Dental implants are commonly recommended in cases where people have lost some of their teeth due to an injury or periodontal disease. The reason most people prefer dental implants, rather than living with missing teeth, is because of the embarrassing and often confidence shattering effect it can have.
But what are dental implants? What types of dental implant surgery are performed today and what procedures are incorporated for dental implants?
In this article, we answer these three questions to keep you in the know.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth roots that are either placed into or onto your jawbone so that they can hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two types of dental implants that are performed today which are as follows:
Endosteal
This is the most commonly used dental implant. Endosteal dental implants are supported by screws, cylinders or blades placed into the jawbone (surgically, of course). Each implant can easily hold one or more prosthetic teeth.
It is recommended as an alternative to patients who use bridges or removable dentures.
Subperiosteal
In some cases, patients who have minimal bone height (jawbone) and are unable to wear conventional dentures, use subperiosteal dental implants. These implants are placed on top of the jaw using a metal framework which protrudes through the gum to hold an artificial tooth or teeth.
Dental Implant Procedures
There are five common treatment plans that are tailored according to a patient’s dental need. Dentists and periodontists consult with patients to determine which procedure suits them best. Here are five common procedures:
Single Tooth Replacement
Patients who have lost only a single tooth undergo this procedure. A crown and an implant can easily replace the affected area.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
If there’s more than one tooth that needs replacement, dental experts use implant-supported bridges that can replace several missing teeth.
Full Teeth Replacement
In some cases, where patients lose all their teeth, full dentures or implant-supported full bridges are used to replace them.
Sinus Augmentation
This procedure is applied when periodontists find it difficult to implant dentures or bridges. Traditionally, the back of the upper jaw is the most difficult place to perform dental implants. That’s where the sinus augmentation procedure is performed. In this procedure, the sinus floor along with the developing bone is raised to secure dental implants properly.
Ridge Modification
There are cases where patients have bony defects in their jawbone. Due to the inadequate bone, the deformity is exposed by lifting away the gum from the ridge – this procedure is known as ridge modification. For successful implants and improving appearance, these defects are filled with a bone substitute that builds up the ridge.
Conclusion
We hope that answers to the above questions better aid you in understanding advice that you get from dentists and periodontists because now you are armed with basic know-how on dental implants, its types, and procedures. If you want to know more, subscribe to our blog or give Kirkland Family Dentistry a visit.
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