One can face the problem of missing teeth at any point in life. Tooth loss can be due to Trauma, Severe gum disease, Tooth decay, or Poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, missing teeth can lead to various consequences, such as:

• Speech problems resulting from the gap created by one or more missing teeth especially front region
• Difficulty in chewing
• Improper bite induced by the missing teeth. Resulting sometimes facial muscle pain
• Improper bite resulting from a tilt of adjacent teeth into the empty spaces caused by a missing tooth.
• Untreated missing teeth may change the facial appearance, causing low self-esteem or lack of confidence.

Dental implants (or teeth implants) help overcome the above mentioned problems. They are undoubtedly the best and most popular solution for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants offer numerous advantages for people who have lost teeth or need replacements for damaged ones. Some of these advantages include:

• Implants look like natural teeth, enhancing your smile and facial aesthetics.
• Implants allow for clear speech without the worry of teeth shifting.
• They fuse with the bone, becoming a permanent part of your mouth. This offers better comfort and functionality compared to removable dentures.
• Implants are highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a long-term solution for missing teeth.
• Implants stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss and preserving the natural jawbone structure.
• Unlike some dental bridges that require grinding down adjacent teeth for support, implants don’t affect nearby teeth, preserving their integrity.
• Implants don’t decay like natural teeth, but regular oral hygiene is still essential.
• With implants, there’s no need to remove them for cleaning, providing convenience similar to natural teeth.
• Implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods quickly.
• Having a complete and natural-looking smile often boosts self-confidence and self-esteem.

Placing The Implant

• Thanks to modern dentistry techniques, it’s possible to make the implant placement procedure comfortable and pain-free.
• The procedure starts with the jawbone preparation, and the surgeon then makes a cut to expose the bone for drilling holes. The holes are kept deep enough for the Implant to be appropriately placed and deep into the bone, like the root.
• The doctor may require bone grafting in cases where the bone is weak or lacks the strength to support implant surgery. The surgeon then waits for the jawbone to heal and places the metal screw in it.
• The entire process, from start to finish, may take few months, and most of the time is spent on healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in the jaw.
• After this, a temporary crown is given to the patient, which is placed to fill the gap and also to achieve the aesthetic goal. This crown can be taken off for an implant procedure; one has to wait until the bone is healed properly.

Healing

• During this process, the jawbone will grow and unite with the surface of the dental Implant. This process is also called osseointegration, as it helps to offer a durable base for the new artificial tooth, much like roots do for the natural teeth.
• Generally, this process takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the bone health & structure.
• After that, you can schedule the second surgery, but only once the implants are fused with the bone. Your dentists will take an x-ray to confirm whether the Implant is fit for the second surgery.
• The second surgery will be simpler than the first, where a new incision is made to expose the heads of the implants.

Abutment Placement

• You may need another surgery to place the abutment (the piece where the crown will attach), but only after healing. This procedure is relatively simple, typically done with anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
• The dentist will re-open the wound to attach the abutment to the Dental Implant during the procedure. A temporary crown will be given for 4 to 6 weeks to let the gums around the abutment heal. Such a crown is softer, which can cushion the Implant and may stress the soft tissues that can help in healing.
• For preventive purposes, you may need to eat only soft foods after each stage of surgery to let the surgical site heal properly.

Placement Of Permanent Crown

• In the next stage, the dentist will focus on making the permanent crown look exactly like your natural teeth. All the elements, like the surface texture, color, and anatomy, will be tuned up to blend with the surrounding dentition.
• If you are unhappy with the crown for any reason, consult your dentist so that it can be sent back to the dental technician for necessary changes.
• Impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are taken to make the crown so that a realistic-looking artificial tooth can be made. The crown, however, will be placed once the jawbone is strong enough to support the new tooth.
• It takes less than 2 to 3 weeks to make a permanent crown which will then be cemented or screwed to the Implant.
• After permanent crown placement, your doctor will explain post-implant care instructions.

Follow these post-operative instructions after Dental Implant procedure, and never hesitate to consult the doctor for any question or problem:

• Avoid touching, spitting, or rinsing the wound on the day of surgery.
• After implant surgery, it’s normal to have some bleeding or redness in the mouth for 24 hours. To control excessive bleeding, bite on a gauze pad (placed on the bleeding wound) for 30 minutes. If bleeding does not stop, seek further instructions from your dentist.
• Swelling is natural after surgery. To minimize it, apply an ice pack on the cheek in the surgical area. Apply the ice as much as you can for the first 36 hours.
• Drink lots of fluids, but avoid consuming hot beverages. Stick to a soft diet on the day of surgery. You can return to the regular diet once the surgical area is healed. Don’t drink anything using a straw.
• Start taking pain medication as soon as you feel the effects of the local anesthetic are going down. However, take the medicines prescribed by the dentist.
• Healing is only possible with good oral hygiene. Use the prescribed oral rinse during the day after surgery, and use the prescribed oral rinse twice – after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds, and then spit it out.
• Use warm salt rinses at least 4-5 times a day. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical area so as not to affect the healing.
• Do not use or consume tobacco products in any form or any type after implants. It not only hinders healing but may also increase the chances of implant failure.
• Don’t exercise immediately after the surgery, or keep it minimal. You should know that exercise may cause bleeding or throbbing; if it happens, stop the activity immediately.

While dental implants are generally considered safe and successful, like any surgical procedure, they do carry some risks. Here are a few potential risks associated with dental implants:

• Infection: Infection at the implant site is possible, although it’s relatively rare. This can happen during or after the procedure and may require antibiotics or further treatment.
• Implant Failure: Sometimes, the Implant might not integrate properly with the jawbone. This could lead to the Implant becoming loose or failing altogether. Factors like poor bone quality, smoking, or certain medical conditions can contribute to this.
• Nerve Damage: During the implant placement, nearby nerves may sustain damage, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain in the gums, lips, chin, or tongue. This is usually uncommon but can occur.
• Bone Loss: In rare cases, the bone around the Implant may start to break down, potentially causing instability of the Implant.
• Allergic Reactions: While extremely rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the materials used in dental implants.

Good oral hygiene is essential not just for your teeth and gums but also for your overall well-being. Follow these tips to improve your oral health:

• Brush twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Choose your toothbrush carefully, and go for one with a small head and soft bristles.
• Change your toothbrush every two to three months to prevent frayed or worn-out bristles from harming your teeth and gums.
• Go gently & thoroughly, and don’t use too much force while brushing as it might cause abrasion.
• Floss at least once a day to keep plaque, bacteria, and foods struck between the teeth out, as it helps keep implants in good condition.
• Take proper oral care at home to make your dental implants last a lifetime.
• Use mouth rinses daily after meals to stay on top of your oral health.
• Don’t eat sticky foods; implants can attract more bacteria than your natural teeth because they are artificial.
• Eating and drinking right can help your implants stay out of harm’s way, and such good oral care can make them last forever.
• Visit the dental clinic regularly and achieve good oral hygiene to make your implants last for life..