DENTAL IMPLANTS & DENTURES

The process of getting dental implants typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation: During the first appointment, the dentist or oral surgeon evaluates the patient’s oral health, takes X-rays, and discusses the suitability of dental implants as a tooth replacement option.
2. Surgical Placement: In the next stage, the dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the implant is allowed to fuse with the bone over several months through a process called osseointegration.
3. Healing Period: During the healing period, the jawbone integrates with the dental implant, creating a strong and stable foundation for the artificial tooth.
4. Abutment Placement: After the healing period, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the dental implant. The abutment serves as the base for the final restoration.
5. Final Restoration: Finally, a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant restoration. The final restoration is designed to blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural teeth, providing a functional and aesthetic replacement for the missing tooth or teeth.

Dental implants offer numerous advantages, including improved speech, enhanced chewing ability, and preservation of bone and facial structure. They also look and feel like natural teeth, providing a long-term and reliable solution for tooth loss.

Dentures:

Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are an option for patients who have lost multiple teeth or all of their natural teeth due to various reasons, such as age, decay, gum disease, or trauma.

There are two main types of dentures:

1. Complete Dentures: Complete dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaw, or both. They consist of a full set of artificial teeth mounted on a pink acrylic base that fits over the gums. Complete dentures are held in place by the natural suction of the mouth or with the help of dental adhesives.
2. Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present in the mouth. They are designed to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are supported by the remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures are usually made of a metal framework with artificial teeth attached to it.

The process of getting dentures involves several steps:

1. Impressions: The dentist takes impressions of the patient’s mouth to create a mold, which serves as the basis for fabricating the custom dentures.
2. Trial Fitting: Once the dentures are made, the patient tries them on for size and comfort. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a proper fit.
3. Final Fitting: After adjustments, the dentures are provided to the patient for daily use.

Dentures offer an affordable and non-invasive option for restoring the appearance and functionality of the mouth after tooth loss. However, they may require occasional adjustments or relining over time as the jawbone and gum tissues change with age. With proper care and regular check-ups, dentures can provide a satisfactory and functional solution for missing teeth.