Dental implants or endosseous implants are conical or cylindrical screw-like structures used by dentists or maxillary surgeons to reconstruct and restore missing teeth.
They are made of a material called Titanium which is not toxic to our living tissue. And also fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
During dental implants surgery, Your dentist uses dental implants to replace your missing or damaged teeth.
They are surgically positioned in the gums to mount the artificial tooth or bridge to the area that looks and works like real teeth.
If you have lost your tooth due to tooth decay, trauma or injury, Gum disease, dental implants are the best options to go for.
Below are different types of dental implants we have:
Types of dental implants.
There are two types of dental implants;
- Subperiosteal -“ on top of the bone”
- Endosseous -“within the bone”.
Subperiosteal implants: are commonly used for patients who don’t have enough bone height.
During this Dental surgery, a metal frame is fitted on the jawbone leaving posts attached to the frame protruding out of the gums. These posts are later used to hold your artificial tooth.
Endosseous implants: Are surgically fitted direct to the jawbone. The procedure requires two surgery to be conducted for it to be successful.
The first surgery is conducted to fit the screws to the jawbone. Another surgery is later conducted to connect a post to the implant which will be used to hold your artificial teeth.
Dental Implants Cost.
How much does a dental implant cost? What about Endosseous or Subperiosteal?
The cost of dental implants varies from one practice to another. This may be due to a number of factors like the experience of the oral surgeon, your location and much more.
However, According to Colgate, the average cost of a dental implant is $4,000. The price ranges from $3,000 – $5,000 and includes all the components required for the implant.
Dental implants procedure.
Once you have made a decision about going for a dental implant, you will be required to schedule an appointment with your oral surgeon.
This is to enable you and your dentist to discuss more concerning the implants. If you have questions, ask your doctor during this period.
Your doctor may send you for an x-ray for examination to determine your bite and also where the implant will be placed.
During surgery, Your doctor will use Local anesthesia to numb the area.
He will then prepare a hole in the jawbone through a process called osteotomy.
Your doctor will drill your jawbone to the shape of the implant used and will then position the implants accurately.
After surgery, x-ray pictures may be taken to ensure the implants were placed correctly. Your doctor will then close the gums using sutures that are self-absorbing.
You will then be left to heal before the placement of the crown.
Post surgery and healing Process.
Healing period differs from one patient to another. However, it takes 3-6 months for you to heal properly.
After surgery, taking good care of your dental implants contributes much to faster healing.
You should practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly.
