Tooth Talk – The Implant Insight
Dr. Akshay Ranade, the esteemed owner of and practitioner at Dr. Ranade’s ToothTickle Dental Clinic and Implant Center, who also serves as a Consultant and Implantologist at Hiranandani Hospital, Thane, answered some Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Implants for KYT. Keep reading to get your questions answered –
What are dental implants? When does one need them?
Dental implants are alternative teeth replacement solutions that are ideal for those who want a long-term solution. These implants are exact individual replicas of natural teeth and are needed if –
1) Patient has single or multiple missing teeth.
2) Patient’s dentures are loose, slipping or keeping them from eating what they want.
3) Patient has a broken/cracked tooth.
What is the procedure for getting dental implants?
Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, where they serve as roots of the missing teeth. The implants fuse with the jawbone within a couple of months. This is called osseointegration. After that, a connector, known as an abutment, is placed on the top of the dental implant. This connects it to the replacement tooth. Finally, a crown (a replacement tooth), is custom fabricated to match the patient’s natural teeth shade. Placing that completes the procedure.
How long does this procedure take?
An individual dental implant and fixed tooth can take about 3 months. Full mouth dental implants and fixed teeth can be done in 72 hours to 3 months
How do dental implants compare to other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges?
Dental implants are designed to be permanent and preserve the bone. An implant does not damage the adjacent teeth and tissues. Moreover, implants are known to improve appearance and speech too.
People of what age can get dental implants?
An ideal age for dental implants is from 20 years onwards to geriatric.
What is the average cost of dental implants and does insurance cover them?
Depending on type, company and country of origin, prices can vary from Rs.15,000-Rs 50,000 onwards. Few insurance companies in India cover dental implants.
Dr. Akshay Ranade is MDS from GDC Mumbai, MSc in Implantology from France and a Fellowship in Clinical Research from the UK.
Scan the given QR Code to locate Dr. Ranade’s ToothTickle Dental Clinic and Implant Centre.
