Alternatives to Dentures

It used to be that whether from injury or time, missing teeth were lost for good and the only replacement for them were dentures. But dentists and orthodontists have unveiled an alternative to dentures called dental implants. Like dentures, dental implants can replace a few to a full set of teeth, but there are some major differences between them.

History

The first dental implant surgery took place in 1965. After discovering that titanium could adhere to growing bone without causing damage, dental surgeons adjusted the technique as an alternative to dentures. In recent years many people have been looking for alternatives to partial and full dentures. Traditional dentures have an unrealistic look to them and can make eating and speaking difficult. Dental implants eliminate these problems because they are surgically implanted into the mouth, creating a more natural feel.

Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks to dental implants. Dental implants are much more expensive than traditional dentures. Dental implants also require surgery, while in most cases traditional dentures do not. Because dental implants are a surgical procedure, they are more expensive and are not covered by most health insurers. Dental implants are also not for everyone. Before receiving the surgery, candidates are thoroughly screened for immune system disorders or other illnesses that greatly compromise the ability to heal. Because dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure, there are risks such as infection at the surgical site, mouth and face pain, nerve damage and facial bruising.

Despite these dangers, the risks for healthy patients are relatively low. The actual process of dental implant surgery has three main steps: placement of the titanium rods, osseointegration and placement of the abutments.

Placement of Titanium Rods

No longer than six months before surgery, a candidate for dental implants will receive a full X-ray examination. This is to ensure that any irregularities in the jaw are accounted for and to make sure that the structure of the jawbone can handle the dental implants. The next step is the surgery. This is when the titanium rods are implanted into the jawbone. Swelling will occur and is a normal part of the procedure. The swelling will lessen after four days to a week. Once the swelling has subsided the stitches are removed. After the removal of the sutures, there is a period from a month to six weeks where the patient will remain on a soft food diet. After this period comes the most crucial part of the surgery--osseointegration.

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process by which the titanium rods adhere to the jawbone. This usually takes around three to six months and at the end of this period, the dental surgeon will examine the jawbone and titanium rod to make sure everything is growing properly.

Abutment Placement

After that examination, the abutments are placed. Abutments are similar to the roots in natural teeth; the structures that connect the teeth to the jawbone. Patients can either opt to have a removable implant prosthesis (similar to dentures) or a fixed implant prosthesis (a permanent set of artificial teeth). After the installation of the abutments, another X-ray is taken. If everything is continuing as normal, the removable implant prosthesis or fixed implant prosthesis is attached to the abutments. There is another healing period of three to sixths months, and another examination. After this examination the surgery is complete.

Resources

• PI Dental Implant Center- What Are Dental Implants?