Dental implants are titanium inserts that take the place of tooth roots. They are firmly fixed into the jawbone on which a fixed or removable false tooth [prosthesis] can be attached to look and function like a natural tooth.
The biggest advantage of an implant is that it does not involve unnecessary trimming of the neighboring tooth as is seen in conventional bridges thereby saving adjacent teeth.
USES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS:
1. To replace missing tooth (one or more) without involving the adjacent tooth
2. It is used to support a fixed partial prosthesis also known as a bridge.
3. Implants are also used beneath complete dentures for additional support and retention thereby terming it as over dentures.
DENTAL IMPLANTS - WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF?
They are made of Grade 4 titanium depending on the amount of carbon and iron it contains. It looks like a small titanium screw with a roughened surface. Recently grade 5 titanium is being used for implant manufacturing.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR IMPLANT TOOTH REPLACEMENT.?
SINGLE TOOTH MISSING
The single tooth implant restoration include three parts, Implant that restore the tooth root, the abutment that support the crown and the prosthetic crown itself. he crown is may cemented onto abutment or held in place with a screw. A single tooth implant with crown is one of the best everlasting restorations. This solution looks and functions akin to a natural tooth.
MULTIPLE TOOTH MISSING
If more than one tooth is missing in different parts of the mouth, multiple single tooth implant are efficient substitute restorations. If multiple teeth are missing in the same region, multiple missing teeth can be replaced with fewer implants because dental implants are tougher than the natural tooth roots. This solution comprises implants, fixed bridges done
ALL TEETH MISSING
When all teeth are missing or in a condition that all teeth need to be replaced, there are two basically types of full arch implant reconstructions options:
FULL ARCH IMPLANTS
Fixed Bridges anchored to dental implants.
With today's technologies, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high aesthetic solution similar to having a new set of teeth again.
IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES
Implants facilitate you to wear full dentures (Over dentures) and partial dentures devoid of worrying that they will slip or fall out. Having implants to support these dentures means that the base of the denture can be made much smaller and comfortable. For over dentures, implants with screws placed on the jaw will work as an attachment for a metal bar that will help support a removable denture.
What type of maintenance do dental implants require?
Implant crowns and other prosthetic (false) tooth replacements are removable and replaceable (only by your dentist), so that if damage or wear necessitates replacement, this can be accomplished without affecting the implant(s) or attachment to the bone.
Nevertheless, implants do require maintenance. It is important to practice good daily oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing to control bacterial bio film.You can also use water flosser as directed by dentist. It is also important to see your dentist and have regular follow ups.