What exactly is a dental implant?
Dental implants are made from bio-compatible material (often titanium) and are in effect an artificial tooth root. The titanium screws are embedded into the jaw bone to replicate tooth roots. Once embedded, they fuse with the surrounding bone tissue to create a permanent structure in the mouth that can support a dental prosthetic such as a crown, bridge, or dentures or be used alongside other dental implants to support an entire arch of replacement teeth. In providing such a strong base to mount a dental prosthetic, dental implants can effectively restore lost function while restoring lost teeth.
Dental implants are made up of three main components:
The implant: This is a titanium screw that is drilled into the jawbone and will fuse with the surrounding bone to create the foundation for the prosthetic.
The abutment: This is the connector piece that holds the dental prosthetic into the implant.
The dental prosthetic: This is the dental prosthetic that is attached to the implant via the abutment and is actually seen above the gum line.
Dental Implants in Kisumu Dental Center – What Patients can expect: –
Undergoing dental implants here in Kisumu Dental Center requires a number of appointments or stages. Let’s take a closer look…
The consultation
During the first visit, Dr Odoyo E. O will have a one-to-one talk with you to understand your dental needs. He will ask you about your medical history, give you an oral examination and take some digital x-rays. From this, he will develop your customized treatment plan. This details what needs to be done and within what time frame. Read More
What happens during the dental implant procedure?
During your dental implant placement, you will be kept at ease with sedation and anesthetic. An incision will be made in your gums, and a series of specialized drills will be used to create a space for the implant. A small hole will be drilled and then, the titanium screw of the dental implant will be placed into this hole. Depending on your treatment plan, the abutment may also be attached to the implant. Finally, your gums will be sutured and you will be able to return home the same day. Read More
How long will my dental implants last?
Although dental implants are the longest-lasting restoration method available, the length of their lifespan can be varied. Different factors such as oral health habits, whether or not you smoke, and the type of implant can all affect their lifespan. Usually, dental implants have the ability to last at least ten years and some have even lasted longer than that. However, there are also instances were they may need to be replaced sooner, such as if too much force has been exerted on them or if they become loose. To replace your dental implant, our dentists will remove the old implant and place another within the same procedure.
