What are the Dental Implants

Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. They may also affect or change the appearance of the face, which makes us feel less confident.

So, if you want to replace missing teeth, your dentist may suggest dental implants, which are artificial teeth attached to the jawbone.

Dental implants are basically tooth roots that are man-made and surgically inserted into the jawbone. The bone surrounding the implant starts to grow over several months, securely holding it in place. The gap is then filled by attaching replacement teeth to the implant with a metal connector. 

Curious to know more about dental implants, their types, procedures? We have got you covered. Read out this full blog to get the best insights. 

Overview of Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that supplants damaged or missing teeth with dentures that look and function similarly to natural teeth. Dental implant surgery can provide an alternative solution for ill-fitting dentures or bridgework. It can also be a choice for those who lack natural tooth origins and cannot have dentures or bridgework as a replacement.

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic are the most standard yet famous dental implants. Endosteal is the most common and safest option, followed by subperiosteal and zygomatic, which are more complex.

Endosteal Implants

This is the most standard type of dental implant that many dentists use. They are suitable for the majority of patients but need a good, healthy jawbone for the post to connect.

They’re just proxy posts available in the shape of screws. They are inserted into the jaw, where the false teeth will be fitted. It requires some time to recover after the implant is done. It takes time to fuse and form a stronghold.  

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal Implants are another type of dental implant. They are the first and most suitable replacements for Endosteal Implants. Instead of being set into the jawbone, Subperiosteal implants rest on the bone but remain beneath the gum.

A metal frame with a post is inserted under the gums, and the gums cure around the frame. Then, false teeth are connected to the posts that are formed by the gums. This procedure is carried out only when the patient lacks an adequate jawbone to support an implant. 

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are a one-of-a-kind type of dental implant. It is the most difficult process and should only be performed if there is insufficient jawbone for the Endosteal implant. Instead of the jawbone, the implant is placed in the patient’s cheekbone.

What is the Procedure for Dental Implants?

Today’s dental implant restorations are nearly similar to natural teeth, thanks in part to the strong structural and functional link between the implant and the patient’s own bone. The treatment is usually completed in one session but requires a healing period known as Osseointegration.

Osseointegration is a process in which the implant fuses with the jawbone. The implant takes anywhere from six weeks to six months to fuse and heal. After this period, the dentist can only place the final restoration like a crown, bridge, or hybrid denture. Without Osseointegration, the implant will fail. 

Dental implantation, or tooth replacement, can be done anytime after the teenage years or when bone formation is complete. Certain medical conditions, such as active diabetes, cancer, or periodontal disease, may necessitate additional treatment before the procedure.

Alternative Dental Implant Techniques

Your dental implant dentist may recommend alternative treatment options in addition to the traditional multi-step dental implant procedure based on the health of your jawbone and specific needs. Some of them are:

Bone augmentation

If you don’t have enough natural, healthy bone in your jaw, your dental implants may not be able to support them. Bone augmentation may be recommended by your doctor to rebuild or regenerate the bone so that it can support implants. It could include bone supplements and growth factors.

Sinus lift

The upper back jaw is one of the most difficult areas to put dental implants on. Because it’s close to your sinus, you may not have sufficient bone quality or quantity there.

Your doctor can treat this with a sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation or elevation. It elevates your sinus base to allow for the addition of bone that can support dental implants.

Ridge expansion

If your jaw is too limited to support implants, your doctor may recommend ridge expansion or modification. It entails injecting bone graft material into a narrow area along the top of your jaw, known as a ridge.

Conclusion

So, if you are planning to get the best dental implant from professionals, Ivy League Dental is the best pick. We are known for providing world-class dentistry treatments. Get a sparkling and flawless smile from us.