Children are prone to accidents, and many-a-times they tend to lose their teeth as they fall or suffer just some sort of a blow to their faces. While, in grown ups, dental implants are the most preferred treatment of choice for missing teeth, their use in children in questionable.

Implants are mostly used in cases where the individual has completed his craniofacial growth.

Implants in children or adolescents are usually not recommended as they may have several unfavorable effects including trauma to tooth germs, tooth eruption disorders and restrictions of skeletal craniofacial growth.

If a dental implant is placed before the child’s jaw has reached its complete growth, it may hamper with the growth process. The implants are directly screwed into the bone, so they do not move easily. So, besides impeding the bone growth, implants placed in very young patients may also affect their natural teeth.

Natural teeth, which have a living, functioning periodontal ligament, are known to move throughout life. And their movement is maximum during the growth years, when the teeth are trying to come into their natural positions.

The interference of implants with these tooth movements may have considerable adverse effects on the individual’s natural teeth.

Ideally, implant treatments must be deferred till the time the patient has completed his bone growth. By the age of 17 years in boys and 14-15 years in girls, most of the growth is believed to have completed, though variation may be noted in different individuals. It is for the dentist to decide if the patient, at his young age, makes the right candidate for receiving implants.

However, implant treatments in children are not completely contraindicated. Studies have shown them to be useful in few rare cases, where the young patients congenitally suffer from severe hypodontia (less number of teeth) or anodontia (total absence of teeth), caused by syndromes such as ectodermal dysplasia.

There are several instances, where dentists have managed to successfully place implants in young children, who had absolutely no teeth due to some congenital condition.

It must be noted that implant surgery in children is restricted to a limited few cases; it must not be considered routine treatment.

But, since looking good is especially critical for pre-teens and teens, and youngsters would never like to walk around with missing teeth, there has to be some solution for them, if they happen to accidentally lose some tooth.

Affordable dental treatments abroad could be considered by parents especially from the US as procedures like dental implants in India and Zimmer teeth implants in Thailand are cheaper and one could save up to 30 to 50% on a procedure outside US. Everybody wants their children to be happily healthy and so the best option is considered by all. But not all can shell out too much money and some follow strict budgets. Dental tourism supports such people to achieve dental goals at surprisingly cheaper costs, usually unheard of in first world nations like the US and the UK.

Lastly, until the child is old enough to receive an implant, the dentist can make a prosthetic restoration to restore the missing tooth temporarily. And eventually, when it is endured the jaw bone will not grow any further, the patient can be given a permanent solution in the form of an implant.

DentaVacation facilitates affordable dental treatments at various destinations across the world. For more information, submit the estimate-request form on the right.

Dental Implants have brought about a revolution in the way missing teeth of people are replaced. They are a convenient, comfortable substitute for dentures, and despite the significant difference in cost, they are largely preferred over dentures. Sometimes, however, the high costs of dental treatments, especially in the western countries, cause people to look for affordable dental implants in India, Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, etc.

Although they have a high success rates, dental implants are not always suited for all patients; heavy smokers are often considered unbefitting for implants.

Smoking contraindicated for Implants

Smoking is one major contra-indication for implants.  Various studies have revealed that smoking raises the probability of rejection of the implant by the body, thus hurting the success rate of the treatment,  as scientists have found that smoking is a risk factor that bars the ability of a dental implant to succeed.

Although carried out widely, the implant procedure is a sophisticated one, and requires good skill of the dentist and plenty of aftercare by the patient.

What is an Implant?

An implant is basically a titanium screw, which is placed inside the jaw bone to act like the tooth-root. No immediate load is placed over the implant to allow sometime for osseo-integration (the connection between the implant and its surrounding bone).

Once the dentist confirms the implant is perfectly secure inside the bone, a tooth shaped crown is placed over it, and the patient can leave the dental office with full confidence of a natural-like tooth.

Effect of Smoking on Dental Implants

However, in smokers, the osseo-integration (which is the most crucial for the success of an implant) may be compromised, leading to the failure of the entire process.

Smoking is known to negatively affect the implant procedure because it cuts down the blood flow to the oral tissue like the gums, teeth and bone, which in turn results in slower healing of the implant site. If the healing is so impaired that the implant fails to properly integrate with the bone, the whole process will be flopped.

So, it is imperative for a dentist to guide every patient about the chances of success of implant in his case. Heavy smokers must be informed about the implant-failure associated with smoking, before starting out with the procedure.

It is important to note that not all smokers face failure of implants; the results vary from person to person. However, the risk of failure definitely rises with smoking. But smokers can cover that risk by quitting the habit way in advance of getting the treatment.

Smoke-quitters can enjoy the same success of dental implants as non-smokers but they must give up on tobacco a few months before starting the treatment and maintain that for several weeks after the completion of the treatment.

Dental implants are an expensive option, which makes it important for the dentists to explain the chances of success and failure to each patient, before beginning with the surgery. Also, if you don’t think a dental implant treatment in your home town will fit your budget, you may want to consider dental clinics in Costa Rica, Mexico, India, or Thailand, to restore your smile without burning a hole in pocket.

DentaVacation facilitates affordable dental treatments at various destinations across the world. For more information, submit the estimate-request form on the right.

Nothing can be as good as the natural dentition, and one must strive to keep it healthy. However, once the natural teeth are lost, there is no option but to look for the best replacement for them. And the replacement that comes closest to natural teeth in form and function is a dental implant.

Dental implants provide you with replacements that are not only natural looking, but also the most comfortable in function. Dental implants procedure is very expensive in first world nations like the US and the UK. Many patients delay the procedure because of the cost factor and this delayed decision could worsen the situation in some cases.

According to a survey published by the US CDC in 2000, more than 44% of Americans did not have dental insurance during that time – which certainly increases the need for dental tourism. Many patients especially from the US and Canada frequent Thailand, India and Mexico for dental implants procedure.

Implant or RCT?

Of course, if your natural teeth are present, and in good health, there is no question of thinking about any replacements. But dentists have long been in conflict over the treatment options for a decayed tooth.

While a minor decay obviously calls for direct restoration of the tooth, it is the badly decayed teeth that have got the doctors wondering whether they should be saved with root canal treatment or be extracted and replaced with an implant.

Various studies have been conducted to analyze the success rate of both the procedures. The success rate in the two procedures has mostly been found to be similar, but most dentists still opt for RCT over implants due to various other reasons.

Though a dental implant is just as natural-looking and feeling as a natural tooth, it is not a natural tooth.

Should the natural tooth be saved?

Placing of an implant requires a surgical process, which is expensive and time consuming. On the other hand, a root canal treatment would cost mush less and preserve your natural tooth. Most dentists would agree that as a general rule, it is better to save the tooth, if possible.

One major difference between implants and natural teeth is that the former require greater intervention after the treatment as compared to any form of restoration in the natural tooth. Greater patient care, and more visits to the dentist may be required after the placement of an implant.

However, none of the above is of much significance when it comes to deciding the treatment plan for a particular patient. Endodontic therapy and implant therapy have clear indications, and considering the best interest of the patient, there should hardly be any confusion or controversy regarding the choice of treatment.

Restorability is the main consideration. If a dentist determines that the tooth can be successfully restored with endodontic therapy, there is no need for an implant. However, an endodontically treated tooth with a poor restoration could be a failure and might have to be eventually extracted, and then replaced with an implant. In such a case, the treatment cost will double, and so will the inconvenience for the patient.

Teeth with poor prognosis are the best suited for replacement with dental implants. Thai or Indian teeth implants are pocket friendly and if a person is thinking of going for the procedure could get less apprehensive and not delay the process. The faster you regain your smile, the happier life appears to be.

DentaVacation facilitates affordable dental treatments at various destinations across the world. For more information, submit the estimate-request form on the right.

A dental crown is type of restoration that completely covers the visible portion of a tooth and restores its form and function. It is basically a tooth-shaped cap, which is fixed over a damaged tooth or implant. The crowns, or caps, as they are often referred to, are bonded onto the tooth with the help of a dental cement.

Crowns are usually needed when a significant portion of the natural tooth is wiped out, and the remaining part is too weak to sustain under the forces of mastication. Also, a crown helps restore the esthetics of a tooth, which could be a primary concern of the patient if his anterior teeth are damaged.

One major factor that acts like a hindrance for dental patients to go for crowns is the ‘cost factor’. In fact, any dental procedure is very expensive in the first world countries and not all are able to afford these treatments. However, in the past few years affordable dental treatments abroad have supported many to achieve their dental goals. For instance dental tourism in Mexico attracts thousands of patients especially from the US and Canada, as dental care treatment cost is lesser and pocket friendly in this nation. Similarly cosmetic dentistry in Bangkok is another affordable option for those who are seeking reasonably tagged good quality dental treatment.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be:

1). Temporary – Only placed for a few days, till the permanent restoration is prepared. They can be made of acrylic or stainless steel.

2). Permanent — Permanently fixed on to the tooth/ implant. They can be made of various materials, depending upon the esthetic requirement of the patient, and his spending capacity. Permanent dental crowns can be:

a) All metal – Less expensive, mostly used for posterior teeth as these crowns have good strength but give an unnatural appearance.

b) Porcelain fused to metal – Relatively more expensive than all metal, but less expensive than all ceramic crowns. These have decent esthetics (provided by porcelain covering) and good strength (provided by the metal).

c) All resin – Least expensive of all. However, they tend to wear down and are also prone to fracture.

d) All ceramic – Most expensive, but these come the closest to resembling a natural tooth.

Indications of Dental Crowns

• A weakened tooth with very little tooth structure left, which is expected to break. Teeth, which have undergone root canal treatment are usually considered for dental crowns, as much of the natural tooth structure is reduced during the RCT.

• To restore a tooth that has worn out because of decay or any other reason.

• Bridges – when a bridge (fixed partial denture) is placed, the teeth adjacent to the edentulous region are covered with crowns, which hold the bridge in place.

• Severely discolored or damaged teeth can be covered with crowns to improve the esthetics

• Dental crowns are used to cover a dental implant

Steps in a typical Dental Crown procedure

Examining the tooth/ taking radiographs to study the health of the root and surrounding bone

↓

Anesthesia (if required) and crown cutting (grinding of the tooth from all sides to make place for the crown)

↓

Impression making –to record the exact shape of the region where the new crown will be placed

↓

Placement/cementing of the crown (done in next visit)

Aftercare

Though dental crowns usually do not require much aftercare, patient must try to avoid things that may dislodge or fracture a crown.  Avoid sticky foods/ chewing gums, which may pull off the crown. Also, try not to chew very hard foods with your artificial crown as it may get fractured under the heavy forces.

Floss regularly, but do not lift-out the material with a jerk as the crown may come off with it. On both the sides of a dental crown, the patient must gently slide out the floss material.

In case of any sensitivity in the tooth that has received the crown, contact your dentist.

*Mastication – the process by which food is crushed or ground by the teeth.
* Edentulous region – the region where no teeth are present.

DentaVacation facilitates affordable dental treatments at various destinations across the world. For more information, submit the estimate-request form on the right.