The diagnostic x-rays required to plan implant placement are;
Intra oral x rays to study the quantity of alveolar bone in the edentulous space, proximity & structure of adjacent teeth.
OPGs to study the shape of jaws, space available for implant placement, proximity to the adjacent vital structures like sinus or neuro-vascular bundle.
CT scans are very useful tools to have accurate information about the thickness, height of bone available and other vital information.
What is the procedure of Implant placement?
Dental implants are usually completed in two phases.
Phase two: Attaching replacement teeth over the fixed implant.
Phase One
Using precise, gentle surgical techniques, the implants are placed into the jawbone under local anaesthesia
Rest Period or Phase of Osseointegration
A period of 3-4 months is allowed before attaching the replacement teeth for bone to grow and bond with the implant. This ensures a strong, solid foundation for replacement teeth. During this time, temporary bridges or dentures may be used to minimize any cosmetic or chewing inconvenience.
Phase Two
This phase involves creating and attaching the new tooth or teeth to the anchored dental implant/s in the jaw. And is called loading the implant.
How is an implant helpful to replace single missing tooth?
An Implant is the best solution to replace single missing tooth.
Based on radiographic study and intra-oral study of the tissues, the space (length and breadth) available for implant placement are determined. Based on this information, the implant of required dimension and type is chosen.
The implant is placed in the jaw at the predetermined position maintaining the right angulation under local anesthesia.
Delayed loading: The implant is allowed to bond with the bone which would take 3-6 months. Then abutment is fixed to this implant and crown of suitable shade is given. This completes the procedure of tooth replacement with implant
During this interim period of implant healing removable denture or temporary crown is given to allow the individual to continue with his social interactions.
Immediate loading: in case of favorable bone density implant can be loaded immediately with abutment, temporary crown and in few days with a permanent crown.
Since the abutment emerges through the gums it looks natural and also offers the comfort of a natural tooth.
What are replacement teeth?
Replacement teeth are artificial teeth that are prepared in the lab & are used to replace missing teeth with the help of implants or taking support from adjacent natural teeth as in bridges.
Can implants be completed in the same visit?-Teeth on same day
Dental implants are also completed in single visits. This is called immediate loading and patient can walk out of the dental clinic with implant fixed and replacement teeth attached to the implant in a single visit. This is a single phase procedure.
