A dental implant is a foundation for the application of artificial teeth. A dental implant recreates the complete function of the lost tooth, and is the strongest and most natural-looking solution. Unfortunately it is also quite expensive.
Generally about the treatment
A dental implant is made from titanium and is shaped like a screw. Titanium excels due to the fact, that it is tolerated by the organism, and therefore is not rejected.
When an implant is operated into the jawbone it works as a root for the new, artificial tooth. Once the implant is in place, it can be used for securing different types of artificial teeth, such as crowns (single artificial teeth, which are cemented in place), bridges (artificial teeth, which are connected, and which are also cemented in place), or prostheses (artificial teeth, that can be taken out).
A dental implant is a good, permanent and stabile solution, regardless of whether it is one or several teeth that are missing. Dental implants are expensive though, which should be taken into consideration, before a decision to have the treatment is made.
If the case is a single missing tooth, the dentist will probably recommend an implant with a crown. If the case is several missing teeth, there is the option of having single crowns put on, or the option of a bridge solution. That way the chewing function and the appearance is re-established.
For patients who have lost all their teeth, there is the option of a complete bridge, which is being supported by implants, or there is the option of a full prosthesis, which is held in place by implants.
One of the benefits of implants is that there is no need to abrade on the neighbouring teeth during the mounting. Additionally, the patient will be able to speak, laugh, and eat, all without worrying about the teeth falling out.
The procedure
A certain amount of jawbone is required for the titanium screw to be implanted. If there is not enough bone, a bone transplant from another area of the body is required.
In the illustration (fig. 1) the procedure of replacing a single tooth with the following attachment of a crown (artificial tooth) is shown:
- The actual implant (the screw) is surgically inserted into the jaw. If enough jawbone is available, stitches are made across the screw, after which it then needs to grow together with the bone for 2-6 months.
- During a new, minor operation, the screw is exposed, and an extension, which reaches up through the gums, is attached to it.
- The artificial root has now been created, and then dentist is then able to attach a crown, bridge, or prosthesis onto the extension.
Anaesthesia
The surgery usually takes place under local anaesthesia with some soothing medicine, and is ambulant. In severe cases the surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia.
Side-effects
After the treatment the jawbone and gums will feel sore. Discomfort, swelling, and contusions (bruising) may also occur.
Risk of complications
There is a risk of bleeding and infection. There is also a risk of damage to nearby anatomical structures such as the nerves and sinuses.
The risk of complications is obviously greater, is cases requiring more complicated surgery, when a bone transplant is needed, and upon insertion of many implants.
No surgical procedure is risk free, but serious complications are rare.
Healing and recovery
A treatment duration of 4-8 months can be necessary. The duration of the treatment depends on the individual situation. Please consult the dentist for an estimate.
Duration of the result
The durability of the implants, before replacement is needed, is very individual. Under the best of circumstances, they will last for more than 10 years in 95-97 % of cases.
It is a well-known fact, that smokers normally loose their implants before non-smokers.