Are you struggling with tooth loss? If so, you’re probably looking for a solution that replaces your natural teeth with artificial ones. Well, dental implants are definitely a wise choice. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone and bond with the natural bone over time.
Individuals might need dental implants for different reasons, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, age, medications, trauma, etc.
Here is everything you need to know about them.
Forms
These prostheses come in two different forms, referring to endosteal and subperiosteal implants. The former is the most commonly used, sometimes even used as an alternative to a removable denture or a bridge. Endosteal models come in three types, threaded, smooth, and bladed. The prosthodontist is responsible for determining the type that works the best for you. Find out if endosteal implants are right for you.
Moreover, prosthodontists commence the procedure by drilling into the jawbone to insert a titanium screw, which takes the role of an artificial root. Before the treatment is finished, you have to wait for bone and soft tissue to heal around the root. The waiting process might take a few months. The prostheses are stable and natural-feeling.
In order for an implant to be screwed into the jawbone, the jawbone has to be sufficiently dense and healthy. Patients whose jawbone ridge is short, narrow, or too worn down due to trauma and disease might not be eligible for the procedure. In terms of material, endosteal models are made of titanium, alloplastic material, and small screws.
Nowadays, the latter is rarely used. They were originally used to secure dentures in patients whose bone height is insufficient. When subperiosteal models are used, they are placed within the gum tissue right on the jawbone, leaving the metal post exposed. The overall treatment process is performed in two appointments, and it’s far shorter than the endosteal procedure.
As far as stability is concerned, subperiosteal implants lack the stability of the endosteal ones. The metal post doesn’t penetrate the jawbone but rests on top of it instead, thus being held by soft tissue only. Nevertheless, it still provides more stability compared to dentures.
Different methods
Since patients tend to have different needs, there are various types of dental implant methods for them to choose from. The strength of the jawbone and the specific situation of patient determine the best alternative.
For instance, immediate load implants allow individuals to walk out of their appointments with a full set of teeth. There are numerous dental implant centers, such as https://www.nuviasmiles.com/locations/dental-implants-san-antonio-texas, helping patients to get permanent teeth within 24 hours. Only two appointments are required for permanent teeth to be delivered. You can have your smile back as soon as possible.
In contrast, single tooth implants are an excellent alternative for individuals who have one missing tooth. It’s natural for such patients to replace the missing tooth for better comfort and esthetics. One dental crown is required to connect to the screw.
All-on-four dental implants are an ideal solution for individuals who have lost most of their teeth or all of them due to gum disease or decay. Your upper or lower jaw can be entirely restored. Anyhow, the overdenture can be removed for dental exams or cleaning.
Implant-supported bridges are the best solution for people with a few missing teeth. The implant functions as an anchor for the bridge. Fixed dental bridges restore function by impeding the rest of the teeth from moving. They also improve speaking and eating functions.
The diameter of mini implants is small and narrow, which is why the placement technique is less invasive. Their role is to offer stabilization of lower dentures. The top of mini implants has to be positioned properly in order for enough space to be created for dentures. They shouldn’t be badly positioned or too tall.
Step-by-step procedure
The installation of dental implants is classified as a type of outpatient surgery, as patients can return home the very same day. Nevertheless, the process itself can take numerous months to complete, particularly during healing and prior to the placement of artificial teeth. The first step is tooth removal, provided the damaged tooth is still present in your mouth. This step is excluded if the tooth is already missing.
The following step involves jawbone preparation and grafting. Many patients who decide to undergo such surgery have either thin or soft jawbones. Bone grafting is performed to improve bone quantity. Otherwise, the procedure is likely to fail.
The provided options include using a synthetic bone graft or taking bone from another body area. The healing process lasts a couple of months prior to the placement of a dental implant. Fortunately, grafts aren’t always necessary.
The following step is that of implant placement. During the procedure, the surgeon first exposes the bone by cutting the gums with the help of small instruments. Afterward, holes are drilled into the bone, and then the implant is positioned deep into it. In the event of the restoration of a front tooth, the empty space will be filled with a temporary removable solution.
The healing journey begins when the supporting bone starts bonding with the metal post. The process takes a couple of months to complete in order to ensure the base is strong enough to support a dental crown. Once healing is over, the dentist will put an abutment on top of the post. The abutment’s job is to extend the implant above the gums for a dental crown to be placed easily.
Once the metal post is robust enough to support chewing, your doctor will make new impressions on your mouth. Afterward, a dental technician will create a custom crown in the lab that look similar to your natural teeth. During aftercare, pain medications and antibiotics are usually administered to patients. Eating soft foods and taking excellent oral care are a must as well.
A final note
This solution is the best one when coping with tooth loss! However, it’s also critical that you choose a reliable dentist to do the procedure. You can check out general dentistry in chattanooga to get started.
