Dental Implants in Philadelphia: Process and Risks

Dental implants were invented in 1952 by Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Branemark. They are artificial tooth roots that serve as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth or bridge. Dental implants, also known as endosseous fixtures, are surgical component or fixture that attaches to the jaw or skull bone to provide support for a dental prosthesis such as a false tooth. They are fixed in your jawbone, so they function, feel, and fit like a natural tooth. 

They can be used to replace a single tooth, or several teeth lost to diseases or due to trauma, they can also be used to secure removable partial or full dentures. They have a stable structure and can support physical pressure for years without failure. 

The Process of Getting a Dental Implant

Dental implants have three parts, the implants, the abutment, and the crown. The process of fixing dental implants involves two separate surgical procedures, and the entire process will take months from start to finish. 

The first surgery is to place the implants into the jawbone. Osseointegration is the process in which materials such as titanium, zirconia, and certain ceramics are placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse to the bone within a few months. It is usually conducted under general anesthesia. An incision is made on the gum to expose the jawbone, the jawbone is drilled to fix the implant post, once the implant post is fixed, osseointegration starts in which the jawbone unites with the surface of the implants, this provides a solid base for the new artificial tooth. 

The second surgery takes place 4-6 months later, the implant post is examined to determine if it has successfully locked in into the jawbone and the crown is eventually attached to the implants.

Factors That Impede a Dental Implant Surgery

There are certain health conditions that can make dental implant surgery inadvisable. A review of your medical history including medications, medical conditions are needed. Factors that will affect the chances for osseointegration include:

• The health of the patient
• The age of the patient
• The health condition of the mucous membrane in the mouth
• The location of the missing tooth
• The jaw
• The shape
• The size and the position of the jawbone. 

A comprehensive dental examination is essentially conducted. Diagnostic tools such as CT scanners and X-rays will be used so that the implants can be placed with precision and with minimal risk.

The risk involved includes those that might occur during the surgery such as:

• Excessive bleeding or nerve injury
• Infection
• Swelling
• Pains
• Temporal facial bruising following surgery

Those that can occur 6-month post-surgery (failure to osseointegrate or infection):

• Long-term risks such as Peri-Implantitis which is the inflammations of bones and gums surrounding an implant
• Mechanical failure
• Bone fracturing in areas within the jawbone
• Muscle spasms
• Damage to tooth-root sinus or nasal perforation during surgery

Who Stands at Risk of Dental Implant Failure?

Those at risk of failure of dental implants include:

• Heavy smokers
• Diabetic patients
• Individuals with poor oral hygiene practices
• Long-term steroid users
• Those with a history of gum disease

Where Should You Get a Dental Implant in Philadelphia?

If you are interested in getting dental implants, then you should use an expert team with vast experience in such surgeries. Absolute Smile Dental Clinic has a team of well-trained specialists on standby to provide you with a hitch-free surgery or give you more information about the procedure.

We Offer:

• Comprehensive dental care and cosmetic dentistry services
• Affordable, customized treatment plans to enable you to achieve your oral health goals

Contact us now to take advantage of our free consultation services for all new patients!