Dental implants are not cosmetic

Sometimes, an injury, accident or an untreated tooth infection can lead to tooth loss. In most cases of infection, if treated in time, a root canal procedure, followed by capping of the tooth, can help save the tooth to some extent.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, USA, when a tooth is lost due to injury or disease, a person can experience complications such as rapid bone loss, defective speech, or changes in chewing patterns that can cause discomfort. Replacing a lost tooth or teeth with a dental implant can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and health.

A vacant, toothless space in the jawbone can cause the bone to deteriorate in the gap(s) due to the lack of stimulation. After extraction, if the gap is not filled up after a year, the jawbone loses its volume by up to 25 per cent and will continue to deteriorate. This can change the shape of mouth and face. A dental implant can restore stimulation, stabilise the jawbone and prevent jawbone loss, giving better chewing ability, preserving the health of the surrounding bone and gums and helping keep the adjacent teeth stable. With good dental hygiene, implants can last a lifetime.

In case of a severely broken or cracked tooth or teeth, dental implants are a better option if your budget allows. Damaged teeth can pose risks of oral diseases as well as chewing issues.

However, implants are not advised in persons who are younger than 18, who smoke or use tobacco products, have much jawbone loss, poor oral hygiene, lot of cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, etc. Those afflicted with bone disorders like osteoporosis, any autoimmune conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, leukaemia, or those who have had radiation therapy for head or neck, are not suitable candidates for dental implants.

Treatment

Dental implant treatment involves virtually no pain, as the use of anaesthesia keeps patients comfortable. Some pain or discomfort may be there after the anaesthesia wears off. Temporary effects of dental implant treatment include soreness in the teeth, gums and jaw surrounding the treated area. However, taking pain killers as advised, rinsing the mouth frequently with warm salt water, using ice packs on the affected area and eating semi-solid or soft foods in the initial recovery period can help alleviate pain.

Risks

There could be infection at the implant site. Signs include bad breath that doesn’t go away, swollen gums, loose implant and pus, etc.

Facial nerves connected to gums may get injured during surgery. Other teeth or blood vessels near the implant may get damaged. Nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, or tingling. It may affect your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin.

Dental implants placed in the upper jaw may cause sinus complications in case of perforation. Patient may also feel like that the teeth do not bite together normally.

Implant can fail due to systemic infection (in patients of uncontrolled diabetes); due to local infection in bone and gums supporting the implant; and due to delayed healing (in those who smoke).

In the past two decades, dental implants have evolved from single tooth replacements to stabilising full-arch restorations that function like natural teeth. Patients are no longer forced to settle for conventional dentures in order to have a beautiful smile.

How to choose the right product

• Dental implants are made of titanium or ceramic and are inserted into the jawbone to hold artificial teeth. They act like the roots of natural teeth to provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth, made to match natural teeth.
• Because of their strength, biocompatibility and cost-effective price, titanium implants make up roughly 93 per cent of the market, though implants made with zirconia are also gaining popularity.
• Most international brands like Straumann, Nobel BioCare, Dentsply, Zimmer and Osstem are available in India and account for more than two-thirds of the market share. Many Indian brands have also entered the market in recent years.
• All companies selling implants in India have to meet the FDA regulatory standards. However, it is best to go in for implants from experienced manufacturers. Manufacturers with large market shares conduct robust ongoing research trials.
• Do ask for the warranty card of the implant. Most of the good companies provide an information booklet.
• Knock-off brands that manufacture cheaper implants are not always as rigorously tested and often rely on blanket research.
• Depending on the brand, the cost can range from ~20, 000 to ~45,000, which includes the prosthetic component (cap) of a single implant, surgical cost and other miscellaneous expenditure.

— The writer is principal, Desh Bhagat Dental College, Mandi Gobindgarh