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Implant Prosthodontics
What is Implant Dentistry?
Implant dentistry involves the replacement of missing teeth by putting titanium roots back into the jaw bone to attach new teeth or even complete dentures.
What are dental Implants?
They are titanium screws that are placed in the jaws with the help of which a missing tooth or teeth can be replaced. These are so naturally looking that the patient may forget he/she had ever lost a tooth.
Am I a candidate for dental Implants?
The ideal Candidate for a dental implant is good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant. The best candidates should have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Smoking is detrimental to healing but is not an absolute contraindication. Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Your dentist can determine if your are a good candidate for this procedure.
What is the rationale of Implants?
Dental implants can be the best solution to the problem of missing tooth or teeth. Since they integrate into the bone, they prevent future bone loss. Some of the benefits are:
- Dental implants don’t sacrifice the quality of the adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighbouring teeth are not taken for support.
- They are more comfortable compared to traditional bridge work
- Success rate of dental implants is highly predictable.
- The chewing efficiency is much better compared to removable teeth
Can I have Dental Implants?
Yes !
- If you are willing to maintain good oral hygiene
- If your jawbone quality is good which will be assessed by your dentist.
- If you are not suffering from any medical condition
- If you are willing to under go the long [3 – 6 months] treatment procedure.
- Lastly if you are willing to bear the necessary expenditure
How long can implants last?
Different research studies have shown that implants when placed in good bone can last for patient’s life time. However, some implants may fail if the quality of the bone was not good or if the bite stress is more on the implants.
How is the treatment like and how long will it take?
Depending on your needs or condition and the type of implant chosen, your dentist will create a treatment plan which can range from 3 to 6 months or more. There is a need for the implants to attach to the bone by a process, known as osseointegration to provide proper support to the overlying prosthesis. The time period may depend on the quality of the bone, in which the implants have been placed. Depending on the Clinical situation implants are placed either in local anesthesia or General anesthesia under the supervision of Anesthetist.
Will there be pain or discomfort?
Many patients report implants placement is less troublesome than having teeth removed. With modern equipment and close attention to post operative care you can expect minimal discomfort.
What can your expect after the treatment?
You have teeth which will be both esthetically and functionally close to your natural teeth. You definitely need to clean around the implants daily as your natural teeth.
How do you know how many implants you need?
Ideally a single implant replaces a single tooth, however depending on the number of missing teeth the requirement may vary.
Procedure:
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Procedure involves intial placement of implant for which a hole is drilled in the bone and implant is placed. | ![]() |
The implant remains under the gum for 3 - 6 months. The patient continues to wear their denture during this period |
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(3 to 6 months later)The implant is exposed by removing a small amount of gum tissue. An insert can be screwed or cemented down into the implant. | ![]() |
The secured insert can accommodate various attachments upon which overdentures, bars crowns, or bridges may attach. |
In which cases Implants can be given?
If single tooth is missing
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| Before Implant Placement | After Implant Placement |
Multiple teeth are missing
All the teeth are missing (implant supported dentures)
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| Implant denture with ball attachments | Implant denture with bar and clip attachment |
How much does implant treatment cost?
The cost of implant treatment depends upon the number and type of implants placed and the type of material selected for the replaced teeth which will explained by your dentist.
Is this really the best mode of treatment?
Well let’s compare it to the other modes of treatment.
- Complete dentures: do not mimic natural teeth, looseness of dentures might be a problem, loss of bone underneath the gums, compromised speaking, eating and taste sensation
- Removable partial dentures: do not mimic natural teeth, frequent breakage, frequent adjustments, compromised speaking, eating and taste sensation.
- Fixed partial Dentures: Have to Cut at least two normal teeth to make a bridge, cannot be made if teeth are not present on both sides of the missing tooth
- Implants:mimics natural teeth, no loss bone underneath the gums, no difficulty in speaking, no loss of taste, no need to cut normal teeth and can be made even when teeth are not present on both sides of the missing tooth.
Benefits of having implants
- Tooth Saving: Dental implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. Your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
- Comfort: Dental Implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence. They are secure and can offer freedom from the troublesome clicks and wobbles of loose dentures. Say goodbye to misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.
- Reliable: The success rate for dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.











