Loss of a tooth is not only a functional, but also a psychological problem, especially if the gap in the dentition is in sight.
Absence of a tooth: problems
It would seem that what is terrible in the absence of one tooth? However, this can cause adverse effects on the health and external data of a person.
The loss of even one tooth leads to the destruction of the dentition, since neighboring teeth, trying to fill the gap, are shifted towards the missing one. As a result, the interdental gaps increase, in which food remains get stuck. Also, the deformation of the row leads to a curvature of the dental arch and improper closing of the jaws, which changes the bite. Displacement of the lower jaw, which appears as a result of malocclusion, can lead to diseases of the temporomandibular joint. This is fraught with severe headaches.
"Sinking" of the lips and cheeks, malocclusion cause a change in the oval of the face. Mimic wrinkles form around the mouth. The absence of a tooth can lead to a violation of diction. And it's not all aesthetic problems. The way out of such situations is dental implantation.
Preparation for implantation
Dental implantation is a full-fledged surgical operation, so it is carried out according to the same rules. Preparation for implantation should be much more serious than for conventional dental procedures.
The patient needs to pass a series of tests, undergo examinations by a therapist, neurologist, cardiologist, etc. You also need to do a computed tomography or x-ray and sanitize the oral cavity.
Implantation process
Dental implantation is a time-consuming and complex process. It is carried out in several stages. Surgery is the most important of these. The surgeon makes an incision in the gums and exposes the bone tissue, then forms the bone bed with cutters. The implant is screwed into the formed hole, tightly fixed and covered with a sterile titanium plug. The operation is completed by suturing the gum over the structure. The entire intervention process lasts no more than 50 minutes.
Some time after implantation of the artificial root, a gum former is installed. The titanium plug is removed and the shaper is attached in its place. It is necessary to prepare the gums for the subsequent installation of the abutment (the connecting element between the implant and the orthopedic structure) and the crown.
The last orthopedic stage begins with the selection and installation of the abutment. Then the dentist makes casts of the teeth, on the basis of which the crown is made in the dental laboratory. In its manufacture, the natural color of the patient's teeth is taken into account. After installation, the crown is difficult to distinguish from a healthy tooth, while functionally it completely replaces it.
Anesthesia
For dental implantation, local or general anesthesia is used. Local anesthesia is more often used, it is more preferable, as it reduces the time of the operation. With the help of modern drugs for local anesthesia, you can achieve maximum patient comfort.
General anesthesia (narcosis) is used for major operations, when it is planned to install several implants or bone grafting.
Osseointegration of the implant
Osseointegration is the process of fouling of the implant with bone tissue. It is completed approximately 18 months after the operation.
Positive factors affecting the result of osseointegration are:
- bone quality (the bone density of the lower jaw is much higher, so the healing process lasts about 3 months, healing after implantation in the upper jaw - 6 months);
- quality of the implant (titanium alloys have the highest biocompatibility, engraftment of the titanium rod occurs in 97% of cases);
- installation stability (screw pins are considered the most reliable).
