The Versatility of Dental Implants

The Versatility of Dental Implants

Nov 05, 2020

Dental implants have become a highly desirable restorative and cosmetic dental procedure. Implants are durable, aesthetic, and versatile. It is a solution you can utilize if you are missing a tooth or more. In this blog, we will cover more about implants to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial titanium root implanted in a patient’s jawbone to act as a root for an artificial tooth. The implant gives the crown (artificial tooth) the strength and functionality of a natural tooth. Unlike dentures, an implant will not move while chewing, nor will you need to remove it at night. It is a permanent solution.

The implant is surgically implanted, and the entire treatment will take between three and nine months. It might take longer if you require a bone graft surgery. If a patient is missing all teeth, several implants will be implanted throughout their mouth. An implant can also be used as a basis for other restorative procedures, including dentures and bridges.

The procedure is safe and has been around for over three decades. Its success rate is about 97%, meaning the chances of an implant failing are very low. You just need to find yourself an experienced dentist, and you can be sure the procedure will be a success. You can talk to us if you require a dental implant in Fanwood.

What Makes Implants Versatile?

There are various dental procedures, but not many can be used to serve more than two purposes. Implants can be used for the following purposes:

  • Replace one or all teeth
  • Stabilize dentures and make them stronger
  • Stabilize dental bridges
  • Enhance a patient’s smile since they look pretty much the same as natural teeth.

One great thing about dental implants is they don’t depend on the surrounding teeth’ health to succeed. This means the dentist will not touch the other teeth in preparation for implants, unlike other restorative procedures like bridges.

You will also not need to worry about cavities since the acids causing decay cannot affect the titanium screw. However, it is vital to continue maintaining proper oral hygiene to avoid halitosis and other dental infections.

Types of Dental Implants

There are various types of implants, but what comes to mind for most people when you mention a dental implant is a titanium screw. Here are the various types of implants to help you understand which can be the most suitable for your condition.

Endosteal

An Endosteal is often made of titanium and implanted into a patient’s jawbone. The patient is then released to allow the jawbone to heal for about three months. He then visits the dentist again for the placement of the tooth. It is the most common type of dental implants and has been around for over 30 years.  

Subperiosteal

If a patient does not have enough bone to support an Endosteal implant, a subperiosteal implant can be considered. The dentist places a metal frame under the gums and fixes it at the top of the jawbone. Then, he attaches a post to the frame and finally puts the artificial tooth in place.

Immediate Load

After the dental implant surgery, a patient is required to wait for some time until the jawbone is all healed up. During this healing time, the dentist will place a temporary tooth. This temporary tooth is often referred to as an immediate load, and it is attached the same day.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini implants are frequently used to stabilize dentures. They are way smaller than regular screws (usually a toothpick’s size), and the procedure is less invasive.

All-On-4®

This type of implant is recommended to persons missing an entire row of natural teeth. The dentist places four posts and then places natural-looking teeth on the entire row.

Who is a Good Candidate for Implants?

Dental implants require the patient to have sufficient jawbone. You also need to have healthy gums. The dentist will not recommend implants if you are a smoker, diabetic, or suffers from leukemia. These illnesses slow the healing time greatly and can lead to implant failure. Talk to your dentist first to confirm if you are a good candidate.

Fanwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

If you have more questions about implants or would love to know more about cosmetic dentistry, contact us today. We provide a wide range of dental treatments, meaning you can get all the care you need under one roof. Book an appointment today and let us help you.

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