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DENTAL IMPLANT

• Dental implants are a whole tooth restoration. A dental implant is a screw-like post that is typically made of titanium. It is put into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
• A healing period is then required to allow the bone to begin bonding with the biocompatible post. A crown is then placed on top, which replaces the tooth. Implants are a permanent and stable restoration that can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or even all of the teeth.

How dental implants work?
• A surgeon places a dental implant into the jaw during an oral surgery procedure. Once the implant heals, the dentist can place a crown on top.
• Depending on the oral health, dentist can restore the implants with crowns, bridges or dentures.

Who requires dental implants?
People who have one or more missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. One might need a dental implant if he/she have tooth loss due to
• Cavities (tooth decay)
• Tooth root fracture
• Bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth)
• Gum Disease
• Facial injury
• Congenitally missing teeth (those born without certain teeth)

How one should prepare for a dental implant?
Before the dental implant procedure, one should:
• Give the dentist a current list of medications and supplements he/she takes. It is important to tell the dentist if one is taking a blood thinner (anticoagulant). The dentist will decide in coordination with the primary care provider whether you need to stop taking any medications before the implant procedure.
• Make sure that you have consulted the primary care provider recently for a check-up and blood work to ensure that there no conditions that would interfere with implant success.
• Talk to the dentist about sedation options. Most surgeons offer sedative medications that help to relax during the dental implant surgery.

How dental implant surgery is performed?
During dental implant surgery, the dental surgeon will:
• The dentist will administer local anaesthesia to numb your gums. If you opted for sedation, they will give you those medications as well.
• Once you are comfortable, the surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gums where the dental implant will go. This exposes the bone underneath so your surgeon can place the implant.
• The dental surgeon will use a series of specialised instruments to create an opening in your jawbone. They will widen the opening until it is just the right diameter for your new dental implant.
• Next, the surgeon will carefully place the dental implant into your jaw.
• Finally, the surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.

Steps to follow after dental implant placement
The dentists will give a detailed list of postoperative instructions. They also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. There are many things one can do to reduce the risk of soreness and discomfort:
• Take all medications exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
• Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for at least 72 hours. (An elevated heart rate can result in increased pain and swelling.)
• Chew on the other side of your mouth. (If you have implants placed on both sides, eat soft foods for a few days, and then add other foods as your comfort level allows.)
• Brush and floss every day.
• Clean the implant site as directed by the surgeon.

Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants offer a wide range of advantages. They can:
• Improve speech and chewing ability
• Enhance the appearance of your smile
• Secure permanent or removable bridges and dentures
• Provide teeth replacement without altering (shaving down) your neighbouring teeth. (This is necessary for dental bridges.)
In addition, dental implants cannot get cavities. (However, they are not invulnerable to gum disease, so it is still important to practice good oral hygiene.)

How long dental implant lasts?
Dental implants are the longest-lasting teeth replacement option available. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. However, the restoration on top of your dental implant will need replacing at some point. Most crowns and bridges last around 15 years and most dentures last at least seven years, but this timeline varies.

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