Types of Dental Implants
Philadelphia, PA
 Dental problems must not be put on hold. When you have a missing tooth, it's important to act fast before bone reabsorption occurs. The best and only option is getting dental implants. They improve your smile and give you natural-looking teeth. At Kaiser, Rosen & Kurman Dental Associates we can help restore your smile with dental implants.
The Basics: Understanding Dental Implants
Getting dental implants is the best solution for people who lack self-confidence due to their missing teeth. The process involves inserting an artificial tooth root. This is a small post. Once in the jawbone, the implant post fuses with the bone. All this is aided by an abutment. This is a connector, which is usually made of:
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Titanium
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Zirconia
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Gold
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Stainless Steel
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Polyether Ether Ketone |
It holds the prosthetic in place, also called the crown.
A Few Facts About Dental implants
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The first single-tooth implant was used in 600 A.D. by the Mayans.
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Around 3 million in the U.S. have dental implants.
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Every year, nearly 500,000 people get dental implants.
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Dental implants are the top teeth restoration option. They help preserve your natural bone and promote bone growth. |
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Here are some things to consider:
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Missing teeth caused by injury
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Missing teeth as a result of genetics
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Missing teeth because of periodontal disease |
Your dentist will give you the green light if you have the following:
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Good dental health
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No form of periodontal disease
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A strong jawbone
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Inability to wear dentures
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First, get a clean bill of health from a dentist. Second, visit a periodontist to begin your treatment. Third, get approved for the procedure. Fourth, discuss with the periodontist the types of dental implants available.
Each dental implant has different components. However, they all follow the same procedure:
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Removing the damaged tooth
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Preparing the jawbone (grafting)
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Placing the dental implant
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Bone healing and growth (osseointegration)
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Placing abutment
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Placing the artificial tooth (crown) |
Five Types of Dental Implants
Now that you know how dental implants are inserted, here are their types:
Single Tooth Dental Implant
Endosteal Implants
These implants are placed in the bone. As the most common type of implant, it replaces a single tooth. If you have removable dentures, implant posts are used to hold the implant in place.
Subperiosteal Implants
These implants go over the bone. When there is insufficient bone structure, they are frequently used as an implant option. Subperiosteal implants are positioned to support the new tooth. These can be above or below the jawbone.
Multiple Tooth Dental Implants
All-on-4 Implants
Adults who choose not to wear dentures may find that All-on-4 implants are a good alternative. The missing tooth root is replaced with a tiny titanium post that is inserted into your jaw. A minor surgery is needed for this. After that, a crown is attached. The finished product is a tooth that functions and looks quite natural. Because each jaw uses four implants, these are referred to as All-on-4 implants.
Implant Overdentures
These are a fantastic substitute for conventional dentures. However, you must be healthy enough to have your teeth extracted. Compared to standard dentures, overdentures might provide more stability because they are fixed to implants. Some of its advantages include:
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Ease in chewing food
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Better pronunciation
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Less discomfort
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No need for denture adhesives
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You can even use your existing dentures |
Implant Supported Bridges
These are a great option for multiple missing teeth. If your jawbone is not strong enough to support the implant, multiple crowns are used to create a bridge. This lessens the load on the jawbone.
The surgery to get implant support bridges is complex and long. It involves the following:
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Checking dental history
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Taking X-rays, impressions, and a CT scan if multiple teeth need to be restored
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The first surgery takes place, in which the implant is placed
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Once the site has healed, the second surgery takes place
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A small incision is made that exposes the gum tissue
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Abutment is placed to strengthen the implant
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Finally, the bridge is installed |
Dental Implant Complication Warning Signs
When your dental implant is at its last stage, as it's about to come loose, you may see the following signs:
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Gum inflammation
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Increased swelling
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Difficulty chewing
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Gum recession
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Discomfort
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Severe pain |
Dental Implant Complications
Dental implants have a 98% success rate. However, you should be aware of the most typical issues with them:
A Loose Implant
An implant that has come loose is the most common problem. There could be several reasons behind this. Sometimes, it is a result of age-related bone loss. A loose implant can also result from other conditions, such as gum disease, smoking, and inadequate dental hygiene.
Infection
Infection is another typical issue with oral implants. Fever and pain might result from an infection or inflammation at the implant site. Infections usually start to happen soon after implant surgery. Make sure you follow the cleaning recommendations provided by your oral surgeon.
Bleeding
An implant may occasionally cause persistent bleeding. This can result in various issues, including anemia and upset stomach. Your oral surgeon can usually intervene to halt the bleeding while maintaining the implant's position.
Micro-Movement
Micro-movement is the occasional occurrence of implants. You might not even notice it, and it's not as bad as a loose implant. The teeth surrounding the implant may feel tight, and you may see a change in the implant when you glance in the mirror. These are warning signals of a micro-movement. This is a precursor to the implant coming loose in the near future.
Nerve Damage
Sometimes, an implant is placed too near to a nerve. This can lead to harm. Tingling or numbness in the face, tongue, gums, and lips are indications of nerve injury. The issue might be resolved by removing the implant. However, there's a chance the nerve damage might get worse.
Book An Appointment and Get a Checkup
Dental implant cases should be carefully evaluated. 3D X-rays must be taken to ensure the candidate has enough bone density for implant support.
If you are planning to get dental implants, we suggest getting a complete checkup from a qualified dentist. Visit Kaiser, Rosen & Kurman Dental Associates to learn about different dental implant options. Ease any concerns you have by talking to one of our dentists. For more information, call 215-464-5600. |
