Tooth Implants
What are Multiple Dental Implants?
Multiple dental implants are a standard procedure in dentistry to help people deal with multiple missing teeth. In this process, dental implants and artificial teeth replace missing teeth without harming the nearby teeth and giving the most natural results. A dental implant consists of three parts.
Implants: These are cylindrical screws made up of physiologically inert metal titanium and its alloys and are attached to the jawbone at the site of the missing teeth.
Abutments: These are placed on top of the implants and connect the artificial teeth to the implants.
Prosthetic teeth: These are artificial teeth usually designed in dental laboratories to adjust well in your mouth.
Why Do We Need Multiple Tooth Implants ?
Why should you do Multiple Tooth Implants ?
Candidate for Dental Implants
- The remaining teeth and gums must be in good condition.
- The individual should have healthy jawbone density. It is a crucial component needed for the implants to be correctly fixed.
- The person shouldn't use tobacco, drink alcohol, or smoke. It raises the risk of infection, which could result in implant failure.
- The individual must have the endurance to observe the appropriate safety measures for several months.
- Conditions that hinder the healing process, such as hyperglycemia and COPD
- Those with egregious gum or bone problems or inadequate dental hygiene.
- The dosages of people who take drugs that contain steroids or blood thinners cannot be changed.
- Patients receiving radiation therapy, particularly in the head or neck area.
Outcome of Multiple Tooth Implants
Dental implants may be right for you if you -
- Have one or more missing teeth.
- Have a jawbone that's reached full growth.
- Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft.
- Have healthy oral tissues.
- Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing.
Why Multiple Teeth Dental Implants?
You can use modern dentistry and replace the gap formed due to multiple missing teeth by placing an implant in the bone and taking the support from that implant to place a bridge.
Multiple teeth Dental implants provide several advantages over other teeth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported bridges replace teeth without support from adjacent natural teeth. Other common treatments for the loss of several teeth, such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are dependent on support from adjacent teeth.
The Pros and Cons of Getting Dental Implants
Pros
- Getting a whole new smile
- More Cost-Effective to Replace Missing Tooth
- They look and feel like natural teeth: Dental implants have the appearance of real teeth. In fact, once your implant has been fitted, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between your replacement tooth and your real teeth.
- You can eat and chew with ease: Unlike dentures, implants won’t feel any different than your regular teeth when eating and chewing.
- Dental implants can last a lifetime: Implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement solution. You may need to replace the crowns every 10-15 years, but if you look after the implants, they can last a lifetime.
- They’re easy to take care of: You should take care of your implants the same way you would take care of your regular teeth with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and a healthy diet.
- They prevent bone loss: Dental implants are anchored into your jaw, similar to your real teeth. The screw thread of the implant acts as the root of a natural tooth, so with dental implants, your jaw bone remains strong and you won’t experience bone loss.
Cons
- Unsuitable for Some Patients: You have to meet a set of requirements. In order to have dental implant surgery, you first have to meet certain criteria.
- It Can Be Time Consuming : Dental implants are not a quick fix and can take several months to complete. If you’re replacing an existing damaged tooth, this will first need to be removed.
- The cost of the procedure : While dental implants are the best long term solution for tooth loss, they’re not always the most cost effective.
Advantages of multiple teeth dental implants.
- Replacing multiple missing teeth using dental implants will help you prevent future bone loss.
- You can enjoy all your favorite food without the fear of implants breaking or coming out.
- Can mimic the strength of your natural tooth.
- Experts will develop custom-fabricated crowns that are placed over the abutments and will function like a real tooth. You don’t have to worry about future bone loss or difficulty in chewing your favorite food.
Types of dental implants -
The three most common types of dental implants are endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic.
Endosteal is the most common and safe method. Subperiosteal comes next, and zygomatic is the most complicated.
There are four types of dental implant restorations that can be used to replace missing teeth.
Four types of restorations are called -
- Single tooth implants
- Implant supported dentures
- Full mouth acrylic (pmma)
- Full arch dental implants
How to prepare for dental implants:
- Very importantly we want you to have eaten a decent meal prior to the procedure. This is to ensure you have adequate blood sugar levels during the placement of the dental implant(s), which is important for the first few hours of healing.
- Wear light comfortable clothing, as we will place a protective gown over your clothing and it may get quite hot under there.
- Please visit the loo prior to the implant placement on longer procedures for obvious reasons, it’s better things are not interrupted during the precise placement of your implant or implants.
- Please inform us if you have changed any medication since your last visit to see us.
- Unlike many other dental practices, we carry out our dental implant placements under strict sterile conditions, which can initially look intimidating. Please be reassured this is for your benefit and feel comforted that we adopt best practice for even the simplest of implant placements.
- We will give you antibiotics, antiseptic mouthwash, and sometimes anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce post-operative discomfort, immediately prior to your procedure.
Multiple Dental Implant Procedure
Consultation and treatment planning.
The procedure to replace multiple missing teeth with dental implants can differ depending on your individual case. Our team will consult with you to determine the best plan for your situation and prepare you for the upcoming procedure and recovery period.
Implant placement
Placing multiple dental implants is a relatively minor procedure and can sometimes only require local anesthesia. If needed, our team can use sedation to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. During the procedure, multiple (depending on your specific treatment plan) titanium fixtures will be placed in the jaw leaving surrounding natural teeth intact.
Recovery time
After your dental implants are placed the healing and recovery time can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on how your body responds and the state of your current health. This time allows the implant to integrate into the bone. You’ll likely see the dentist that placed the implant a couple of times for postoperative checks. Once your implants are fully integrated into the jawbone, you’ll see your regular dentist or a prosthodontist to then have the implants restored by placing abutments and an implant-supported bridge.
Things to Avoid Doing After a Dental Implant Procedure -
After implant treatment avoid rinsing your mouth and try not to disturb the surgical site with your tongue or fingers for the rest of the day. This may cause bleeding by dislodging the blood clot that has formed.
Don’t spit, suck on straws or smoke. This can also dislodge blood clots and slow down the healing process.
- Smoking : Dental implants rely on a process known as osseointegration, which is how the jawbone develops and grows around the implants.
- Excessive Rinsing.
- Intense Exercise.
- Hard or Hot Foods.
- Drinking with a Straw.
Risks And Complications
- Infection: An infection can occur at the surgical site and spread to other parts of the mouth, leading to complications such as implant failure or even bone loss.
- Nerve damage: Nerves located near the implant site can become damaged during surgery, leading to numbness or tingling in the mouth, lips, or chin.
- Implant failure: The implant may not properly integrate with the jawbone or may become loose, which can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty chewing.
- Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in the implant, which can cause swelling, redness, and discomfort.
- Sinus problems: If implants are placed in the upper jaw, they can protrude into the sinus cavity, leading to sinus problems such as sinus infections or pressure.
- Gum recession: If the implant is not placed correctly, it can cause gum recession, which can lead to bone loss and even tooth loss in severe cases.
- Pain and discomfort: It is common to experience some level of pain, swelling, and discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and proper aftercare.
- Damage to adjacent teeth: During the surgery, adjacent teeth can become damaged, leading to the need for additional dental work.
Home Care after Dental Implant Surgery
- Apply a cold compress to the side of your mouth with the dental implants for 20 minutes, then rest for 20 minutes for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Antibiotics will likely be prescribed to prevent potential infections that could lead to the loss of your dental implant. Take the antibiotic for the prescribed duration.
- Pain medication may be necessary for the first 3-4 days, but likely not beyond that.
- Avoid brushing the implant site for at least a couple of days and rinse with warm salt water to remove food debris and reduce potential inflammation.
- There may be medication to apply directly to the site or a prescription mouthwash to use.
- Stick to a soft foods diet for the first few days after surgery.