Tooth loss, is something that none of us look forward to, and the most dreaded. Loss of a tooth has a considerable impact on the psychology of an individual. The effect is a deep seated one, much more than we can comprehend.
Dentistry offers several options for the replacement of missing tooth, of which dental implants is the most recent and the most considered treatment option.
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
Dental Implant is a titanium screw or a cylinder, which is available in various sizes, and various biomaterials, and is placed in the edentulous site. The implant fixture is surgically placed in the jaw bone, and heals gradually by a process called “osseointegration”. This implant fixture replicates the root of the natural tooth. After considerable time has elapsed post healing, a dental prosthesis is placed on the top most part of the implant fixture, which resembles the natural tooth anatomy.
PARTS OF A DENTAL IMPLANT
Implant fixture –
Its an insert that provides firm anchorage for the restoration. It is screwed into the jaw bone, providing a fixed platform, onto which the abutment is screwed. During the healing period, the jaw bone grows into, and around the implant fixture threads, thus strengthening the jaw bone, and preventing further bone loss, in the edentulous site. Implant fixtures come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and widths.
Abutment –
Implant abutments provide, support to the dental crown. It is the interface between the crown and the implant fixture. It is screwed onto the top most part of the fixture. abutments come at preformed at set angulations, from manufacturers in different platform sizes, or they can also be custom made.
Crown –
Crowns are the top part of the restoration. The part that is visible in the oral cavity. They replicate the original teeth, to provide a biting surface and aesthetic appearance.
WHAT CAN DENTAL IMPLANT DO?
Replace one or more teeth, without affecting neighbouring teeth
support a bridge, and eradicate the need for a removable partial denture.
support a complete denture, which is an implant supported one, hence making it more stable, secure and comfortable for the patient.
TYPES OF IMPLANTS IN USE
Endosteal (placed within the bone) – This type of implant is used as an alternative to bridges or removable dentures. This is the most commonly used implants pattern. It is availbale in various types, including screws, cylinders or blades.
Subperiosteal (on the bone) – These are placed on the bone surface and not within. It is secured, using metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. these implant are mainly used by those patients, who are unable to wear conventional dentures, and have minimal amount of residual bone height.
IDEAL IMPLANT CANDIDATE
An ideal implant patient is the one who is in good oral and general health. He should not be suffering from any systemic illness, which could compromise the implant procedure outcome.
Adequate bone height and width is mandatory for implant placement. apart from the bone volume the bone quality is also very important for implant placement. Bone density varies in different areas in the jaw. If the bone density is poor, or more porous, which can be evaluated by various imaging modalities, placing an implant becomes doubtful. Nonetheless, these defects can well be reversed by various complementary surgical procedures, like bone grafting, and the treatment plan can thus be well tailored in the best interest of the patient.
Individuals with habits like, smoking, or who consume tobacco in any form, are poor candidates for implant procedures. And they should be well informed about the reduced percentage of implant success in their case.
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