trabecular marrow space where integration will occur.
- Implant Insertion:
The titanium posts are threaded or pressed into the prepared site using controlled force. Positioning jigs may be utilized to exacting angles.
- Suturing:
The incision edges are pulled together and secured around the implant heads using stitches designed to resorb over time.
- Recovery:
After a brief observation period, patients are sent home with self-care guidelines to manage swelling and promote rapid healing. Pain medication keeps discomfort minimal.
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Caring for Dental Implants
Post-Treatment Care
The initial days after surgery require care to prevent disturbing the implants while chewing forces from these guidelines:
- Soft foods diet:
Avoid crunchy, hard, hot, or spicy items that could traumatize the implant sites.
- Cold compresses:
Swelling is managed by gently holding cold packs wrapped in cloth to the cheeks near the affected areas.
- Cleaning:
Brushing and flossing must continue carefully on all untreated areas. The surgery sites are irrigated with special rinses.
Long-Term Maintenance
Responsible oral hygiene and professional monitoring preserve the implants and replacement teeth.
- Stringent home care:
Brush twice daily and floss around implant restorations to prevent peri-implant disease.
- Supportive therapy:
Receiving thorough cleanings every 3 months clears plaque and prevents inflammation/infection.
- Observation:
Dentists inspect the anchoring, tooth replacements, and surrounding bone at least yearly to catch problems early.
Patients before & after results
Risks and Complications with Dental Implants
While dental implant success rates top 95%, these issues can lead to failure:
- Failed Osseointegration:
 If bone fusion of the implant does not occur, it will loosen and require retrieval. Smoking dramatically increases this risk.
- Bone Loss and Fractures:
Micromovements, trauma, or infection may destroy bone around the implant, causing severe bone loss or fractures.
- Infection:
Bacteria that attack the implant site can contaminate the internal structure. Infections are treated urgently with antibiotics but may still result in implant loss.
- Sinus Complications:
Placing implants too near or into the sinus cavity can lead to infection and chronic sinusitis that requires revision procedures.
- Nerve Injury:
Trigeminal nerve branches that surround the bottom jaw are at risk during implant drilling. Nerve damage can cause numbness or tingling of the chin, lips, gums, or tongue.
Dental Implant Costs and Insurance Coverage
The expenses around tooth replacement with implants include:
- Surgical Implants:
The titanium posts themselves range from $800 to $2,500 per implant. Multi-unit cases and complex surgeries increase costs.
- Abutment and Crown:
The prosthetic components cost $500 to $3,000 per tooth depending on materials and technology used.
- CT Scans:
Three-dimensional cone beam scans help precisely place implants for an additional fee of $250 to $700.
- Bone and Tissue Grafts:
Materials and procedures to thicken thin or narrow ridges add $500 to $3,000 per site augmented.
While medical insurance does not include dental coverage, some provisions exists:
- Insurance discounts through dental loyalty plans may provide 10% to 60% savings.
- Flex spending accounts can utilize pre-tax income for uncovered procedures.
- Medical financing often offers 12 months deferred interest plans when
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Finding an Implant Dentist
These dental specialties focus on implantology:
- Prosthodontists:
Have advanced restorative training for full-mouth implant supported teeth.
- Periodontists:
Experts in gum health and bone grafting to build solid implant foundations.
- Oral Surgeons:
Licensed for operating facilities to perform surgical tooth removal and implant placement simultaneously.
Regardless of specialty, board certification in implant dentistry ensures the highest training and competency.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer the closest possible mimicry of natural healthy teeth. With careful planning and conscientious home care, implant-supported restorations provide long-lasting form and function. Working closely with a credentialed
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Dr. Carrasco
MEDICAL REVIEWER
Dr. Carrasco Graduated dental school in 1981 from the U.A.C.J. Since 2005 he has specialized in Prosthodontic and Oral Implantology. He is a member of American Dental Association (ADA), a fellow of the Mexican Dental Association, The American Society of Osseointegration and an associate fellow of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists,Â
Dr. Carrasco has completed continuing education courses at prestigious U.S. universities such as Loma Linda University and New York University. He was the Former President of the College of Dental Surgeons, Former professor of undergraduate and graduate of the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.
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