Say goodbye to missing teeth… a beautiful smile is a timeless accessory associated with one’s identity. The loss of front teeth affects the looks and smile of an individual and loss of back teeth has an effect on speaking and chewing abilities.
One should consider replacing his/her teeth when tooth loss can cause drastic effect on the features of the face as shown in the picture below:
Additionally, there are possible affects of teeth loss on the general health of the patient.
Options available for single/multiple teeth replacement:
Option 1: Removable dentures (Partial or Complete)
Removable dentures can be advised for single tooth replacement or complete teeth replacement.
The disadvantages of removable dentures include discomfort, difficulty in chewing & speaking. Maintenance & cleaning can be inconvenient and they may become loose over time as they can contribute to bone resorption over time.
Option 2: Fixed Partial Denture
Though fixed partial dentures are a considerable option for replacing the missing teeth, the disadvantages include damage to the adjacent tooth during the grinding leading to root canal treatment. Improper oral hygiene can cause debris accumulation on these bridges and loss of supporting bone on the adjacent teeth.
Option 3: Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots like material screwed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are typically made of titanium, which is bio-compatible and fuses with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration. Some medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis needs necessary medical consent for undergoing the implant procedures. In elders who are on medications like blood thinners, anti-diabetic drugs may require adjustments during the implant procedure.
Dental implants offer a transformative solution allowing you to renew your smile & regain self-confidence. The support for missing teeth is taken from a screw like titanium material placed in the jaw bone and allowing it to osseointegrate. After the healing period (3-6 months), the implant can be loaded with the crown on the top with an attachment (abutment). Dental Implants are the ideal solution to say goodbye to missing teeth.
Steps involved in dental implant therapy:
After the eligibility criteria are met, Implant placement into the jaw bone is done under local anaesthesia. If the patient is anxious, the procedure can be done by various sedation methods under the care of an anesthetist.
1. Surgical Phase: This phase includes the initial consultation, clinical and radiological evaluation (CBCT Scan) post which the patient is posted for implant placement followed by necessary healing period (4-6 months) for the bone-implant attachment.
2. Prosthetic Phase: There will be an attachment (abutment) fixed onto the implant and over which a cap (crown) will be placed.
Total number of implants needed for replacing the complete set of dentition:
Based on the availability of the bone (volume), the plan can be either placing the implants straight (6-8 /jaw) or tilting (all on 4/6 per jaw) to support the teeth.
In conditions with absolute no available bone in the upper jaw, the newer horizon is placement of implants in the check bone (zygoma) and connected by a framework followed by loading of the teeth immediately over the framework (teeth in a week).
Implant placement surgery can be immediate (after tooth removal) or delayed (after bone healing period of 6 weeks. If the initial tightness (torque) of the implant is above 45Newton-centimeters (N-cm), immediate teeth can be given by giving an attachment on the implant. In case of reduced torque values, we can wait for the healing time (4-6 months) for the bone to get attached on the implant and give the teeth on the implant (delayed loading) thus making dental implants the best teeth replacement options to say goodbye to missing teeth.
Post-Op Care after dental implant assisted tooth replacement:
After successful implant placement and loading of teeth on the implant, the patient should follow meticulous oral hygiene measures (brushing twice daily, mouth wash and also check up with the concerned Implantologist every 6 months).
Advantages of Dental implants assisted teeth replacement:
Improved appearance: Dental implants are similar to natural teeth, enhancing smile, speech and overall facial aesthetics thus giving the confidence to socialize.
Improved Comfort: Dental implants provide a stable and secure foundation for replacement of teeth, providing better comfort and improve the quality of life by preserving the integrity of the natural teeth.
Preservation of facial structure: Dental implants restore your ability to bite and chew with full force, stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving your facial structure.
Easy maintenance: Maintenance requires your daily oral care routine: brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing between teeth and avoiding sugary snacks.
