An artificial tooth, or dental implant, can be a lifelong solution to replace a missing tooth. A missing tooth is not only an aesthetic nuisance, as it soon begins to affect the bite. An implant may also be necessary if teeth have been lost due to oral inflammatory diseases. An implant refers to a screw-shaped artificial root made of titanium that is placed inside the bone and installed in the jawbone during surgery.
In addition to fixed implant crowns and bridges, extensive missing teeth can be replaced with removable dental prostheses. Removable prostheses can be more affordable than fixed prostheses, but their problems are related to poorer permanence than fixed prostheses.
One artificial root is needed for one or two teeth, usually 5–6 implants are needed for a full-jaw bridge.
How is the implant placed?
Before the treatment, you will go to a separate planning visit to find out if it is even possible to install the implant. The whole implant treatment usually requires three or four visits from start to finish, the last of which is a visit much later to ensure the implant has properly healed and there are no issues with your prosthesis.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is painless for the patient. During the surgery, some gum is opened, and a small hole is drilled in the jawbone, into which the implant is screwed. One artificial root is needed to replace one or two teeth.
Ossification of the implant usually takes two to three months, after which a visible structure is made over the implant: a ceramic crown, a bridge structure connecting the crowns, or a loose prosthesis resting on the implant.
What should be considered on the day of surgery before the procedure?
Prepare as you would for any oral surgical procedure. Possible anesthesia or premedication can affect the client's preparation, but usually the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. You will normally come to the procedure having eaten. If you are nervous about the procedure, you should talk to the treating dentist in advance about possible premedication.
What should be considered and done at home after the procedure?
In general, the after-effects are minor, especially after placing individual implants. Painkillers are used as needed. It is good to take care of oral hygiene according to the instructions. In addition, care should be taken not to put too much strain on the area where the procedure has been performed in the early stages, so that the wound and the implant heal well. Antibiotics and mouthwash support healing.
Who can have an implant supported bridge?
The implant is placed only in a healthy mouth. The mouth must not have, for example, periodontitis, a disease that detaches the tooth from its supporting tissue. The mouth must also be healthy in the future, meaning you must continue to practice excellent oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
Severe underlying diseases can prevent the placement of an implant. For example, poorly managed diabetes increases oral inflammatory diseases related to implants. Advanced infections in the tissues around the implant can cause bone loss and lead to the loss of the implant. In order for the implant to remain securely in place, it requires sufficient bone around it.