Dental Implants
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium medical device that serves to replace the root of a failing or missing tooth.
The dental implant is carefully placed into the bone of your jaw via a short surgical procedure usually under local anaesthesia and sterile conditions.
New bone cells from the jaw will begin to migrate and grow intimately against the threaded surface of the dental implant. This bone-to-implant interface matures (a process known as osseointegration) allowing newly formed bone to lock and anchor the implant into the jaw. Depending on the patient’s bone volume and density, this process may take anywhere between 2 to 6 months.
Following osseountegraion, the implant is then ready to be fitted with a functional crown. If multiple or all teeth are missing, implants may be used to support or retain other types of dental prostheses such as fixed bridges or removable overdentures. These are all custom-designed and made according to the oral anatomy of each individual patient.
Ultimately, the goal of dental implant treatment modality is to rehabilitate your dental function and aesthetics in a scientific and predictable way.
Titanium is highly biocompatible and has a wide range of other medical applications including hip and knee replacements. If you have ever broken an arm or a leg, an orthopaedic surgeon would use small titanium screws and plates to re-attach and stabilise the fractured bone pieces together. In recent years, other biomaterials such as zirconia (a type of ceramic) have become available for dental implant treatment.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Conventional methods for teeth replacement include removable partial or full dentures or teeth-borne bridges. The decision of not proceeding with dental implant treatment may also carry its own risks, most of which may not be apparent until later. This includes, but are not limited to, the following:
• Infection of the gums and bone from the failing tooth or teeth
• Bone shrinkage of the edentulous site as soon as tooth extraction is performed
• Gum recession and sensitivity particularly of the adjacent teeth
• Movement or tilting of the adjacent teeth into the space of the missing tooth/teeth
• Over-eruption of the opposing tooth from the edentulous site
• Temporomandibular (jaw) joint problems
• Overloading and premature wearing of the remaining teeth. This may lead to headaches, pain to the back of the neck and facial muscles, and tired jaw muscles when chewing
• The possibility that implants may not be able to be placed at a later date due to changes in your oral or medical condition
Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment
Improved Function: Dental implants restore your ability to chew comfortably and speak clearly.
Natural Appearance: Implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth.
Bone Preservation: Unlike dentures, implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure.
Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Increased Confidence: Restoring your smile can significantly boost your self-esteem.
No Need to Alter Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require the modification of neighboring teeth.
Risks of Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment is generally considered safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some potential risks and complications. These include:
Infection: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection at the implant site, which could lead to failure of the implant.
Nerve damage: Nerves near the implant site could be damaged during the procedure, potentially causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the surrounding areas, such as the lips, gums, or chin.
Implant failure: In some cases, the implant may not properly fuse with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. This can lead to the implant becoming loose or failing altogether.
Sinus problems: If implants are placed in the upper jaw, the roots of the implant may protrude into the sinus cavities, leading to sinus issues, such as infections or sinus congestion.
Bone loss: Insufficient bone density in the jaw can complicate the implant procedure and lead to bone loss. In some cases, bone grafts may be needed before implant placement.
Gum problems: Inflammation or infection of the gums around the implant can lead to gum disease, which may cause the implant to loosen or fail.
Implant rejection: Though rare, the body may reject the implant, especially if there are issues with the titanium material or if the patient has an allergy.
Damage to surrounding teeth: During the implant placement, adjacent teeth or structures could be unintentionally damaged.
Complications from anesthesia: As with any surgery involving anesthesia, there is a risk of an allergic reaction or other complications from the anesthetic.
Proper aftercare, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and following post-surgical instructions, can help prevent many of these complications.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients with good overall health and adequate jawbone density are candidates for dental implants.
Your next step is simply to book an appointment for a clinical examination (including a CT scan) so that an assessment may be performed to determine if implants are the right solution for you.
In some cases, bone grafting procedures may be necessary to build up the jawbone prior to implant placement.
The Implant Process
The dental implant process typically involves several stages:
Consultation and Planning: An evaluation of your general and oral health will be performed. This is followed by a discussion of your needs, preferences and treatment options. A personalized treatment plan including a quotation will be formulated.
Implant Placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia.
Healing Period (Osseointegration): The implant integrates with the jawbone over 3-6 months.
Prosthesis insertion: A custom-made crown, bridge, or overdenture is attached to the implant(s), completing the restoration.
Your Next Step
Edentulism is a serious condition with far-reaching consequences, but it is not a life sentence. Dental implant treatment offers a long-term, aesthetically pleasing, and functional solution to restore your smile, improve your oral health, and enhance your quality of life. If you are struggling with tooth loss, book a consultation with Dr Alan Kwong to discuss whether dental implants are a suitable option for you. It is an investment in your health and well-being that can bring a new lease on life, allowing you to smile, eat, speak and live with confidence once again.