Are Dental Implants the right choice for your missing teeth?

preview16 A beautiful, confident smile is a reflection of self-assuredness and well-being. But what happens when you lose a tooth, impacting not only your smile but also your ability to chew and speak comfortably? This is where dental implants come into the game, offering a lifelike, durable solution that can restore your confidence.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a game-changer in the world of dentistry. They are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials like titanium. Surgically implanted into the jawbone, they serve as a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, allowing you to regain the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.

Three essential components of dental implants are:

Implant: A small titanium screw is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a foundation for the replacement tooth.
Abutment: A connector piece, that joins the implant to the crown or prosthesis and holds it securely in place.
Crown: A customized, tooth-like replacement that sits on top of the abutment, mimicking the appearance and function of a real tooth.

How is Dental Implant Placed?

Initial Consultation: The process begins with a comprehensive consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays or dental CT scans to assess bone structure, bone thickness, and density, and discuss your dental history and treatment options.
Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, a customized treatment plan is created. This plan outlines the number of implants needed, their ideal placement positions, and the type of restoration or prosthesis (crown, bridge, denture) that will be attached to the implants.
Implant Placement: After the complete treatment planning is completed, the implant placement surgical procedure begins.
Osseointegration: Over the next 4 to 6 months, the process of osseointegration occurs. The bone tissue gradually fuses with the surface of the implant, providing a stable foundation.
Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is completed, abutments are attached to the implant. Abutments are small connectors that protrude through the gum line and serve as attachment points for the eventual crown, bridges, or dentures.
Restoration: After abutment placement, your dentist will take impressions or intraoral scans of your mouth to create a custom crown, bridge, or denture that will be secured to the abutments. This restoration will be designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
Final Placement: The final restoration is securely attached to the abutments after the trial procedures are completed by making minor adjustments if required, completing the implant procedure. It is adjusted to ensure proper alignment and function.
Follow-Up and Maintenance: Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and the long-term success of the implant. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, is essential to maintain the health of the implant and surrounding tissues.

The Benefits of Dental Implants:

Natural Appearance: Dental implants and prosthesis are designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless, authentic look.
Enhanced Confidence: Dental implants can boost your self-esteem by restoring your smile, allowing you to speak and smile confidently.
Improved Functionality: They function like natural teeth, enabling you to eat, chew, and speak comfortably and without restrictions.
Durability: With good hygiene measures, dental implants can last a lifetime, offering a long-term solution to tooth loss.
Preservation of Bone Structure: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss, which often occurs when teeth are missing.

Why Choose Teeth Care Centre?

Teeth Care Centre, the best dental implant clinic in Ahmedabad, always keeps upgrading with the latest technological advancements. Dr. Pankti Patel, Chief Dentist, explains the entire procedure, the prognosis, and treatment outcomes and clears all queries the patient has, regarding the implant procedure. Dr. Pankti Patel is an internationally trained dental implant specialist who performs advanced robotic guided Implant surgeries like sinus lift, ridge splitting, and bone grafting. Along with it, we have a team of licensed and experienced Oral surgeons, Implant Surgeons, and Implant Prosthesis specialists for the best treatment outcome. At TCC, we use the best and world-recognized brand for Dental Implant, Nobel Biocare, from Swiss origin. Along with using the best brand, at our facility, the Implant placement is done with the help of Robotic Guided Surgery. Robotic-guided surgery is precise, painless, bloodless, and stitchless, and provides faster healing than the traditional implant placement methods.

Dental implants are more than just replacements for missing teeth; they are bridges to confidence and oral well-being.

Myths: The Dental Edition

covering-eyes-women-friend-portrait When it comes to oral health and hygiene, myths and misbeliefs have a way of sticking around. Whether passed down through generations or passed through the grapevine, dental myths can lead to confusion and even misguided dental practices, so it is important to be aware of the actual facts. In every corner of the world, cultural beliefs and traditions shape how people perceive and approach dental care. While some of these beliefs are steeped in centuries-old practices, others have arisen due to misconceptions that have been perpetuated over time.

Some of the most common myths are:

Teeth Cleaning leads to removal of teeth enamel: This is the biggest myth in dentistry. Teeth Cleaning also known as Scaling involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains, accumulated on the surface of the tooth, with the help of specialized hand or ultrasonic instruments, which improves gum health. Due to this myth, many people don’t get the routine teeth cleaning which is ideally recommended every 6 months, and have deteriorated gum health.
Chewing Sugar-free gum is equal to Brushing: Sugar-free gum can provide a temporary boost in saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food debris. However, it’s not a substitute for the thorough cleaning provided by brushing and flossing. Chewing Gum doesn’t remove plaque or prevent tartar buildup, and neglecting your brushing routine can lead to cavities and other dental issues.
Whitening Toothpaste can whiten teeth instantly: Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and slightly brighten teeth over time, but they are not as effective as professional whitening treatments. Stubborn stains and discoloration often require the expertise of a dentist to achieve noticeable and lasting results.
I need a Dentist only when my Teeth Hurts: Dental problems often start silently, with no obvious symptoms in their early stages. Regular dental check-ups are essential for detecting issues like cavities and gum disease before they progress to more painful and costly stages. Prevention is always better than cure than waiting for discomfort to appear.
Brushing Harder gets you cleaner teeth: Brushing your teeth vigorously with excessive pressure and with improper brushing technique (horizontal brushing) can actually harm your teeth and gums. It can lead to enamel erosion, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. A gentle yet thorough brushing technique is more effective in removing plaque without causing damage.
Milky teeth don’t matter, they are going to fall anyway: Baby teeth play a crucial role in a child’s oral development. They help with speech, and proper chewing, and guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to early cavities, infections, and misalignment issues that could affect the development of permanent teeth.
Flossing can lead to spaces in between teeth: Flossing your teeth helps to remove the food particles and the plaque from between the tooth surfaces, where the routine toothbrushes cannot reach and clean. Without Flossing there can be cavity formation and gum problems over time.
Aspirin can relieve my toothache permanently: Placing aspirin directly on a toothache is not recommended and can actually damage your gums and other oral tissues. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s best to consult a dentist to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Chewing Betelnut for stronger teeth: In various Asian countries, including India and some Southeast Asian nations, chewing betel nut is a common practice. Locals believe that chewing betelnut, often wrapped in a betel leaf, can strengthen teeth and prevent decay. However, the reality is that betel nut is acidic and can erode tooth enamel, leading to more dental issues over time and can cause pre-cancerous conditions in the mouth.

Why Choose Teeth Care Centre?

At Teeth Care Centre, we believe in providing the most accurate and honest opinion for your dental issues. Dr. Pankti Patel, the Best Dentist in Ahmedabad and the Chief Dentist of Teeth Care Centre believes in debunking all the myths and providing you with her unbiased opinion for all your dental concerns.

Dental myths can be incessant, but relying on evidence-based dental practices and expert dental professionals is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Instead of falling for myths that might compromise your smile, consult a dental professional for accurate advice and proper care. Remember, your oral health is an investment that pays off in the form of a confident and healthy smile.

What is CBCT?

CBCT the acronym of Cone Beam Computed Tomography, stands out as a revolutionary technology that has transformed the way healthcare professionals visualize and diagnose complex anatomical structures. CBCT has gained immense popularity due to its ability to provide high-resolution 3D images with minimal radiation exposure, making it a valuable tool across various medical fields.

What is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)?

CBCT is a specialized and advanced imaging technique that utilizes cone-shaped X-ray beams to generate a series of cross-sectional images, similar to regular computed tomography (CT) scans. The main difference between traditional CT and CBCT lies in the imaging process. While CT scanners rotate around the patient, capturing multiple slices, CBCT utilizes a single rotation to capture a volumetric dataset, which provides a 3D representation of the region of interest.

How Does CBCT Work?

The CBCT system consists of a C-arm that houses the X-ray source on one side and a detector on the other. During the scan, the C-arm revolves around the patient, capturing a series of X-ray images from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into a 3D volume using advanced computer algorithms. The generated images provide detailed anatomical information, providing clinicians in diagnosing and planning treatment with remarkable precision.

Applications of CBCT in Medicine:

Dentistry: CBCT has significantly impacted the field of dentistry by revolutionizing dental imaging. It allows dentists to visualize teeth, jawbones, nerve pathways, and surrounding structures in three dimensions. This has proven invaluable for diagnosing dental conditions, planning of dental implant procedures, and performing endodontic procedures.

Orthopedics: In orthopedic medicine, CBCT is used to assess complex fractures, deformities, and joint-related issues. It aids in pre-operative planning, guiding surgeons during intricate procedures, and evaluating postoperative outcomes.

ENT: CBCT plays a critical role in evaluating the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavities, and temporal bone in ENT conditions. It aids in diagnosing chronic sinusitis, nasal obstructions, and other disorders of the upper airway.

Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery: CBCT has revolutionized the field of maxillofacial and oral surgery, enabling surgeons to visualize anatomical structures in 3D and plan complex procedures, such as orthognathic surgery and reconstructive procedures.

Radiation Oncology: In radiation oncology, CBCT is used for precise treatment planning and image-guided radiation therapy. It ensures that the radiation is accurately delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Interventional Radiology: CBCT is utilized during minimally invasive procedures to guide the placement of catheters, stents, and other devices within the body.

Advantages of CBCT:

High-resolution 3D Imaging: CBCT provides precise & detailed, high-resolution 3D images that offer a comprehensive view of the anatomical structures of interest.

Minimal Radiation Exposure: Compared to conventional CT scans, CBCT exposes patients to lower doses of radiation, making it safer for certain patient populations.

Non-invasive and Quick: CBCT scans are non-invasive and can be completed in a relatively short time, reducing patient discomfort and wait times.

Precise Treatment Planning: CBCT enables healthcare professionals to plan treatments with increased accuracy, resulting in better outcomes for patients.

Conclusion:

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has without a doubt revolutionized medical imaging and transformed the way healthcare professionals diagnose and treat various conditions. Teeth Care Centre, the Best Dental Clinic in Ahmedabad, believes in staying up to date with the latest advancements. Dr. Pankti Patel, the Chief Dentist of TCC, who has specialized in Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology, uses CBCT as a diagnostic tool and also for treatment planning of time-consuming surgeries like Implant surgery and complex wisdom tooth surgery, etc., for all our patients to provide them with the best treatment possible. As technology continues to advance, CBCT is likely to further enhance patient care and contribute to medical breakthroughs in the future.