Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

August 31, 2016, 10:07 pm

A dental implant is a metal frame or post that is surgically positioned on the jawbone, beneath the gums. It is used as a support to mount replacement teeth. Dental implants are an excellent reconstructive option for anyone who has lost one or more teeth due to an injury, a periodontal disease, or some other reason.

Types of Dental Implants

•Endosteal – This is the most frequently used type of dental implant. The various types include cylinders, screws, or plates that are surgically implanted in the jawbone. The implant can hold one or more prosthetic teeth. An endosteal implant is used as an alternative for patients with removable dentures or bridges.

•Subperiosteal – These implants are placed on top of the jawbone. The posts of the metal framework protrude through the gum and hold the prosthesis together. They are usually used on patients who can’t wear regular dentures and have very little bone height.

Are You the Right Candidate for a Dental Implant?

You need to have good oral and general health if you are going to get an implant. The implants are closely connected to the gum tissue and the bone underneath. Because of this, you need adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant, and your gum tissue needs to be healthy and free of any periodontal disease.

What Is the Implantation Procedure Like?

Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will sit down with you to determine how and where the implant should be placed. Depending on the type of implant and your condition, they will come up with a treatment plan to suit your particular needs:

•Replacing one tooth – If you have a single missing tooth, one crown and an implant is enough to replace it.
•Replacing more than one tooth – If you are missing several teeth, your dentist will place bridges supported by an implant to replace them.
•Replacing all teeth – If all the teeth are missing, a full denture or a full bridge supported by an implant can replace them.
•Sinus augmentation – Implant success depends on the quality and quantity of the bone where the implant has to be placed. The upper part of the back jaw is one of the most difficult areas to place an implant due to the insufficient bone quality and quantity, and its proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can correct the problem by raising the floor of the sinus and the developing bone so that the implant can be placed successfully.
•Ridge modification – If there are any deformities in the lower or upper jaw, they can drastically reduce the quantity of bone available for the placement of dental implants. To correct problems, the surgeon will expose any underlying bone defects by lifting the gum away from the bridge. They will then fill the defects with bone or a bone substitute to build the ridge. This procedure is usually done to improve the appearance and increase your odds for a successful implant that can last for a long time.

Contact Us for an Appointment

Dr. Matt Hlavacek is an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has the knowledge, facilities, and training that you need to get teeth that feel and look like your own. Find out more about dental implants – contact our office and arrange an appointment for a consultation.