The health of the teeth is essential, it is a relief for our appearance and to be able to do very tacit but important activities, from eating to smiling, among many other experiences.
In this article, for the reasons stated, we will know what dental implants are, what they are for, the known types and the procedure they require to be implanted.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are those artificial substitute implants, which seek to replace a natural tooth or lost natural teeth, after extraction without any type of recovery (due to disease or trauma) and are inserted into the jaw or maxillary bone.
Unlike other procedures, such as removable dental prostheses , dental implants seek to be permanent in order to greatly favor the actions of chewing, occluding, and smiling. Of course, the dentist evaluates the oral condition (gum health and jaw bone mass), in order to determine the effectiveness of the implant.
Note: A dental study determines that “A dental implant is a device made of a biologically inert material that is surgically inserted into the alveolar bone and replaces the root of an absent tooth.” (1)
Types of dental implants
Although dental implants are effective and endorsed, there are two specific types of implants for the dental area, which are important when choosing the procedure. We present what these types are:
1. Subperiosteals
Subperiosteal dental implants are the most common type of implant , which is based on a single stage.
How do they work? Easy, they form a metal framework (molded to the shape of the jawbone) capable of encircling the jawbone when inserted into the bone of the jawbone, below the gum tissue. It is used in those patients who do not have conventional dentures.
To highlight: A dental study from the University of Madrid mentions that “Subperiosteal implants (IS) evolved in parallel with endosteal implants. However, the limitations in techniques and materials meant that their predictability was less and they were relegated to the background”. (two)
2. Osseointegrated
These implants are contrary to the subperiosteal process , for very notable reasons. In this surgical process, the implants are not molded into a mandibular prosthesis but into an implant connection (made of titanium material), inside the maxillary bone of a tooth.
This is done in order to join the bone tissue with the implant successfully without having side effects. In fact, it is said that it covers 98% of successful cases.
Important: A book by the surgeon Carlos Aparicio Magallón mentions that “Titanium was so mysterious, because it was able to stay inside the human body without causing a foreign body reaction” . (3)
How are dental implants placed?
The placement of dental implants suggests a delicate surgical process, which must be done with great precision and is done with different very key phases. We present the correct ways in which these dental implants should be done:
1. Removal of the damaged part
First , the piece (that is, the damaged tooth) is completely extracted from the roots with the maxillary bone, through which incisions are made to expose the bone, in addition to cleaning the area taking advantage of the situation.
Note: Depending on the type of implant, certain holes are made in the jaw where the implant is inserted in the form of a root, which is important during the next stage.
2. Conditioning of the gums
The conditioning of the gums is important for the success of the surgical placement of dental implants.
The specialist is required to handle conditioning carefully, to keep inflammation low and the naturalness of the soft tissues is not damaged.
3. Dental implant
Once the oral area is clean, surgically polished and stable, we proceed to place the dental implant.
Whether it is the type that is desired, the placement will be done after intervening in the affected area previously, after this is completed, the implant area is sutured in order to begin osseointegration, a necessary treatment.
4. Osseointegration
Regardless of whether it is a subperiosteal or osseointegrated dental implant, an osseointegration process will begin (to prevent confusion in the terms).
To highlight: This part is important, since it is the place where the bone tissues (such as the gums and all the roots with adjacent teeth), strongly unite with the metal or titanium around the implant. Not only that, this applies to limb prostheses even.
5. Pillar
The above procedure is important, agreed. However, the abutment determines the success of the surgical process of dental implants.
Having finished the osseointegration, we proceed to place a dental abutment (made of titanium or metal material), which is an intermediary piece to connect with the artificial root or implant and thus finish placing the artificial tooth.
Note: This should be done after weeks of healing from the previous procedure.
6. Artificial tooth
The tooth or artificial crown, is the last step for the success and completion of the dental implant surgery.
The artificial crown is placed (after a few weeks) on top of the abutment attached to the implant . This artificial tooth can be molded depending on the type of remaining tooth, as well as being fixed or movable.
What are the risks of dental implants?
Like all types of surgery, it can incur certain risks, depending on the patient and the recovery time. It is very important to know what these possible post-surgery risks of dental implants are:
1. Infection at the site and surrounding lesions
You can witness some infection in the area of surgery or lesions in it, especially during healing.
This is confirmed by the blood that can ooze from the gums due to inflammation, it can occur 30 days after the operation and it is also the result of a lack of care during healing.
2. Failures in the fusion of the bone with the implant
It is a symptom of rejection of the oral cavity with the inserted implants. It is mostly caused by the intervention of the soft tissues with the artificial tooth and its entire structure, when it surrounds it it does not allow a definitive support, therefore the dental implant ends up moving and sometimes loosening.
Note: Inflammation may also occur and deep pain may be felt in the area.
3. Alteration in the sinus cavities
This is a peculiar alteration, but it can be closely related, the sinus cavities are the set that surrounds the frontal bones, especially the maxilla.
The alteration is caused by sinusitis of a maxillary nature and affects the mucosa of the maxillary sinuses, thus preventing the cavity from being suitable for implementing a titanium artifact, not to mention that this pathology causes pain and swelling.
What care should be taken with dental implants?
Before and after surgery , certain care must be taken, some are very relevant after the surgical operation, but others must be taken into account before proceeding with dental implantation. We present the most important care:
1. Proper oral hygiene
Always maintain oral hygiene, saying it is quite easy, but you must apply it until it becomes an obligation.
In addition to correct brushing, you must keep areas such as the gums and tongue clean and neat and finish with dental floss or mouthwash (the latter is effective in eliminating microorganisms).
2. Avoid smoking
The cigarette will kill the health of your teeth, you can prevent it in a simple way. Abstaining from cigarettes prolongs oral health and will also prevent the occurrence of diseases in your mouth (such as blisters or cancer of the mouth and neck), not to mention that it could also prevent poisoning of other parts of your body.
3. Avoid hard foods
Extremely hard foods can damage your teeth or cause incisions in the gum cavities.
Important: You must be careful about eating very crunchy foods (such as fried and hard foods), uncut fruits, and also chewing ice (which is a habit in some people).
4. Periodic dental review
After the operation, never forget to have a dental check -up with the dentist periodically. Even before for your natural teeth.
The dentist or dentist does this through plates or impressions that are taken from the mouth, made through a laboratory. With that you can see the state of the artificial tooth and its union with the soft tissue of the gums.
Key Findings
- Dental implants are substitutes for one or more natural teeth within the oral cavity.
- They are of the subperiosteal or osseointegrated type and are placed in a maximum of 6 phases.
- It can carry certain risks such as infections or rejection of the implant.
- After surgery, personal care of the repaired area is crucial for its success.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.