Malhotra Dental Care Centre

ORAL IMPLANTS
Dental Implants
What is an implant ?
An Implant is essentially a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth/teeth) is attached to the post. Implants are primarily used to replace missing teeth. They are of various kinds and made of a biofriendly material which is principally titanium.

Who is a candidate ?
Anyone who has one or more missing teeth can undergo dental Implants provided adequate bone and healthy gum tissues are present. A thorough medical and dental health examination is required to be done by the dentist before advising Implants.

How long does it take ?
Dental Implantation is essentially a 2 step procedure; the first step is placing the Implant inside the jaw bone which is done as a single sitting under local anaesthesia. Then there is a waiting period of to allow natural bone to grow around the Implant. After healing is complete, the post and artificial teeth are placed on top. In select cases Implant is done as a Single Step Procedure and final Prosthesis is given immediately.

What are the advantages ?
The main advantage of Implants is that at the end of the treatment, the Implant feels and functions like a natural tooth and the patient forgets the presence of any artificial element in the mouth.

The pain, discomfort and aged appearance associated with artificial dentures is eliminated. The looks and speech of the patient remain natural and the chewing efficiency is far superior. Also there is no fear of dentures becoming loose and falling off while eating.

Conventional Bridge

Missing teeth can also be replaced by a bridge. In that case, adjacent teeth are shaped and often root canaled to receive the bridge.

Implant
Advantage of Implants over a conventional bridge is that adjacent teeth are not
disturbed at all.

How much do Implants cost?
The cost of the treatment depends upon the type and number of implants being used;
Surgical procedures like gum surgery, bone grafting and also the type of final Prosthesis
to be fabricated. (Prosthesis may be a Crown or a Bridge or a Denture)

What if the Implant fails?
In case of failure a Denture or a Bridge can always be done.

What care is required by the patient?
The success of implants greatly depends on the health of the surrounding oral tissues.
Hence the patients have to be meticulous in maintaining a good oral hygiene and
regularly pay check up visits to the dentist.

Procedure
A thorough Medical & Dental Examination of patient is carried out & special Investigations like Orthopentomogram (OPG), CT Scan & Study Models of Oral Tissues are prepared. Once the Treatment Plan is established the Implant Procedure is carried out as under.
Step 1
The gum is gently folded back and a space is prepared for the Implant to be placed.
Step 2
The dental Implant “anchor” is put into place.
Step 3
The gum tissue is replaced over the Implant and the Implant is left alone so the bone can attach to the Implant and create a secure anchor.
Step 4
After the Implant has attached to the bone tissue, excess gum tissue over the Implant is removed.
Step 5
The temporary cap is removed from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor.
Step 6
The Implant is now ready for a prosthesis, which may be a Crown or a Bridge or a Denture