A patient may invest in dental implants for a variety of different reasons, many of which focus on positively changing personal image and improving overall oral health. Implants are often applied when patients are missing one or more teeth and are not interested (or have had no success with) dentures or dental bridges. To understand if this type of dental work is the right course of action, a patient must first know about the types of implants and the issues they address.
On a basic level, a dental implant is a metal post that is screwed into the patient’s jawbone. Once secured, an artificial tooth, or crown, that matches the patient’s natural tooth color is attached to the post. The end result is a full smile and healthy, sturdy bite.
Dental implants can be broken into several categories, and a dentist may suggest one over the others because of specific patient needs. First, a dentist must determine if the patient has a strong enough jawbone for an implant. After that is decided, a patient may receive one of three different types of implants.
All implants can be divided into two major types: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly in the jawbone. These are often used with patients who have strong, healthy jawbones that are not at risk of breaking during the procedure or after the implants are placed. Endosteal placements are more common than subperiosteal.
Subperiosteal implants do not go into the jawbone but rest above it within the gums. Patients who do not have robust jawbones may undergo bone restoration techniques to regrow and fortify the bone to make it a candidate for endosteal implants. However, patients who do not wish to receive this treatment can opt for subperiosteal implants.
Single dental implants are used if a patient is missing just one tooth. One post can be set into the jawbone where the tooth is missing, essentially replacing the lost root. The jawbone must then be given ample time to heal around the post, a period that can last several months. After it is fully healed, the crown is secured to the post via a third piece called an abutment.
Some patients are missing consecutive teeth in a row. In this case, dental implants can be placed in the location of the roots of the two teeth on each end of the row. The crowns attached to these implants support the crowns in between, creating an effective “bridge.” This removes the need for an implant under each artificial tooth.
The third option is for patients missing most teeth. Several implants are secured in the jawbone and attached to an entire denture that sits on top of the gums. Instead of having dentures that must regularly be removed, these dentures are permanently fixed in place.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants in Red Bluff, CA
Some dental implants work better for certain patients than others. See a dentist to get an assessment of your teeth and to discover what implant may work well for you.
Request an appointment or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at 530-527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
Advances in dentistry have made it possible to replace missing teeth with dental implants that are more similar to natural teeth than other teeth replacement options. Many people lose teeth due to gum disease, decay, and injury. Losing teeth often lead to numerous negative consequences. It can affect your smile, weaken your jawbone, and alter…
Most people want to have dental implants right after dental extraction. Replacing the lost tooth is a priority. This can prevent more complications as the mouth heals. Understanding the process of getting implants after dental extraction can help prepare you for your appointment. Here are the details about getting dental implants after a dentist removes…
Dental implants are effective, long-lasting artificial teeth. Implants are surgically attached to the jawbone to look and function like natural teeth. As a result, patients can chew, talk, and laugh without worrying about dentures slipping. They also improve oral health. This article explores when and why to get implants and the qualifying factors for treatment.Patients…
Dental veneers have become an increasingly popular choice for patients looking to improve the appearance of their smiles. A veneer can enhance the color and shape of your teeth, providing a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution; certain factors determine whether someone is a good candidate. Patients should…
If your wisdom teeth are coming in or are already impacted, you should talk to your dentist about removing them. Many patients have them extracted to avoid oral health problems such as infections or cysts. Gum disease is also common for people whose wisdom teeth are impacted. It is important for you to understand why…