Types of Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants available to patients looking to replace damaged, decaying or missing teeth, each are designed to help individual patients based on certain criteria. During the implant procedure, your dentist will surgically place the implant or implants directly into the jawbone. Traditional implants required a certain amount of bone quality and quantity for successful implantation, however, through the progression of technology, different types of implants have been developed for those patients that may not have been initial candidates. 

Dental Implant Types

Most implants are made of titanium, an inert metal that has been proven to effectively fuse with living bone, a process known as "Osseointegration". Implants vary based on size and structure, each are designed to aid in successful implantation for patients. The following are the most common forms of dental implantation:

Root Form: "Root Form" implants are similar in shape to the root of a tooth—they are a cylindrical or screw type implant with a surface area designed to uphold a strong attachment to the bone. Root Form implants are the most widely used design and are generally placed where a plentiful width and depth of jawbone is present. In certain instances, if the jawbone is too narrow or short for immediate placement using Root Form implants, your dentist may recommend bone grafting.

Plate Form: When the jawbone is too narrow for Root Form placement and is not a successful candidate for bone grafting, a specially designed implant called the “Plate Form” implant can be placed. The process used to place the implant is identical to Root Form implants, however the Plate Form implant is flat and long—ideally designed to fit into the narrow jawbone.

Subperiosteal: When, due to advanced jawbone reabsorption after bone grafting, there may not be enough bone width or height for either Root Form or Plate Form implants to be successful, a Subperiosteal Implant may be used. This type of implant is custom made and designed to sit on top of the bone, but under the gum line. This type of implant does require a more extensive surgical procedure, however it does allow patients to experience successful implantation.

Knowing which type of dental implant is right for you will require a consultation with your dentist. Find out today dental implantation can help you to restore your smile.

The Dental Implant Treatment

Dental Implants are artificial tooth replacements that are commonly used to counter tooth loss.  Dental implants can provide natural looking artificial teeth that feel completely secure and blend in with your smile. There are many reasons that one might lose a tooth.  Tooth decay, root canal failure, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, excessive wear and tear and congenital defects are all potential causes of tooth loss.  Many individuals become self conscious when losing a tooth; it can cause some to stop smiling and talking.  Dental Implants are a logical, durable way to counteract tooth loss.

While implants are a great way to fill in gaps caused by tooth loss, they are not something that will work for everyone.  Patients must be in good health, they must have healthy gums, there must be adequate bone to support the Dental Implant and they must be committed to scrupulous oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.  For anyone who is considering getting implants, undergo a full evaluation by your dentist to ensure you are a proper candidate for the procedure.

If you are a good Dental Implant candidate, the procedure will begin with the placing of the implant or anchor (this is the root that stabilizes the dental prosthetic placed on the implant).  Surgery for anchor placement can take several hours and once completed, it can take up to six months for the bone to grow around the anchor to hold it firmly in place.  Once the anchor is firmly in place, the next step is to place the artificial tooth or teeth.  Dental implants are safe and effective for placing crowns and bridges and can also be used to stabilize upper and lower dentures.

Depending on a number of different factors, Dental Implant surgery can be done either in a dental office or in a hospital. The severity of each individual case will decide whether a local or general anesthetic may be used. After the initial surgery, pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are prescribed.  Once the treatment is complete, patients will be rewarded with a stable, long lasting solution for tooth loss.  Dental Implants are stronger and more durable than other restoration options, so patients can feel confident they’ve chosen a solution that will last.

Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions Part 4

The last in our series of dental implant questions asked and answered:

What is bone grafting and why is it associated with dental implants?

Successful placement of implants depends on a sufficient quantity and quality of bone in the jaw and not all patients have the requisite amount of bone needed for successful implantation. At first, dentists believed that in areas where there was insufficient bone, it was impossible to place dental implants.

With great advancements in medical and dental technology however, procedures have been developed to increase the amount of bone available in the jaw by use of bone belonging to the patient (endogenous bone), by use of a range of artificial substitutes, or by a substitute of both.

Most grafting techniques are simple and can be performed at the same time as implant placement. For some patients who have a significant lack of bone, more complex procedure may be required in order to create enough bone volume for successful implantation. In these cases, grafting procedures may need to occur as far as six months in advance of implantation.

What materials are available to replace bone?

In many cases, the patients’ own bone is used. Bone is often taken from areas close to the implant site, or from the chin or the back of the lower jaw. In severe cases, bone may need to be taken from outside the mouth.

In other cases, artificial bone substitutes are used—more are being developed day by day.  One of the most commonly used substitutes is a material derived from cow bone. It is processed in order to remove all organic materials before use.

Purely man made substitutes are also used in some cases, but most of these materials are in the early stages of development, therefore can be unpredictable when it comes to implant success.

Regardless of the type of material used, the grafting is used as a means to provide scaffolding in the treated area, which your body works to dissolve and replace with new bone.

Is dental implantation expensive?

The treatment ranges in invasiveness, and depending on the type of implant, costs can become fairly large. However, dental implants are well known for being safe, long-lasting solutions for broken, damaged, decaying and missing teeth. The quality of life of any patient’s oral health dramatically improves after implantation. People across the globe have benefited greatly from this procedure and it only continues to grow in popularity.

Still have unanswered questions? Find a certified, reputable dental implant dentist in your area and see if this treatment is right for you.

Dental Implants for Dentures

As many denture wearers are aware, removable dentures are a daily struggle, but dental implants for dentures are a simple and effective solution. Physical discomfort, bad breath, and even embarrassment due to unexpected movement while chewing and speaking often plague those with partial or full removable dentures, but the use of dental implants to stabilize loose or poorly fitting dentures easily solves many of these common struggles.

The Denture Stabilization Procedure

The dental implant treatment is an affordable, minimally invasive procedure that provides stability for removable dentures giving patients the peace of mind they need to feel confident about their smile.

The dental implant system consists of three main parts: 

-          The implant. Rooted into the jawbone through procedure that can be performed right in your dentist’s office, the titanium alloy implant acts as an anchor which stabilizes the denture. A full arch of dentures requires several implants for proper stabilization.

-          The metal housing. A metal housing will be attached to the base of the denture (one will be attached to coincide with each dental implant) and is what connects the denture to the implant.

-          The rubber O-ring. Residing inside of the metal housing, the o-ring seals and locks the two pieces in place.

The treatment, performed by your dentist, begins with a local anesthetic. A specialized drill is then used to create spaces or holes in the bone of the jaw for each dental implant. A specialized wrench is then used to secure or ‘screw’ the implant in place. Once placed, only the ball-shaped head of the implant, where the prosthetic is attached, will be visible above the gum line. At this point, the metal housing, complete with O-ring will ‘snap’ the dentures firmly in place so that they rest comfortably on the gum line.

Patients who have undergone the dental implant treatment know that even the strongest denture adhesives pale in comparison to the stabilization achieved through dental implantation. Dental implants for dentures simply provide a better solution for common denture problems.

Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions Part 3

More common Dental Implant questions asked and answered:

Can implants improve my appearance?

While the main reason for dental implantation is to improve oral health through the ability to chew and speak more easily, teeth do play an important role in an individual’s overall appearance, therefore dental implants do ultimately play a role in the enhancement of one’s appearance.

How does the implant procedure work?

The implant procedure is surgical in nature and involves the placement of an implant or implants into the jawbone using precise techniques. The dentist will start by administering an anesthetic, after which incisions are made in the gum line allowing access to the bone of the jaw. A specialized drill is used to drill into the jawbone, creating a space for the implant. The implant is then placed using a specialized wrench which effectively ‘screws’ the implant into place. When the implant is properly placed, only the head or abutment will be visible above the gum line.

If patients are undergoing treatment for the placement of mini dental implants, the dental prosthetic will be immediately attached to the abutment, providing the patient with a natural looking tooth replacement. If patients are undergoing traditional dental implantation, the implant will be left for 3-6 months (although a temporary tooth will be attached to allow patients to chew and speak with ease), during which the bone of the jaw will fuse with the titanium alloy of the implant, providing the stability needed for the attachment of the dental prosthetic.

What should be expected during surgery?

A local anesthetic is most often used during this treatment, which eliminates all pain. If patients require it, sedation may also be used. After surgery, patients may experience some discomfort as well as possible swelling and bruising, however your dentist will prescribe you medication that will help with these treatment symptoms. Each patient will heal at their own rate, so your experience might not be the same as other patients.

How long does the procedure take?

Treatment time will depend largely on what type of procedure you are undergoing as well as how many implants are being placed. On average, it can take one to two hours to place each implant. Your dentist will discuss your treatment plan with you prior to implantation.

Do you still have unanswered dental implant questions? Check back soon for our fourth and final installment of dental implant frequently asked questions.

Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions – Part 1

Dental implants are a safe and effective long lasting solution for men and women who are looking to replace broken, damaged, decayed or missing teeth. While this treatment can provide patients with a naturally beautiful smile, the procedure can be quite involved, and it is recommended that patients are well informed before undergoing treatment.

Here, some of the most commonly asked dental implant questions are asked and answered.

What are implants?

Dental implants are titanium alloy posts that are designed to act as a tooth’s root. These ‘roots’ are used to support crowns, fixed bridges or dentures. Titanium is a strong, lightweight material that effectively bonds with the bone of the jaw, making it both safe and long lasting.

What are the advantages over conventional tooth replacements?

Bridges, crowns and dentures can provide patients with adequate tooth replacement, but implants provide comfortable, stable, long-lasting support. Providing stable support for dental prosthetics allows patients to speak and chew with ease. Because implants do not rely on support from surrounding teeth, patients also see an increase in overall oral health.

Is everyone a candidate for dental implants?

Simply having missing teeth does not automatically qualify a patient for dental implants. There are specific criteria that need to be looked at before a patient can be considered for implantation:

General oral health. The condition of the remainder of a patients teeth and gums needs to be stable in order for dental implants to be successful. Areas of the mouth that may have gum disease, broken teeth or dental decay will need to be treated before an implant can be placed.

Oral health maintenance. Will a patient be able to maintain their oral health?  An implant’s success rate will depend on the patient’s ability to keep their teeth and gums clean. Your dentist will provide you with a suggested cleaning schedule and will advise you on how to care for your implants once they are placed.

Sufficient quantity and quality of bone. Implant success relies most on the quality and quantity of bone present in the jaw. Without the right amount of bone, placing implants can be difficult. If the sufficient amount of bone is not present, there is a range of techniques that can be used to increase bone quantity for successful implantation.

Do you have additional questions about dental implants?  Check back soon for our next installment of dental implant frequently asked questions.