Dental implants are metal posts that can be inserted into the jawbone and used to support a crown or bridgework. Implants can also be used to hold a removable denture in place.
First of all, a dentist must give an explanation of what an implant is. Then he should examine the patient and take x-rays to measure the amount of bone available; using this together with study models he must then provide a written breakdown of the costs involved.
Before placing an implant, it is crucial for the dentist to thoroughly assess the health of a patient’s teeth. If there is any decay or gum disease then this must be dealt with beforehand. To place an implant, there must be enough bone to achieve the appropriate depth. Other complications include damaging the inferior dental nerve. If this is damaged during the procedure, a patient could end up with a permanently numb lip.
Under local or general anaesthetic, an excision is made into the gum, then the bone is drilled in order to fix the implant; this can either be tapped or screwed into place.
Following the fixing of the implant, the dentist should then normally attach the crown or bridge to the implant.
The problems with implant placement can lead to problems such as to damage to nerves; sometimes implants can be so badly angled that they can even perforate the jaw bone.
