Tooth loss is a common dental problem that everyone faces at some point in their lives. There are many options for replacing a lost tooth such as a removable denture, dental bridges or dental implants. Amongst these multiple options, a Dental Implant is a preferred choice for many people nowadays. It can efficiently replace multiple, single or complete loss of teeth. It restores the form and function of the teeth, which usually last for many years.

For a dentist, it is very important to know every possible detail about these before finally selecting a patient for an implant restoration. Selecting the right patient for implants is the primary reason behind any successful implant restoration.

Let's learn more about dental implants, which are useful from a dentist's and patient's perspective.

What are Dental Implants?

The main components of a dental implant restoration consist of three parts: the implant, the abutment and a crown.

Implant:

Titanium is the most commonly used material for making them. The implant has the structure and form of a tooth root. It is surgically implanted in the jawbone. After placing the implants in the jawbone, the dentist usually waits for some time. This duration roughly lasts for three months. This is important to ensure that the implant is completely fused with the jawbone.

Abutment:

The abutment is an interlink between the implant and the crown. As a support structure, it aids in fixing the crown by allowing it to sit securely over the implant.

Crown:

This is the portion of the implant that one can see in the mouth. Made using tooth-coloured materials, the crown is specifically designed to resemble a natural tooth in appearance and function. It is placed over the abutment.

The implant replaces the tooth root, the abutment holds the crown, and the crown reproduces the look of a natural tooth. All three parts together provide a stable, long-lasting and natural-looking replacement for a lost tooth.

Indications and Contraindications for Dental Implants:

Not every patient is an ideal candidate for Dental Implants. Therefore, it is important to know the indications and contraindications of Dental Implant restorations.

Indications of Dental Implants:

Poorly Fitting Dentures:

If dentures are painful, fail to fit well, or create issues with chewing or speaking, these are preferred.

Bone Loss:

They help in preventing further bone loss in the jaw that can occur after tooth extraction.

Enhanced Aesthetics:

They are a strong and aesthetic replacement for lost teeth. It should be preferred where aesthetic value is critical for a patient.

Bone Health:

Implants can easily restore the chewing and biting function of an individual. In patients with good bone thickness and systemic state, they are a great choice.

Long-Term Solution:

These are long-term solutions. They have the capacity to last many years if maintained with proper care. These should be chosen if the patient is interested in a long-term solution for restoring the tooth.

Contraindications for Dental Implants:

Poor Oral Health:

Patients with aggressive periodontitis or who have untreated infections need to be treated and managed before being subjected to implant therapy.

Systemic Conditions:

Some systemic diseases or drugs intervene in the healing process and the success of these implants. For instance, uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or some autoimmune conditions can be considered as a possible contraindication.

Poor Bone of the Jaw:

It's a condition where there is not sufficient bone mass present in the jaw region, therefore making it very difficult to place an implant, requiring bone grafting procedures.

Smoking:

The habit of smoking significantly reduces the success rate of these and has a high risk of complications.

Heavy Alcoholism:

It affects the healing processes and interferes with the success of an implant.

Dental Implant Treatment Planning:

Appropriate treatment planning leads to the success of the implants. Clinical, radiographical and medical evaluations are carried out before a dental implant treatment plan is made for the patient. The following procedures normally take place:

1. 1 - Facial and oral examinations are carried out.
2. 2 - The patient's medical history is taken.
3. 3 - Substance abuse is considered.
4. 4 - The degree of compliance in the maintenance of oral hygiene is evaluated.
5. 5 - Jawbone density is calculated by means of CBCT.
6. 6 - A surgical guide is made to achieve a more precise implant placement.

Patients can expect to have successful implant placements with the help of thorough treatment planning.

Surgical Placement of Dental Implants:

There are several techniques that can be used for placing them. These include Immediate Placement, a One-Stage Surgery and a Two-Stage Surgery.

In the case of Immediate Placement implant surgery, the implant and the abutment are placed together. This process is then followed by the placement of the temporary restoration.

For a One-Stage Surgery, the implant and the permucosal part are placed together in the jawbone together in one surgery. The abutment is placed later without having to perform any second surgery.

For a Two-Stage Surgery, the implant placement is done in the first stage, and after three months, the abutment is placed with the help of a second surgery; this ensures successful bone-to-implant integration.

The patients should know that this modern procedure is safer and more comfortable. Also, when it comes to providing durability and comfort, they provide a suitable restorative option.

Post-Operative Care and Maintenance of Implants:

The long-term success of these implants depends upon the level of post-operative care and maintenance. The dentist should educate the patient on how to maintain oral hygiene. Follow-up appointments should be taken seriously by the patient. Smoking should be avoided after surgery to facilitate faster healing. The surgical site should be maintained clean by brushing the teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day. Any pain or discomfort that lingers should be reported to the Dentist immediately.

Success Rate of Dental Implants and Their Long Life:

Dental Implants are more likely to be successful if some of the necessary steps are performed properly. These include proper treatment planning, good surgical technique, and patient compliance. Most of them can easily last for more than 10 years.

Advancements in Dental Implant Technology:

For dentists as well as patients, there are multiple options for replacing a lost tooth, but they are opting for Dental Implants in huge numbers. This is due to continuous innovative developments and customization options in implants.

Continued advancements in bioactive materials have provided better bone-implant bonding.

Improvement in the quality of material used in the implant has increased the success rate of implant restoration.

Digital workflows also enhance accuracy when placing implants. New technologies can be used to improve not only speed but also precision in implant restorations.

Advances in materials and manufacturing processes of prostheses have increased the possibility of obtaining an almost life-like replacement of the missing tooth.

Myths and Misconceptions about Dental Implants:

There are several myths which always go hand-in-hand with dental implants. Patients usually think that implants are something which would cause deep pain in the jaws or take a long time to heal. The truth is implants are not as painful as people think they are. They offer cosmetic benefits along with restoring tooth function.

Conclusion:

They have proven to be efficient, long-lasting, and capable of improving the quality of life in patients by replacing lost teeth. A successful dental implant restoration is a result of the combined efforts of both the dentist and the patient.