A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
- Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.
- Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true.
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE LIKE?
This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.
- Replacing a Single Tooth If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.
- Replacing Several Teeth If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them.
- Replacing All of Your Teeth If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them.
- Sinus Augmentation A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.
- Ridge Modification Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER RECEIVING A DENTAL IMPLANT?
As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!
After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. source
I had no idea that there were so many options for getting dental implants. And I never would have guessed that sinus augmentation was one of those options. It sounds like there would be a lot of possible benefits to getting implants, and not just for my dental health. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, this was a really helpful explanation of some of the basics of dental implants. My mom has been looking into getting implants for a few months now, and I’ve been looking for some more information on options and how they work. This was exactly what I’ve been trying to find, thanks so much for writing; now I can actually contribute to the conversation a little.
My doctor has recently recommended that I get dental implants and I wasn’t exactly sure what that in-told, so I really appreciate this information. I like that this explains the steps that are taken to achieve the implant. I think that knowing these things will help me feel more confident about having the procedure because I know what exactly will be happening. Thanks for sharing this!
Implants seem the way to go since there is no teeth to take out. They just replace that one tooth or all of them depending on what you need. I didn’t not know there were 2 different options with on the bone or in the bone. I will look into which is better for me.
It is interesting for me to learn about different types of dental implants. I think that it is important to know about different types of dental implants, because it helps you find the right dental implant for what you need. I think that having dental implants really helps save the bone in your jaw.
I have heard about dental implants, and I think that I may be a good candidate for it. I have been missing a tooth for the last few years. Although it is not very noticeable, I think it is time that I get it figured out. Based on what you said, I think I should be a good candidate for dental implants. I have healthy gums and good dental hygiene. How long does a procedure take to do for one tooth? Thanks for the info!
My dentist just advised me to have one of my front teeth replaced with an implant and so I’m really nervous about that. The tooth that needs replacing has been damaged due to me getting hit in the mouth accidentally by my toddler. I think that I’m ready to get a new tooth, but I’m curious about how it will affect me. Can you tell me how an implant may affect my eating habits and the teeth around it?
I think it’s amazing how much technology has advanced; people can now have metal “teeth” with a crown on them and no one will know the difference! I still don’t quite understand what a “bridge” is, though; is it just multiple crowns stuck together, or are they still separate? Also, would you suggest dental implants for a young child who lost a tooth much too early, or are there other options for filling the gap? Thanks.
I have been missing one of my back teeth since I was little and I think it is time that I finally get it fixed. I like how you point out that dental implants are a great option because they act and feel like real teeth. I imagine that you probably wouldn’t really be able to tell that they weren’t real teeth and it seems like they would last a long time. I will be sure to keep these things in mind!
What kinds of dentists can perform implant surgery? I feel like you would need to find a specialist to have a dental implant installed. I might need to get a dental implant soon but we have to see if my tooth needs to be removed or not.
I had no idea that you can replace your tooth by doing dental implant treatment. Now I can replace my missing tooth. Can you tell me how long does a procedure for one tooth? Thanks for the info!