Restoration options for lost or damaged teeth include dental implants. The implants work to return normal function of teeth by replacing old bone or supporting surrounding teeth for proper function of the teeth. Tooth decay, root canal failure, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, excessive wear of the teeth or congenital defects may require dental implants.
Examination
The implant procedure depends on how many tooth replacements are involved and the condition of the jaw, the Mayo Clinic explains. A patient may need to be examined by an oral surgeon, who specializes in treating damage or disease in the mouth and jaw. A periodontist can determine the condition of the gums in the support of the teeth and implants. A prosthodontist makes and fits the replacements. Patients can choose between removable implants and fixed implants. Removable implants can be snapped into place and easily removed. People with multiple tooth loss in one area choose them because they are cheaper than getting several individual fixed implants. Fixed implants are cemented as permanent fixtures.
Preparation
A hole is drilled at the jaw site where there is no tooth to place a titanium screw that will be covered by the artificial tooth, the Consumer Guide to Dentistry explains. The hole has to be drilled very carefully to avoid damaging the jaw. The hole is slowly widened to allow placement of the screw. In some cases, bone grafting is needed before implant surgery if the jawbone is not thick enough to support the implant, the Mayo Clinic says. Bone is taken from another area of the body and transplanted to the jaw. Some bone grafts take several months for the bone to grow before implant surgery. In other cases, only minor bone grafting is needed and can take place during the implant surgery.
Placement
The titanium screw is placed in the hole and a temporary crown is placed over it to help heal and protect the area. The protective crown also helps the area around the gum grow and shape naturally. It may take up to several months before the protective cover is removed. Additional surgery may include an abutment attached to the implant for stronger support, the Mayo Clinic says. The temporary crown is later replaced with the permanent crown for completion of the implant.
Afterwards
Most implants are successful, but there is no guarantee the implant will be work all the time. Implants fail if they are placed in a poor position, the implants break, crowns become lose or infection around the implant takes place, the Consumer Guide to Dentistry explains. Patients with implants do not have to worry about cavities forming in the implant, but proper hygiene must be performed to avoid the possibility of gum disease around the implant.
