Jeff R. Call, DMD, FAGD, FICOI Dix C. Densley, DDS, FAGD, FICOI |
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Types of Dental Implants
 Losing teeth is a common yet serious issue. Most adults have lost one or more teeth by the time they are in their late sixties. While there are various tooth replacement options, dental implants remain the most versatile. Allowing patients to replace a single tooth or more than a few teeth, dental implants restore oral functions along with aesthetics. Patients who get dental implants at Century Dental always receive the most suited procedure for an amazing outcome.What Is A Dental Implant?A dental implant is a little post that resembles a screw. It is made from a biocompatible material such as titanium or zirconium. This is placed right into the jawbone of a receiving patient. Once placed, the implant acts as a tooth root, secure enough to hold an artificial dental crown. The finished result is an impressive, yet completely artificial tooth. The dental implant is secured in the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During this process, the jawbone grows around the implant, fusing it in place. Benefits of Dental ImplantsDental implants offer many benefits for our oral and overall health. From restoring smiles to reestablishing oral capabilities, its durability ensures that it lasts a lifetime. Dental implants also play a major role in helping patients avoid jawbone density loss. This in turn ensures that risks of periodontal disease are greatly lowered. The versatility of dental implants allows it to be improvised for other tooth replacement options such as The All-on-4® Treatment Concept, implant-supported dentures, single tooth implants, multiple teeth replacement, mini dental implants, and permanent dentures. Why Should You Replace a Missing Tooth?There are many reasons for which the gap left by a missing tooth should be covered. Probably the most important is to avoid getting jaw and gum conditions. The gap will start collecting bacteria and food that can cause gum disease and, in some cases, even infections. In time, the jawbone will deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. That can have an impact on your appearance and also can cause the nearby teeth to move towards the gap. How Does a Dental Implant Work?The implant is placed into the jaw. Over the next few months, the implant will bond with the bone to form a stable anchor for the crown. During this time, if the patient wants, our specialist can place a temporary tooth over the implant. Some of the implants might need to be uncovered and have an extension attached. This depends on the jawbone and some other factors. The cap will complete the foundation on which the crown will be placed. Some of the implants that you can find at our clinic do not require the extension. Usually, the patient, together with the specialist, decide what kind of implant they will use. After the titanium root is placed, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created by the dentist. The specialist will match the color of the artificial tooth with your natural pigment so it will look just like a natural, healthy tooth. Multiple Teeth ReplacementIf you are missing a significant number of teeth, there is no need to worry as dental implants allow for a restoration that is less invasive, yet long lasting. Replacing multiple missing teeth is a lot easier and affordable with implant-supported bridges. Fewer dental implants are needed to support the bridge of replacement teeth. These implants are placed in the jawbone, where they are fused into place and held securely by integrating with the jawbone. After healing, a dental bridge that spans the area of missing teeth is securely placed on the implants. Using an implant-supported bridge guarantees that the natural teeth surrounding the implants are kept intact. Implant-supported bridges do not require support from neighboring teeth, so no damage or modification is done to the surrounding teeth. You can also count on their durability, as they are deeply rooted in the jawbone for support. The high success rates of the dental implant procedure coupled with their requirements of minimal extra care, provides you with a long lasting replacement for multiple missing teeth. Mini Dental ImplantsPatients who may not be able to get dental implants do not have to entirely give up. Mini dental implants provide most of the benefits of an actual dental implant with even less pain and much quicker restoration process. Mini dental implants have smaller implant posts that do not need to be completely inserted into the jawbone. They have the same structure as implants, but they are a lot smaller and include an end that is shaped like a ball. This part protrudes from the jawbone to hold the permanent crown in place. Mini dental implants are perfect for patients who cannot undergo the invasive surgical procedure required for an actual dental implant. Patients who do not have sufficient jawbone to support a full implant too can enjoy the benefits of a mini dental implant. They are affordable, comfortable, easy to care for, and may require as little as a single appointment to be done. Permanent DenturesIf dentures are more your style, but you cannot get over their removable nature, then permanent dentures are perfect for you. Permanent dentures are dentures that are fixed to previously placed dental implants. Small implant posts are placed surgically inside your upper or lower jawbone, and are held in place as the jawbone grows and heals around them. These dentures are securely fixed to the implant, and they feel just like your natural teeth. Like other variations of implant supported prosthetics, permanent dentures can be used to replace a few or more missing teeth. Once placed, they sit perfectly in your mouth with zero risk of shifting and falling out. You do not have to worry about removing them every night like traditional dentures, or even losing them. Cleaning them is much easier, as you can do that the same way as you would brush your teeth. Who Can Get Dental Implants?While anyone with one or more missing teeth may consider dental implants, patients who are ideal candidates should be in good general health. They should also have adequate jawbone density. If patients have suffered bone loss, our professionals may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift procedure before getting dental implants. Schedule an Appointment for More InformationFor more information on the different types of dental implants, you can call the experienced professionals here at Century Dental at (971) 708-1608 today! |
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