What are dental implants?

Loss of teeth can alter the jawbone's structure, making the bones less stable and more prone to shifting after tooth loss. This action results in a change in facial structure. The facial muscles and bones shift and weaken without teeth, making it difficult to eat, speak, and smile without pain. Dental implants are synthetically made tooth roots that can be surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person's chewing function or appearance. They're there to prop up dental prosthetics like dentures, bridges, and crowns. They are a fixed, durable option for filling gaps caused by tooth loss.

What does dental implant surgery entail?

Dr Jeftha will conduct a thorough oral examination of the potential implant site and review any relevant dental imaging studies during the consultation and planning phase. The need for additional bone at the site is determined after thoroughly evaluating the jawbone's quality and quantity. Dental implant surgery will be scheduled once it has been determined that the intended site is suitable for implant placement.

Dr Jeftha will make an incision in your gum during implant surgery to expose the bone. In order to insert the metal post of a dental implant, holes must be drilled into the jawbone. The post is placed deep into the bone to function as the root (anchor) of the tooth. Osseointegration starts when the titanium implant post is anchored into the jaw. This is when the jawbone integrates with the implant and grows into it. Give this procedure time to run its course, which could be several months, because it will help provide a solid base for your new prosthetic tooth, just as natural roots do.

After the osseointegration process is complete, you may need to undergo additional surgery to have the abutment inserted. Outpatient local anaesthesia is the norm for this type of minor surgery. There are instances where the abutment is secured to the metal post of the dental implant at the time of implantation. That means you won't need an extra surgical step. However, until Dr Jeftha finishes the tooth prosthesis, the abutment will be visible when you open your mouth because it protrudes beyond the gum line. Because of its visual impact, an abutment may be placed during a separate surgical procedure by those unsatisfied with the result.

Dr Jeftha will take additional impressions of your mouth and the remaining teeth once your gums have healed. The crown, or cap, of your artificial tooth, is crafted using these impressions to ensure a natural appearance. Before your jawbone has healed sufficiently to support your new tooth, Dr Jeftha won't be able to place the crown. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the surgical area, and the patient is also given any other sedatives they may need for comfort and anxiety before surgery.

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