Dr. Gagan Sabharwal(Dubai)

Typically, the dental implant process takes several months and multiple steps. The implant is first inserted surgically into the mandible. An abutment is fastened to the implant following a few months of the implant integrating with the bone (a process known as osseointegration). Lastly, the repair is completed by placing a specially manufactured crown on the abutment. Both local anesthetic and, occasionally, sedation are used for the entire procedure.

A dental implant procedure for a single tooth may take about 1-2 hours. The entire implant procedure may take about 3-4 months to complete in cases where bone grafting is not required. For some cases where bone grafting is required the healing duration may exceed upto 9 months.

Both dental implants and dentures are commonly used in dentistry today. However, dental implants are better than dentures in the following ways.A Permanent, Durable Solution – Dental implants are considered a permanent solution and are secure, durable & built to last a lifetime. Statistics show that dental implants have a 98 percent success rate. The implant is fused to the jawbone so that it is permanently there, just like a natural tooth.Dentures are removable devices and are not permanent. They can warp under hot water or break. Dentures may need to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced within about 6 to 7 years.Optimal Function and Performance – Both dental implants and dentures function just like normal teeth. However, dentures may slip or affect speech, which can be embarrassing or uncomfortable. Dental implants on the other hand, are associated with better chewing and speaking abilit…

A dental implant can be done right after the tooth extraction on the same day or after 3- 6 months so that the mouth gets enough time to heal after the extraction procedure.

There are no long-term restrictions with dental implants, although caution is needed until the bone is completely healed. When dental implants are successfully restored, it is important to avoid biting hard substances at first.Initially, a soft diet is best for the first two weeks; after that, you can slowly introduce harder foods. Rest assured, you will soon be able to enjoy all kinds of foods. There is no special way to clean dental implants. It is extremely important to brush and floss twice a day just like you would your natural teeth, and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper and/or lower jaw to correct misalignment when braces alone aren’t enough. It improves bite function, facial symmetry, and breathing while enhancing appearance and confidence. A maxillofacial surgeon, often with an orthodontist, plans the procedure using X-rays and models before surgery.

Orthognathic surgery is needed when braces or other treatments can’t correct severe jaw misalignment. Common conditions include:1. Severe Bite Problems (Malocclusion)– Overbite (Class II): Upper jaw too far forward, causing bite and speech issues.– Underbite (Class III): Lower jaw protrudes, leading to chewing difficulty and facial imbalance.2. Jaw Asymmetry– Uneven jaw development affects function and appearance.– May result from trauma, congenital conditions, or developmental issues.3. Sleep Apnea & Breathing Issues– Jaw misalignment can block airways, leading to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).– Surgery repositions the jaw to improve breathing and sleep quality.4. Facial Trauma or Injury– Accidents can cause jaw misalignment, pain, and asymmetry.– Surgery realigns bones, restores function, and improves appearance.5. Congenital Jaw Disorders– Conditions like cleft palate affect jaw growt…

– Immediate Post-Surgery: Swelling and discomfort are common; a liquid or soft-food diet is recommended.– Healing Period: Full recovery takes months; patients must avoid hard foods and strenuous activities.– Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits ensure proper healing and progress monitoring.Orthognathic surgery can be life-changing for those with severe jaw issues. It enhances function, appearance, and quality of life when other treatments are insufficient. Consult a specialist to determine if it’s right for you.