• Missing single tooth
• Missing multiple teeth
• Missing all teeth
• To improve fit of dentures
• Rehabilitation post cancer
• Rehabilitation post mucormycosis

When one does not replace missing teeth for a long time the following problems occur 

• Difficulty in chewing
• Changes in speech due to gaps between your teeth created by the missing teeth
• Tilting of the adjacent teeth into the space created by the missing teeth
• Encroaching of the space of the missing teeth by the opposing tooth .
• Changes in the bite which may lead to muscle fatigue and stress on the temporomandibular joint which may lead to TmDs in the future
• Sagging of the face takes place giving n older and wrinkled appearance as the muscles can no longer support the cheek n lips
• This often leads to low self esteem and confidence and hiding of the smile in public to avoid embarrassment

When should you get a dental implant done?

• Dental implant helps overcome all the above mentioned problems. It is the best and most sort after option for replacement of missing tooth/teeth
• Dental implants have a success rate of 99% and are recommended for all irrespective of the age and gender.

What are the advantages of Dental Implants?

• Dental implants are the closest possible thing to a natural teeth. They look like a natural tooth, feel like a natural tooth and most importantly function like one.
• Dental implants restore your chewing efficiency to that of natural teeth allowing you to eat all your favourite items.
• Dental implant help restore missing teeth without adversely affecting the adjacent teeth
• They also maintain the bone and prevent it from deterioration
• They are a permanent solution as  they last for decades if proper care is taken
• They help restore the facial aesthetics and maintain the tone of facial muscles which may be lost due to missing teeth.
• They are extremely comfortable and help overcome missing tooth related speech problems.
• Most importantly by restoring your smile both aesthetically and functionally, dental implants boosts your confidence & self esteem and improves overall health

Types of dental implants

1.  Conventional dental implants – Can be loaded immediately or after 2 months of osseointegration depending on the amount of bone support and torque achieved during placement
2.  Strategic implants – used for replacement of multiple or all teeth. These implants are generally loaded withing 72 hours. Hence within a period of 3 days the patient has new teeth. This also requires a flapless approach for placement hence reducing the patient discomfort and decreasing time required for post surgical healing. Also used in cases where amount of bone available is less
3.  Zygomatic implants – used when almost no bone is available in the posterior region of the upper jaw. In such cases support is taken from the cheek bone to rehabilitate the upper jaw.

Full mouth implant concepts

All on 4 

This concept is used for replacement of all missing teeth. The procedure is best for patients with whose bone loss in the jaw prevents them from getting conventional (straight ) implants

3 key aaspects of this concept are :

1. Use of 4 implants in the anterior region to support a full arch fixed bridge. These implants are placed in the anterior region as the bone density is high.
2.  Implants are placed at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees in the back. this helps overcome bony deficiencies or anatomical structures like the maxillary sinus in the upper arch and nerve canal in the lower. Such a placement eliminates need for procedures like bone grafting too.
3. This concept allows immediate loading, that is allows replacement of entire set of fixed teeth in 72 hours. The angulated implants open in the premolar region hence aloowing placement of molars as cantilever. A total of 12 teeth can be given on the particular placement.

All on 6

This concept is similar to all on 4 but 2 additional implants are placed. This is believed to create a stronger more stable base for the teeth leading to a longer lasting more comfortable smile .

Combination of strategic/conventional and zygomatic

This is usually used when the bone in the posterior region of the upper arch is extremely less. In such a case 2 implants are placed in the zygoma (cheek bone), one on each side to take adequate anchorage. This is used in combination with conventional or strategic implants in the anterior region.

This also allows for immediate loading of teeth on the implants.

Quadzygoma.

In some patients very little or almost no bone is available in the upper arch in both the front aand back. In such situations quadzygomatic approach is used. 2 implants on each side are placed into the cheek bones. One opens in the front and one behind, allowing an entire set of teeth or fixed denture to be given immediately over it.

Full mouth implant using conventional implants.

A total of 6 to 8 implants are placed parallely over the entire jaw region. This helps to place about 12-14 teeth per jaw. However, in the back region of the upper additional procedures like sinus lift and grafting may be required to increase the height and width of the bone to ensure parallel placement. Similarly in the lower arch procedures like ridge split and grafting may be needed to increase width.

Full mouth implant using strategic implants

• This can be used to replace teeth when less bone is available especially in the back region of the upper arch. A total of  10 implants are placed in the upper arch. 6/8 implants in the anterior to premolar region and 2-4 implants that is 1-2 on each side are placed in the pterygoid bone to take anchorage in the posterior most point.
• Similarly in the lower 8 implants are placed. The advantage of these implants is that they can be used in less bone in the back region too. They achieve this by facilitating nerv e bypass. Another advantage is that immediate loading of permanent set of teeth can be done.
• Post operative care instructions
• Care should be taken to avoid lip or cheek biting till effect of anaesthesia wears off as it may result in ulcer formation
• Patient should avoid touching the treated area, not gargle with force or spit
• A gauze is placed at the treated site, pressure should be applied on it for a period of 30-45 mins.
• Slight bleeding or reddish tinge of saliva is normal for 24 hours post procedure. But if bleeding is more and does not stop contact your dentist
• Patient may observe some swelling. This is normal. Apply ice from outside over the affected area for 24-36 hours 3-4 times a day
• Oral hygiene is extremely important for good healing, hence brushing is imp and should be done. Only care must be taken over the treated area. U can also use your finger for that area.
• Pain medications prescribed by the dentist should be taken before the effect of the anaesthesia wears off.
• Diet should be modified to include soft & cold food. Liquid diet is also good. But avoid using straws
• Avoid smokimg tobacco or alcohol consumption for atleast 36-48 hours post implant placement procedure