A dental implant is an artificial tooth that replaces the missing natural tooth. Dental implants are best option for those who have lost their teeth due to decay or accidental decay. They have a better natural look than the alternative tooth replacement. They also function better than dentures or bridges.
Why is it needed?
Dental implants are advised for
- Lost teeth due to injury or decay
- Cosmetic purposes
Procedure details
- It involves 2 major stages, separated by 3 months of healing time
- Dental implant surgery – Implants are placed into the jaw bone
- Implant restoration – Crown is built over the dental implants
Facts and Figures
- According to a study in the US, approx 300,000 – 428,000 procedures are performed annually
- Heavy smokers have a high failure rate than non-smokers
- By age 74, 26% of adults lose all their teeth. Between ages 35-44, 69% of adults lose at least one permanent tooth due to gum disease, accident, failed root canal or tooth decay
Advantages
- Dental implants feel and look like natural teeth, improving the appearance of teeth
- Enhances self-esteem, more convenient
- Improves comfort and speech, makes chewing easier
- Longer life span provided good oral hygiene is maintained
- The procedure takes less time. Dental tourist can return home in 2-3 days and return for the second visit according to the dentist’s instruction
Disadvantages
- Rejection of the dental implant
- The poor placing of dental implants
- Dental implant failure or breakage
- Bone loss near the dental implant site
Risks and Complications
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling, pain, and bruising of face and gums
- Nerve damage or injury to the surrounding structure
- Reaction to medicine or anesthesia
Pre-operative preparation
- Visiting dentist to know about procedure and post-procedure
- Informing dentist about allergies, smoking or alcohol habits
- Tooth X-ray
- Get a list of medicines to be stopped or taken
- Arrange for someone as a caregiver after the procedure
- No drinking/eating anything night before
Post-operative care
- Patients may be uncomfortable which disappears in a day. Medicines have to be taken as instructed
- Swelling, pain at the implant site
- Follow instructions by the dentist to avoid minor bleeding, bruising, etc
Do’s, Don’ts and Precautions
- Do follow proper teeth cleaning regimen
- Do take the antibiotic as instructed
- Do eat only soft food for 7 days
- Don’t do any physical activity for 3 days
- Don’t drink tea, nicotine, alcohol for 3 days
- Don’t push the tongue on the implant for 2-4 weeks
- Avoid hot food and liquids for some days
- Reduce swelling with ice and medication
- Apply warm and moist towel at the implant site to get relief from soreness, swelling, stiffness in jaw muscles