What is a dental implant and why is it the best replacement for a lost tooth?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone and fuses with it, serving as a replacement for the root of a lost or missing tooth. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their predecessors (bridges and dentures). They offer a permanent solution for tooth loss as they are structurally and functionally integrated with the bone.
What are the indications for dental implant placement?
- Replacement of a single tooth: If you are missing one tooth, it can be replaced with a single implant and a ceramic dental crown placed on top of it.
- Replacement of multiple teeth: If you are missing several teeth, implants can be placed to serve as supports for dental bridges.
- Replacement of all lost teeth: If you are completely edentulous, implants can be used to create dental bridges that replace all teeth or to make comfortable and stable dentures.
Losing one or more teeth primarily causes a disruption in chewing function, which significantly affects other bodily functions and leads to aesthetic issues, creating numerous inconveniences in daily communication. Without teeth to stimulate the jawbone during chewing, gradual bone loss occurs. Since bone serves as the foundation for facial muscles, its loss leads to reduced muscle mass, giving the face an aged appearance and causing both functional and aesthetic problems.
Dental implants are the only solution that prevents bone loss.
Conventional methods for replacing lost teeth, such as crowns, bridges, partial, and full dentures, only temporarily and partially solve the problem. To place a bridge, the adjacent teeth must serve as supports, which often requires grinding down completely healthy teeth. While these restorations restore chewing function and aesthetics, the bone in the area of extracted teeth remains unstimulated and continues to resorb over time.
By placing implants in the space of missing teeth, not only are adjacent teeth preserved, but the forces generated during chewing are transferred to the jawbone, preventing its resorption.
Since implants behave very similarly to natural teeth, according to modern dentistry standards, they are considered the best replacement for lost teeth.
The procedure for replacing missing teeth with implant-supported crowns and bridges can be divided into several stages:
- Treatment planning, which includes a clinical examination and analysis of X-rays by an implant surgeon.
- Implant placement, a surgical procedure followed by a waiting period of 3-6 months for the process of osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the surrounding bone.
- Placement of abutments on the implants after osseointegration and taking impressions for the fabrication of crowns and bridges.
- Final placement of crowns and bridges, which marks the completion of the process.
Advantages of dental implants compared to dental bridges and dentures
In every possible way, dental implants represent a superior solution for replacing missing teeth.
- Aesthetics: The appearance and feel of a dental implant are identical to that of natural teeth. Since the implant firmly integrates with the jawbone, it prevents bone loss and gum recession, which commonly occur with bridges and dentures. No one will be able to tell that you have an artificial tooth replacement.
- Preservation of remaining teeth: Dental implants do not compromise the quality of adjacent teeth, unlike dental bridges. The more healthy and intact teeth you retain, the greater the long-term benefits for your oral health.
- Comfort and confidence: With dental implants, you can speak and eat comfortably and with greater confidence. They allow you to say goodbye to dentures that caused discomfort, slipped, or created an unpleasant foreign-body sensation in the mouth.
Frequently asked questions about dental implants
- Will my body reject a dental implant?
Implants are made from biocompatible materials, and there is no risk of rejection. The failure rate is around 3%, usually due to improper placement, excessive force, or inadequate oral hygiene. - How long does the surgical procedure take?
On average, about 30 minutes. - Is the implant placement procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is completely painless. After the surgery, mild discomfort may occur for the first 2-3 hours, which can be managed with painkillers (usually only one dose is needed). - What should I do after the treatment?
Just like natural teeth, implants require proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Brushing, flossing, and using an oral irrigator are essential to maintaining implant health. - How long does a dental implant last?
According to the latest research, 90-95% of all dental implants function successfully even after 10 years, provided that patients follow their dentist’s advice, maintain oral hygiene, and attend regular check-ups and preventive treatments. - Can everyone get a dental implant?
Age is not a limiting factor for implant placement. The only restriction applies to children whose jaw growth is not yet complete. - Are there any contraindications for implant placement?
As with any surgery, poor general health and certain medical conditions can negatively affect implant integration. Insufficient bone volume or poor bone quality may be contraindications, in which case additional surgical procedures, such as bone grafting, may be necessary. - What is most important for a successful dental implant procedure?
Before and after implantation, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the long-term stability of the implant and to prevent bone inflammation around it. Oral hygiene should be maintained according to your dentist’s recommendations, and regular check-ups are essential for the longevity of the implant and the prosthetic restorations placed on it.