DENTAL IMPLANTS: Overview, its uses, advantages and disadvantages

Having a missing tooth in your aesthetic zone, is troublesome right?

Restoring your aesthetics and function by replacing a missing tooth is one of the arts of dentistry. There are different types of replacement. They can be removable, semi-fixed and fixed. Removable dentures are the most affordable and least desirable option because of the inconvenience in the mouth. The fixed prosthesis is considered a standard treatment for replacing missing teeth all over the world. They can be of different types. The most superior and popular method is Dental implants.

Though dental implants are known for their quality and longevity, many people get drawn back due to the cost factor. Are you interested in learning about dental implants? Here are its uses, advantages and disadvantages, so that you can sort out your decision whether you had to go for it or not.

What is a Dental Implant?

It is a surgical procedure in which an artificial screw like device that a dental surgeon inserts into the bone. It is allowed to fuse to adjacent bone for a duration of 5-6months. In medical terms, it is called Osseointegration.

Titanium is the main component of dental implants. One can be hesitant to allow your dentist to keep a metal substance in your mouth. Here are some points that can reduce your concerns.

1. Titanium is a biocompatible material. In simple terms, it is safer to use in human tissues and doesn't get rejected by our immune system.

2. Titanium implants are known for their lightweight property and stability. It has sufficient strength to counteract your chewing and masticatory forces.

3. Titanium implants are also known for their durability. They resist deterioration and can last a long time.

4. It doesn't interfere with the MRI or any other X-Ray procedures due to its ferromagnetic property.

A Dental implant consists of

• A fixture is a small screw shaped structure that anchors into the bone. It replaces the missing tooth roots and provides support. It is present below the gums.

• An abutment is a short screw that extends above your gum line. It connects your fixture and artificial crown. It can be of metal or tooth coloured material.

• A prosthesis or crown that mimics your natural tooth crown. It is the visible part of a dental implant. It can be of ceramic or porcelain which can be screwed or cemented to the abutment.

It is an excellent alternative for people who are not willing for dentures or any bridgework replacements. The main disadvantage of Dental bridgework replacements is it demands grinding of the adjacent natural tooth. The Implant supported prosthesis is a conservative replacement. They are secure, comfortable and does not have a dependence on an adjacent natural tooth.

Types of Dental Implant placements:

A dental surgeon evaluates your clinical condition for placing the implants. It includes evaluation criteria such as bone condition, available space for the placement, surrounding periosteal structures and other health conditions. They can be of endosteal (implant inside the bone) and periosteal (implant on jawbone under the gum tissue). Endosteal implants are more in use due to poor long term results of subperiosteal implants.

Conditions that indicate you can have dental implants are

• Single or multiple missing teeth

• Adequate bone is present to secure the implants

• Healthy oral tissues

• Not interested in removable dentures

Conditions that contraindicate to have dental implants are:

• Systemic conditions that affect bone healing

• Bone disorders that can affect the quality and quantity of bone ( Eg: Osteoporosis, Paget’s disease)

• Chronic tobacco smoking can affect the gum tissues.

• Improper Oral hygiene maintenance

• Uncontrollable metabolic disease like diabetes

• Undergoing radiation and chemotherapy

• Parafunctional habits- tooth grinding or clenching

Advantages of Dental Implants that can benefit you

• Improves appearance, aesthetics and speech

• Eliminates discomfort of removable prosthesis

• Maintains the bone level

• High success rate

• Easy maintenance

• Improve chewing and eating ability

Disadvantages of dental implants

• It involves surgery which may sound scary for some people.

• Not cost effective for everyone, but it provides excellent long term results.

• Long duration of treatment due to the healing phase

What is the success rate of dental implants?

The success rate of dental implants depends on the type of implant used and the bone adjacent to the implant. A high quality implant adjacent to unhealthy bone results in failure of the implant. According to some studies, dental implants have a success rate of 98%. With proper oral hygiene, care and regular dental visits, they can last a lifetime.