The artificial tooth may sound like an uninvited guest to your mouth, especially if you are conscious of the manner they will be introduced into the jaws and the way you will have to take care of them. Fortunately, with the advent of implant dentistry, this fear is turning to ease. With the help of a metal post inserted directly into the bone the replacement of natural teeth is now a lot more healthy and lifelike.
Dental implantology is a technique of tooth replacement in which a screw-shaped implant is inserted surgically into the jaw bone, and it serves a replacement root. Once the
implant is added, it gradually gets united with its surrounding jaw bone and transmits the chewing forces to the bone directly. Dental implants are by far, the best replacement option for a missing tooth in terms of aesthetics and long-term success, and that is why we recommend dental implants for replacing your missing teeth.
The other popular alternatives are either dentures or bridges. The dentures take support from the gums and are lose fitting on the tissues. They cause the underlying bone to get dissolved over some time and get loosened. They also need to be removed, washed and looked after hence adding up to your job. In contrast, the conventional bridges are fixed and do not become loose, but they require considerable grinding of adjacent teeth causing tooth structure loss and sometimes additional dental treatment to those teeth.
Keeping in view these drawbacks dental implants are a far better option in any case. They are conservative and versatile in their design and last longer than any other alternative. In simple terms, they give the advantage of maximum benefit with minimal risk.
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Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of dental implants over other tooth replacement options:
Advantages of dental implants:
Here’s why we recommend implants at VIP Dental implants:
- Natural Appearance – dental implant supported teeth offer you a naturally pleasant smile and an attractive personality.
- Better Oral Hygiene – The teeth replaced this way are easier to clean from all sides. There is less chance of food impaction and irritation to gums; this leads to less plaque accumulation and improved gum tissues health and better oral hygiene
- Jaw Bone Conservation – The stresses produced by chewing is directly transmitted into the bone and act as a stimulus to prevent loss of bone levels which is usually seen after lost teeth
- Natural Tooth Conservation – The teeth are attached to the bone directly; there is no need for adjacent teeth modification and therefore no tooth structure loss.
You can find more information about types of different implants
here.
Call to schedule an appointment at 832-430-1406
BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
History of dental implants
Although implants are widely thought to be a marvel of modern science, such fixtures have been in use by humanity for about two thousand years. Over the years this replacement option had experimented with natural materials like bamboo pegs, stones, and even seashells. The contemporary concept of the metallic implant, however, was started in the 20th century by Dr. Branemark who used titanium as a compatible and reliable implant material for bone. Since then the implant dentistry has been developed every day with new research and experiments being reported to literature every day.
Types of dental implants
Nowadays implants are designed and placed in many different techniques depending on the type and number of artificial teeth to be replaced. However, to keep it simple for understanding we classify all types of implants in two significant categories.
Endosteal implants:
This is an accurate simulation of natural tooth supported by a root that lies in the bone. It is the most commonly used type of implant which involves insertion of a titanium screw into the jaw bone. The procedure is carried out in the dental office under local anesthesia and takes around half an hour. The screw is embedded in the bone and is left to stay there undisturbed for a period of few weeks during which the bone grows over the titanium surface and unites with it giving the required strength. Once the bone - implant union is formed the dentist attaches the artificial tooth on top of the screw.
Subperiosteal implants:
This is the type of implant that rests on the surface of bone like a saddle instead of penetrating it. This opts when more than a few teeth need to be replaced, and the treatment planning indicates a greater need for bone support with minimal intervention. Instead of placing a separate implant for every single tooth, a metal framework can be designed to rest on the bone surface which is connected with a bridge or denture on top of the gums. This requires two surgical procedures. On the first visit, we will make an incision on the gum tissues and expose the underlying bone and make an impression of the bone surface. The gum flap will then be closed with the help of stitches. The impression of the bone will be used to design a custom-made framework according to the shape of the bone.
At a later appointment our surgeons will perform a similar procedure but this time a tailor-made metal framework will be placed directly on the surface of the bone, and the wound will be closed in the same way as before. However, a few extensions in the form of metal posts may be extending from the framework on which the denture or bridge may be attached.
Subperiosteal implants are not used commonly and are usually recommended when several teeth are missing. They can also be used in patients who have considerable loss of bone levels and are not good candidates for bone graft augmentation.
This article briefly highlights the two main techniques of implant dentistry and the way they are used. Although it may be a bit puzzling for you when it comes to choosing one out of several possible treatment options, however, our dentists will help you select the right type of implants for tooth replacement.
