What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root, usually made of titanium, which is inserted securely into the jawbone. It acts like the root of a natural tooth and helps support the dental prosthesis or the tooth attached to it. The success of a dental implant results from the fact that it is a prosthesis totally independent of the neighboring teeth, because it is fixed on a pillar which is itself integral with a titanium screw that the dentist has placed in the patient's jawbone. This solution can therefore be interesting if the patient has a tooth which cannot be cut to receive a crown, because it is too damaged and if the two neighboring teeth are healthy. This will not only reduce stress to other teeth but is a more permanent, comfortable, and lasting solution than dentures or bridges. While there are risks to any dental or surgical work, if you are in generally good health, the risk you undergo to have dental implants is minimal.
Who takes care of the placement of dental implants?
Only a dental surgeon specializing in the placement of dental implants should place your implants.
Is the installation painful?
Dental implants are inserted when you are under anesthesia, usually local with a mild sedative. After they are inserted, you might have soreness, swelling, and pain in the area. This can be managed with pain medication under the advice of your dentist.
Do dental implants look like real teeth?
Dental implants really look like real teeth! It is impossible to tell the difference between an implant and a natural tooth, making this solution a favorite for those who are also thinking about cosmetics.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants, properly installed and maintained, can last a lifetime. They are made of strong metal, very well tolerated by the body, and are firmly implanted in the jawbone.
Can an implant fall out?
The short answer, is yes, an implant can fail and fall out. Seek dental help immediately if this happens.
Placement of a dental implant: its process and its consequences
Before the start of the implant procedure, a careful examination of the patient's jaws is performed by the dentist who ensures that the placement of an implant is suitable for the pathology to be treated. A dentist will need to know your total and general health history as well before placing an implant. Indeed, certain heart diseases and certain bone pathologies as well as AIDS can make an implant impossible.
In addition, treatment can only be started after any oral problems that may interfere with its proper course have been treated. Once your dentist is sure that you are clear for the surgery, the procedure will be scheduled.
During the implant procedure, the dentist drills a hole into your jawbone to create a space in which a titanium screw will be inserted. This screw is the implant and will also be placed in your jaw. The dentist will make a temporary prosthesis to put on the implant while it heals. The temporary prosthesis is essential because the final prosthesis can only be placed after the operation has completely healed. However, this healing lasts several weeks. During this period and given the fragility of the temporary prosthesis, the patient should only chew relatively soft food products and avoid exerting too much pressure on said prosthesis. In addition, a patient must stop all tobacco consumption to avoid hiding any actual pathology that could compromise the proper course of healing. The inflammation and stains from tobacco use can hide real mouth problems, as well as cause them!
Once the dentist has determined that healing is complete and the titanium screw has fully integrated into the jawbone, the final prosthesis can be placed. The patient should continue to maintain their teeth regularly by brushing them at least twice a day. Not doing so can result in failure or the falling out of the implant
The risk of the dental implant falling
Sometimes it is possible to have a problem with an implant. It is possible that it is rejected by the body although this is extremely rare. If it falls out, it is important to consult your dentist or dental surgeon without delay. Within a year of placement, the implant may move and fall out if it has not seated properly in the bone.
This problem can be caused by one of the following causes:
* A poor evaluation of the heating of the bone during the preparation of the space intended to receive the screw. This is the result of an error in the dentist’s assessment of the risk of bone cell clotting.
* A bone mass lacking in thickness or density
* Positioning of the implant incorrectly
* A healing defect which may result in particular from a gum disease caused by tobacco consumption
If you discover that your implant is not perfectly still, you must urgently consult your dentist so that they can assess the situation and offer appropriate care.
Moreover, if your case is complex, your dentist may suggest that you consult a practitioner specializing in implantology to increase the chances of success of the intervention.
Precautions that reduce the risk of the implant falling
You must first of all avoid smoking, maintain your teeth carefully and choose your dentist carefully as well. You are entering a partnership that will last the length of the time you have the implant, so please don’t be afraid to ask questions of your dentist and make sure you are comfortable with the person you choose.
After an implant, your dentist will often offer an antibiotic-based treatment to avoid any risk of infection as well as the use of a toothbrush with very soft bristles to brush the area of insertion of the implant for a few days. Then you have to brush your teeth at least twice a day and have your dentist checked twice a year.
If all of these recommendations are followed, you are likely to be a part of the overwhelming majority of people who are fully satisfied with their implant.