Different Types of Dental Implants and What They Entail
A dental implant is a titanium post that is positioned surgically into the jawbone. It is placed beneath the gum, which enables the dentist to place replacement teeth into that area. The remarkable thing about dental implants are that they do not come lose, like dentures. Another good thing about dental implants is that it is simpler to take care of your teeth, because the implants are not attached to the other teeth, like dentures are.
Many years ago as a person grew older and lost teeth, they just had to adjust. This is not the case today. Today if a tooth is lost, you can easily have it replaced, whereas you can live a full and enjoyable life as if the lost never occurred. Teeth provide a sense a self-esteem. You are more likely to smile, engage in conversation, take photos etc.
However, many people decide to get dental implants for other reasons besides looks, or because of what society thinks. Some get dental implants strictly for eating. How can you enjoy your favorite meal if you can’t chew it? Dental implants help the person to properly chew their food, whereas it is more enjoyable and easier to digest.
Lets talk about a few tips when it comes to considering dental implants. One good tip is that the patient needs to have healthy gums. If you have a type of gum disease, a dental implant procedure could complicate things. Another important tip is that the patient must have sufficient bone to support the implant. If the patient does not have enough bone to support the implant, a bone graft may need to be added. Or if the bones in the patient’s mouth are too soft, then the implant may not be able to be supported.
Two different types of dental implants are Endosteal and The Two Stage Dental Implant. Endosteal is the more traditional style of dental implants. These implants are placed on the inside of the jawbone. They are held down by the use of tiny screws, which are normally made from titanium. This type of implant, in most cases, take the place of a bridge or denture.
The Two Stage Dental Implant is when the dentist is placing the implant into the jawbone. After the mouth of the patient heals, he/she will return to the dentist to proceed to the next step. Which is to undergo another surgical procedure, but this one is considered minor.
Two more types of dental surgery are Subperiosteal and Single Stage Dental Implants. Subperiosteal is a type of implant that is placed under the gum. With this type of procedure, the implant is always placed on the the jawbone or above the jawbone.
The Single Stage Implant involves adding a longer implant into the jaw and gum, so the top part of the implant is revealed. After a few months the patient’s mouth should be healed. The dentist can then go back into the patient’s mouth and place the abutment and restoration on top of the implant. Using this method allows the dentist to avoid having to once again surgically expose the dental implant.
Prior to making a decision about any type of dental implants, the individual must schedule a consultation. The consultation will involve a dentist, oral surgeon, prosthodontist or periodontist. When visiting one of these professionals, he/she will be able to determine the best type of dental implant is needed according to your mouth, circumstances. During your visit the dentist will examine your bone density and quantity, along with taking a close look at your gums. It may be necessary to take an X-ray or utilize computer tomography scans, which are also referred to as (CT scans). The purpose of these tests are to make sure that there is enough bone structure in the mouth of the patient. The tests also determines where specifically the implants can be placed. Having knowledge of the dental implant procedure, along with the different choices that you have to choose from, can prevent a confusion and ensure a happier, more beautiful individual in the end.