Dental Implant

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a synthetic root tooth, made up of titanium, implanted into your jaw to support restorations that resemble a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are the best option for those people who suffer loss of teeth due to periodontal disease, injury or some other reason.

What are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

There are various forms of dental implants available, each designed to support a specific function but rely upon titanium fixtures inserted into the jawbone. Most of the implants are made up of titanium, which is very effectual at blending with living bone (osseointegration). Depending upon the surgical procedure, dental implants are divided into 4 types:

Subperiosteal Dental Implants: This type of Dental implant is recommended to those patients who have extremely insufficient bone material in the jaw. In this case, the jaw bone is considered ‘attrited’ meaning the jawbone does not have enough height or width to support root and plate form implants. This is the case where subperiosteal dental implants are brought into use. The two methods for subperiosteal implants are as follows- Single Surgery Method and Dual Surgery Method.

Root Form Implants: Root form implants are designed to replicate the shape and size of the natural tooth root. It is the most common type of implant method and is used when your jaw bone has depth and width. If your jawbone is narrow and lack space, you may have to undergo a bone grafting procedure to expand them.

Plate Form Implants: In case your jawbone is too narrow and does not allow bone grafting, a Plate Form Implant is suggested to you. The best part about the Plate Form Implant is that it has been manufactured long and has a flat shape for a perfect fit into a narrow jawbone.

Single Tooth Implants: Single tooth implants are generally used in people having one or more than one tooth missing. The implant is surgically placed in the opening made by your dentist in the jawbone. After the implant gets attached to the jawbone, it performs the function of a new root for the crown that will take place of your original tooth. A crown, which replicates the original tooth, is fixed to the implant and fills the gap left in the mouth.

Dental Implants Procedures

The process of dental implant is a two-step program. In the first step, a surgery is conducted to fix the implant into your jaw. This process is normally conducted in a dental clinic type setting. The next step of the dental implant procedure takes place after 3 to 4 months after the implant is being placed. It is so because till the time the bone has grown around the implant to hold it in place. The process involves removal of the gum tissue which covers the implant followed by fixing a post into the implant. The post will act as an extension to attach the denture, cap or crown to the implant.

Cost of Dental Implants in India

The charges of cosmetic dentistry are pretty high abroad in countries such as U.K. and U.S.A as compared to the Indian dental clinics. Even most people from abroad prefer India for cosmetic dentistry owing to its state of the art hospitals and the low cost factor.