Everything One Needs to Know About Dental Implants
Earlier, if one’s teeth were damaged due to disease, decay, or even injuries, dentists would recommend either dentures or bridges. But now, with advancements in dental technology, new ways to deal with missing teeth include adding artificial structures called dental implants. This is a safe procedure in which implants can take the place of either a lost tooth root or multiple missing roots. Here is everything one needs to know about dental implants:
What are dental implants?
These implants are artificial structures that are added to the jawbone by a dental surgeon. Usually, these implants replace a missing tooth root. This procedure is carried out by adding a titanium screw in place of the root of the tooth, ensuring that it acts as an anchor and keeps the artificial teeth (or crown) in place. As the crowns are customized to fit the person perfectly without any issues, they feel, look, and even act like normal teeth.
Who might need a dental implant?
There are many reasons why one might need a dental implant. This can range from replacing only one tooth to multiple teeth. Some of the major reasons people get dental implants are:
- Fracture of the tooth root
- Gum diseases
- Facial injury
- Cavities or tooth decay
Is the procedure safe?
The procedure of dental implants is completely safe when performed by an experienced and qualified dental surgeon. In addition, a dental implant is the only restoration option that not only maintains the health of the jawbone but also stimulates and ensures its growth.
Advantages of the procedure
Implants may seem like a complicated procedure, but when compared to dentures and bridges, getting dental implants can be fairly simple and offer multiple advantages. Some benefits of implants include:
Comfortable : Removable dentures, no matter how much time you wear them, still feel uncomfortable. But this is not the case with implants, as they become a part of you and even act and feel like normal teeth.
No problems with chewing : Even though dentures look like normal teeth, they often hinder many day-to-day activities such as eating. When a person wears dentures, it becomes quite difficult for them to chew properly, often resulting in other digestive issues. Dental implants, on the other hand, act like your normal teeth and make it easy to have the food of your choice.
Clarity in speech : Dentures may not fit a person well and may sometimes even slip. This might cause the person to face many issues, including slurring, making it impossible to speak with clarity. Implants stay in place and are customized for everyone. This ensures that the person is able to speak confidently and clearly after the procedure.
Do not affect oral health: In this procedure, other teeth are not affected as there is no need for them to be altered in any way to fit an implant. This can help people maintain their oral health in the long term. In addition, dental implants also allow easier access, making it quite easy to brush the teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.
Risks of the procedure
Infection : A dental implant is similar to any other oral surgery and so can carry the risk of infection. The doctor or dental surgeon does offer advice on how to keep the area and incisions clean, but if patients feel any discomfort such as swelling, pain, or draining of fluid, it is best to contact the surgeon.
Damage to the sinus: One of the major risks involved in implants is damage to the sinus. This is because the upper jawline is directly under the nasal sinuses. There is a chance that the implants may penetrate into the sinus, leading to discomfort and infection.
Nerve damage : There are multiple nerves in your mouth, so it is advised to get an X-ray before the surgery so that the surgeon can avoid damaging the nerves or causing lasting damage.
Understanding the surgical procedure
The dental implant procedure is quite simple and involves the following steps:
Tooth removal : If a tooth is damaged or decayed, it is usually extracted a few days before the implant procedure. This gives the patient some time to heal before the next step.
Preparation of the jaw: In this step, the surgeon ensures that the patient’s jaw is strong enough to hold the implants.
Placement of the implant: In this oral procedure, the surgeon will cut the gums to reveal the jawbone and then drill it to insert the metal implant base. After that, the patient is given time to heal.
Placement of the abutment : After a thorough checkup of the implant, the surgeon will open your gum and attach the abutment (rod) that sits above the jawbone. Eventually, this rod will hold the artificial tooth.
Placement of the artificial tooth : Here, the surgeon takes impressions to create a crown that looks, feels, and acts like one’s normal teeth, ensuring it fits right in. After it is ready, the crown will be attached to the abutment.
Are dental implants covered under insurance?
A basic plan might not include dental implants. However, there are chances that these implants and the procedure may be covered under one’s medical plan. This usually depends on the cause of tooth loss or damage and the provisions of the existing insurance plan. Pre-existing conditions can mean that the policy may exclude implants from the insurance coverage. However, if the insurance plan considers the implants a health need, then there are chances that the cost of the dental implants may get covered under the health plan. But if the implants are deemed as a cosmetic need, then the procedure of getting implants may not be covered by the insurance provider.
