Dental implant is a procedure done to replace missing teeth. Metallic anchors, usually made of titanium, are fixed in the jaw, which can hold an artificial tooth strongly in place.
PROCEDURE
It is commonly done in stages with an interval of 4-6 months in between. Under local anaesthesia, gum is cut to expose the bone and a hole is drilled to fit in the implant. After placement of the implant a cover screw is put in and the wound is closed with stitches and allowed to heal. During this period, the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant, thus providing a solid base for the new teeth. In general, placements in the lower jaw need to heal about three months, while placements in the upper jaw need to heal about six months.
After healing, in a second surgical procedure, the implant is uncovered, the cover screw is removed, and an abutment or a temporary crown is placed in the implant. After the abutment is placed, gums are allowed to heal for one or two weeks before the artificial tooth is attached.
DURATION
Procedure is completed in stages. First stage involves placement of implant and may take 1-3 sittings (7-10 days). Second stage involves placement of artificial teeth, after a gap of 3-6 months (7-10 days).
RECOVERY
The entire process is done in stages and can take 3-9 months from start to finish.
RISKS
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Sinus problem
- Damage to surrounding structures
- Failure of implant
Tobacco use by the patient and use of a single-stage implant procedure are two risk factors that increase failure rate and must be avoided.