Modern dentistry aims to restore the patient to normal contour, function, comfort, esthetics, speech, and health, whether restoring teeth with cariesor replacing an entirely missing tooth. This makes implant dentistry unique as it enables one to achieve these goals. Let’s discuss the implants in detail in this article. WHAT IS AN IMPLANT? An implant is an artificial root that replaces the missing tooth and holds the artificial crown in place to make it function like a natural tooth. Implants are made of titanium material that has the unique ability to mix with bone. The implant becomes harder as the bone grows around it as time progresses, making it function like a natural tooth. What can be closer than this to replace a missing natural tooth? ADVANTAGES OF IMPLANTS The benefits of an implant are: *Esthetics, the patient’s natural facial contour can be maintained *Functionality, bone growth around implants makes it stronger and prevents the bone loss that is usually observed with tooth loss *Patients can maintain good oral hygiene *Speech patterns will not be disturbed, unlike with removable prostheses *Longevity, when properly maintained, implants last for a lifetime WHO CAN GET DENTAL IMPLANTS? If a person has a missing tooth congenitally or due to other reasons like trauma or poor periodontal conditions, they are likely candidates to get implants done. However, many factors are considered for the placement of implants.

*Age: Age is a critical factor in deciding if a person can get implants. Patients can get implants only if they are above 18 years of age as bone growth continues until that age. *Medical history: Systemic ailments and chronic diseases like uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, leukemia, and patients undergoing radiation therapy are absolute contraindications for implants. All these conditions must be evaluated before getting implants done. *Bone density: Implants are made up of titanium, which has osseointegration capacity, which allows the implant to integrate into the bone. Hence good bone density is essential for successful implant placement. DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE *Consultation: On the first visit to the dental office, a case history is taken by your dentist, and an individualized treatment plan is given. Treatment cost and scheduling will be done during the consultation. *Implant placement: A titanium screw is placed at the site of tooth loss under local or general anesthesia. The time for this procedure usually depends on the number of implants being placed. Post-operative instructions are given, and the patient is discharged. *Healing phase: The healing period varies for different patients. During this phase, the implant integrates with the bone. The average time taken for healing after implant placement ranges from 4 weeks to 3 months. A temporary prosthesis will be given during this phase. *Abutment placement: Once healed, a small connector is placed on the dental implant, just above the gum line, to hold your new tooth or support your denture securely. *Crown attachment: Based on the impression your dentist will have made, your new tooth will look and feel just like a natural tooth. This tooth, formally referred to as a crown, is then attached to the abutment. Dentures attach to the abutment for support and can either be removable or permanently placed by your dentist.

IMPLANT RECOVERY PROCESS The phase after implant placement is called the recovery process, where significant changes occur in the bone around the implant. During this phase, the implant that has been placed integrates with the jaw bone. This enables it to function like a natural tooth. The common symptoms seen during this phase are: *Bleeding *Tenderness *Redness *Swelling *Inability to open mouth *Inability to chew All these symptoms may subside in a week’s time. If they persist, consult your dentist immediately. RECOVERY TIPS *Rest: After your appointment for dental surgery, take a whole day to get some rest. If your dentist gives you a sedative, you will likely feel drowsy. Therefore, you should not do anything that you would need to focus on, such as driving. You should also avoid strenuous activities. Do not bend or lift anything that can remove blood clots and lead to bleeding. When it is time to go to bed, raise your head using extra pillows. *Follow the instructions: Your dentist may tell you to avoid brushing and flossing your mouth at first as your mouth may be more sensitive to routine oral hygiene during this time. They may tell you to avoid brushing the tender area but to clean some of your teeth as you usually would. You may rinse it with salt water using eight ounces of warm water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt. DO NOT spit for 24 hours after surgery. *Ice pack: An ice pack helps. It reduces the swelling at the site of implant placement. Place it over the area of swelling at regular intervals. Place it for 30 minutes, remove it for 20 minutes and repeat the same for 24 hours. Ice can be applied for 3 days to see a significant reduction in swelling. If pus or fever is noticed during this period, consult your dentist immediately. *Food: Consume only soft food for at least a week. Do not use a straw to sip beverages for at least 3-4 days as it tends to create negative pressure in the mouth and dislodge the blood clots. Do not consume spicy foods, hard foods, crispy foods, hot beverages, or hot foods. *Medication: Your dentist prescribes you NSAIDs for pain and antibiotics if necessary. Duly follow the course. *Look out for warning signs: Look out for these signs during your recovery process and consult your dentist immediately if you observe them: excessive swelling after 1 week, pus oozing from the surgical site, allergic reactions to anesthesia, or blood pooling at the site of the implant.