Dental implantation: what it is, how it happens, advantages and disadvantages

During implantation, missing teeth are restored so that they are of the closest quality to natural teeth. A titanium post is placed in the jaw tissue. A crown is fixed on top of it. How is dental implantation performed? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure?

How dental implantation is performed

First, the client has a preliminary consultation with the dentist and preparation:

• The dentist conducts a visual examination, finds out the state of health of the patient, the presence of chronic diseases.
• The specialist gives a referral for a CT scan to see in what condition the bone tissue in the jaw area is. He prescribes the necessary tests.
• The dentist advises which implants are best for the patient.

Preparation for implantation includes such stages:

• Treatment of caries, removal of tartar.
• Replacement of old crowns.
• Disinfection of the oral cavity lasts several days.
• 3D modeling of implants in a computer program.

If the CT scan shows a lack of bone tissue, bone grafting will be required. The tissue is built up over a period of 4-5 months. However, there are dental implant techniques that do not require bone volume restoration. A dentist can advise you about the available techniques.

Implant placement:

• The dentist dissects the gum tissue so that there is access to the bone. He forms a space in the jaw for the titanium post.
• The specialist fixes the artificial root with a power tool and screws it in place.
• The dentist installs a cover screw and sutures the gum. The implant takes root for 3 to 6 months. He then replaces the cover screw with gum contouring to achieve natural dental implants.
• After about 2 weeks, the dentist replaces the gum contouring element with an abutment - the connecting element between the implant and the crown.

Then comes the prosthetic phase, when the dentist makes an impression and fabricates the crown. He replaces the temporary abutment with a permanent one and fixes the crown.

Advantages and disadvantages of dental implants

Pros of dental implants:

• Up to 12 teeth that are located on the same jaw can be restored in a single surgery.
• If the jaw bone has atrophied to the early or middle stages, special implants can be placed.
• Unlike removable dentures, such a design does not block the taste buds, and a person feels all the richness of flavors of food.
• Quality implants look natural.
• Implants are similar to natural teeth and do not create discomfort.
• After implantation, the contour of the gum remains natural.
• With implants, you can eat hard foods without fear that the tooth will break.
• During implantation, the neighboring teeth are not damaged and do not have to be ground down as for dentures.
• On average, an implant crown lasts up to 10 years or more.

Disadvantages of dental implants:

• The surgery to implant posts carries certain risks. You may have to build up bone tissue, use antibiotics to relieve inflammation.
• It is important to choose implant posts carefully so that they are made of hypoallergenic quality metal. Some people are allergic to certain metals, so it is important to make sure they are not allergic to them before implants are placed.
• For the recovery period while the artificial root takes root, there will be restrictions on certain foods and other doctor's recommendations that must be followed.
• Implants are more expensive than other methods of prosthetics.

It is important to take into account that there may be contraindications to dental implants. It is necessary to undergo a preliminary examination, which will be recommended by the dentist.