What are Dental Implants?

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Gone are the days when dentures and bridges were the only options available for replacing missing natural teeth. Today, dentists use dental implants, which have become the most popular option for replacing teeth which have been lost, either as a result of an injury or due to infection. But, do you know why dental implants have become so much popular? The reason lies in their unique design features. Continue reading to find out more.

What is an Implant?

Dental implant Compared to tooth root

An implant is a small screw shaped fixture that is fabricated from titanium alloys. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they become firmly anchored and serve as the tooth is root component of artificial teeth. Once the implant is completely embedded in the bone, a suitable prosthesis, depending on the number of missing teeth, is attached over it. Implants are incredibly effective as they help to prevent bone loss by supporting the surrounding bone.

How do Dental Implants Work?

It is often said that dental implant-supported teeth look and feel just like natural teeth. This is primarily because of a unique property of Titanium dental implants known as osseointegration. Titanium alloys possess the capability of promoting bone formation around them. That is why when an implant is inserted into the bone, the healthy bone starts to form around it and firmly anchors the implant. This allows the implant to support artificial teeth which are attached to them.

Why are dental implants necessary?

Dental implants can be used for the treatment of the following problems:

  • Single Tooth Replacement – an implant can be used for replacing a single missing tooth by attaching a crown over it.
  • Replacement of Multiple Teeth – another beneficial feature of dental implants is that a single implant can up to 3 or 4 missing adjacent teeth.
  • Replacing all Missing Teeth in a Jaw – when it comes to replacing all teeth in a jaw, only 4,6, 8 implants placed strategically can be effectively used for this purpose. Such a prosthesis is known as an all on four, six or eight implant-supported fixed prostheses.
  • Replacement of Old Dentures – for people who are not happy with the fit or esthetics of the removable dentures, they can benefit from an implant-supported prosthesis.
  • Smile Makeover – if you are not happy with your facial esthetics and smile, then your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams with dental implants.

What is dental implant surgery?

Placement of dental implants is usually carried out in different phases:

  1. The Surgical Phase

Placement of dental implants is an oral surgery ‘sprocedure. Therefore, it is performed under the effect of local anesthesia, or if required, under sedation. First, your dentist will make an incision over the soft tissues where the implant has to be inserted, to expose the underlying bone.  Then, your dentist will drill a hole in the bone and then carefully screwing in the implant into it. A healing collar is placed over the implant, followed by suturing back the soft tissue flap.

The surgical site is then left undisturbed for about 6 months to allow an optimal healing process to take place.

  1. Restorative Phase

During your next appointment, which will approximately be after 6 months of implant insertion, your dentist will examine the surgical to ascertain whether complete healing has taken place. If yes, then your dentist will place a pre-fabricated prosthesis such as a crown, bridge or a denture over it to restore the missing teeth. That’s it, your missing teeth have been replaced with an implant.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are by far, the most durable, strongest and the safest option for replacing lost teeth. In addition, they also allow for the attachment of highly esthetic prostheses (dentures, crowns or bridges) over them, so that the replaced teeth look just like your natural ones. Dental implants also restore your ability to chew and speak without any difficulty.

If you have lost one or more of your natural teeth, and you’re looking for the most reliable option, then dental implants should be your first choice. You will never regret your decision.

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Zubair Sacranie

Zubair Sacranie

Dr. Zubair Sacranie is a highly qualified and experienced clinician in the fields of cosmetic dentistry and dental implantology. He qualified from the Dundee Dental School in 2000 thereafter completing his two year General Professional Training Scheme. During this time Dr.Sacranie had training in implant and complex restorative dentistry as well as in orthodontics and peadiatric dentistry. Dr Sacranie worked in a private dental practice in Coventry for four years before becoming the Principal and owner of the Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic. He is also the practice principle at Water Orton Dental Centre.
Zubair Sacranie

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