Dental Implants
In Cochin Dental Clinic we provide you with specialized Dental Implant Solutions in order to replace teeth that are absent or missing or were extracted due to various reasons.
Replacement of teeth with dental implants is a surgical procedure by which we insert a titanium implant into your jaw bone. This will act as the root of your tooth. Once the bone grows around the implant and keeps it in place, we fix the missing tooth or teeth (crown or bridge) on to the implants.
The human body accepts titanium like no other metal and hence becomes part of your body. They become like your own tissue. Hence unlike removable dentures, they are quite comfortable while eating or talking, and there need not be any fear of your denture slipping out to cause an “awkward moment”. And because of this, Dental Implants are considered as a long term dental option by many.
This procedure is best suited for people with one or more teeth missing —- missing because either these teeth never developed or were lost due to dental diseases or dental injury — but who otherwise have good oral health. Dental implants require healthy gums and sufficient bone to support the implant. This procedure is done under local anesthesia and hence is quite painless. Any number of implants can be performed on a patient depending on the space available and the quality of the bone.
Apart from crowns or bridges and, dental implants are also used for anchorage during orthodontic tooth movement.
Procedure for Dental Implants
We will first take X-rays of the jaw bones and prepare study models to assess the exact position where the implant needs to be placed and whether the adequate bone is present to place and retain the implant. If we determine that there is adequate bone present; and that there are no other complications, the patient is posted for the procedure.
During the procedure, the sites for the implants are marked on the gums, and under local anesthesia, using special instruments implants are inserted into your jaw bone. A cover screw is placed over the implant. The gum tissue is then sutured back to cover the implant and bone. Painkillers to reduce discomfort and antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection will be prescribed for you. The gums may be swollen and tender for a short time after the procedure. You may also be advised to restrict yourself to soft foods for a few days.
After the healing is complete and the implant has “fused” to the bone and is anchored securely (this may take around 3 months to 5 months), it is time for the next step to prepare the implant to receive the dental prosthesis (crown or bridge).
This procedure is also done under local anesthesia, which involves reopening of the gum tissue over the implant, and a metal post (abutment) that eventually holds your new tooth is attached to the implant. This procedure causes less discomfort than the previous one.
The dentist or prosthodontist will then make dental impressions of your jaws and the prepared abutment by placing a soft substance into your mouth that hardens into an impression of your teeth. Models of your jaw and any remaining teeth are prepared from these impressions and sent to the dental laboratory where new artificial teeth are fabricated based on the instructions from the dentist or prosthodontist.
These artificial teeth are then attached to the abutment, by the dentist or prosthodontist.
Immediate or One-day implants or single stage implants
Depending on the situation, sometimes, the temporary or even the permanent crown component can be loaded on the same day or only a few days later the implant is placed.
But this immediate or one-day implants cannot be used in all situations. This state-of-the-art technology has strict selection criteria, and as such might not be an option for you. But if after careful examination it is determined that you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, then it is a great option for you.
These artificial teeth, because of the anchorage and support of the implants, can be as strong and natural-looking as your own teeth and you will never feel that they are not your own. So what are you waiting for — fix your appointment with us today!