Implantology - Procedures, Side effects, Recovery time, Costs and alternatives

Dental implantology refers to the restorative treatment procedure of dental implants. It also defines ‎how to carry out the whole procedure in a safe way without any anxiety to the patients as possible. A ‎dental Implantologist focuses on the process of providing the patients with an easy process of ‎receiving replacement teeth. This procedure is considered for patients with one or more missed teeth. ‎

Very first, your Implantologist will do a comprehensive dental exam such as taking mouth X-Ray and ‎teeth impression. Then, your treatment plan and recovery time will be explained. If the bone graft is ‎necessary, the same will be performed and it will take 4-12 months for the healing of jaw bone for the ‎first implant. This time gap is essential for bone healing.‎

Next, you will be fixed with an implant which is a metal screw that goes into the bone, acts as an ‎anchor for the whole prosthesis. It takes about 2 hours of time for fixation under anesthesia. After the ‎placement of the implant, about 5-7 months will take for healing for both the lower and upper jaw. ‎

Once your tissues are healed, the temporary cap will be removed. The abutment is placed which is the ‎part of the screws in the implant and used to support the crown. Once the abutment is placed, another ‎impression of the abutment will be taken for each replacement tooth.‎

Placing the crown will be the final stage. It can be either screwed into the abutment or cemented in ‎place. The latter option is mostly preferred as it gives a natural look since there is no screw hole. ‎

• A Dental implant is a perfect treatment for the missed tooth/teeth that could create shyness ‎during social interaction. Adults can go for this procedure as adequate bone density and ‎quality need to the dental implants to fuse with the jawbone. ‎
• The patient is expected to possess good health since it is a surgical procedure. Patients with ‎smoking, drinking and diabetes have lower success rates since these conditions might mitigate ‎the healing process of the oral implant.‎
• Healthy gums are essential to support the new implant as it fuses with the jawbone. Patients ‎who suffer from the periodontal disease often experience implant failure.‎
• People who do have regular brushing, flossing and maintaining oral hygiene will be eligible for ‎the dental implants
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• People who suffer from teeth clenching might visit the dentist and discuss the problem as this ‎habit might decrease the success rate of the dental implant.‎

• A pregnant woman
• Children whose jaw bone is still in growth
• A person who received/receives radiation therapy around the head, neck and jaw
• Alcoholic and smoker do not have quick healing after dental implant

There are some temporary side effects which may settle down once the bone starts to heal and they are ‎bruising skin and gums, pain and discomfort, minor bleeding, and swelling in the gums and face. Such ‎symptoms may last up to one week of time.‎ Injury or damage to the teeth, blood vessels and gum, nerve damage that can cause numbness, pain, ‎tingling in the gums, chin, lips.‎

Sinus problems that are usually caused in the upper jaw and rarely the patient may experience loose ‎implants, a foul taste or smell comes from the implants, even after healing swollen, painful gums is ‎experienced.‎ In case any of these side effects persists or there any other health issues arising during or after treatment, it is advised to kindly consult the health specialist immediately.

• Driving should be strictly avoided for 24 hours after the surgery
• Following the surgery, a certain amount of bleeding is expected. The patient will be advised to ‎bite the gauze continuously for 40 minutes. ‎
• Avoid spitting, touching or rinsing the wound on the day of surgery
• The patient should not blow the nose for at least 2 weeks of time
• Decongestants may be used if needed
• Take prescribed pain medications for pain and discomfort
• Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages
• Apply an ice pack for every 20 minutes for 48 hours to reduce the swelling
• Start patting warm packs and stop ice packs after 48 hours
• To reduce your swelling sleep your head in an elevated position
• After 48 hours of the surgery, rinse your mouth with warm salt water at least 6 times a day ‎
• You may start brushing your teeth the next day of the surgery and do it gently on the operated ‎site
• After one month you may start brushing the implant, bone grafted site with a soft ‎toothbrush ‎
• Start with smoothies, milkshake and soft eatable items from the next day of surgery. Once the ‎surgical site starts to heal, slowly start to chew. Do not chew hard food and hydrate your body ‎as much as possible.‎

After placing the dental implants, it will approximately take 4-6 months for healing and recovery.‎

20,000/- to 50,000/- would be the approximate charges for a single implant with its prosthesis.

With regular and proper care, the dental implant will last for 25 years.‎

There are some alternatives to dental implants such as fixed bridges, Full mouth and partial dentures, ‎and Teeth in a day.‎