What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implant is a structure that acts as a replacement tooth root. 

The surgeon inserts an implant into the jawbone with a screw-like device, to provide a  strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement (artificial) teeth also known as crowns.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Surgically implanted into the jawbone, the Dental Implants prevent jaw bone loss as they mirror the shape of a screw, bonding with the natural bone. 

The replacement of missing teeth with dental implants helps to restore the ability to eat normally, without having to struggle to chew, and also helps to support facial features.

There are many other advantages to dental implants, including:

Salvage the Health of Surrounding Teeth 

An implant doesn’t endanger the quality of the surrounding teeth as unlike the dental bridges, the healthy teeth do not have to be filed down during the procedure.

Aesthetics

Dental Implants look and feel absolutely natural. No one can mark out a difference between a natural tooth and an implanted one.

One can brush and floss normally without any additional care. They help restore your chewing power, and facial appearance and give you a reason to smile wide with confidence. 

Bone Preservation

The loss of a natural tooth can cause the resorption of the bone, which can be avoided with implants.

The shape of the jaw doesn’t change due to the bone loss and it prevents the remaining teeth from sliding into the space left by a lost tooth.

Replacing the root as well as the tooth, the Dental Implants promote the preservation of the bone.

Long-Lasting Solution

A permanent solution to missing teeth unlike dentures, bridgework, or other similar restorations, Dental Implants can last a lifetime provided good care is taken of the teeth and the implant. they can last a lifetime. 

What are the Elements of a Dental Implant?

Teeth replaced by dental implants consist of three pieces to serve different functions and are made to last a lifetime. The structure of the dental implants consists of:

1. Implant: The implant or the screw used to replace the absent natural tooth root. 

2. Abutment: A post that connects the tooth to the implant is called Abutment.  Placed between the implant and the crown, it helps to connect all the pieces. Protruding through the gum line, it acts as an anchor to which the artificial crown is attached

3. The crown: Made of porcelain, the Crowns are custom-made to fit the person’s mouth and match the colour of the teeth, the crowns look, feel, and work like natural teeth.

Resting on top of the Abutment, the Crown may be screw-retained or permanently cemented to the abutment, offering a natural, attractive tooth restoration. 

What are the Different Types & Techniques of Dental Implants?

Three different forms of Dental implants are available to be used for permanent tooth restoration.

Endosteal Implant

Endosteal Implants or root-form implants are the most common type of implants. They are made from titanium, small screws & alloplastic material, which is an artificial tissue graft.

Suited for most patients, they are surgically inserted into the jawbone.  However, they need a healthy jawbone for the post to fuse and the implants to eventually bond with the natural bone over time.

Subperiosteal Implant

Subperiosteal Implant is the main alternative to Endosteal Implants.

Though extremely rare, it is probably a better option for patients who don’t possess sufficient natural jawbone to support endosteal implants. Instead of being surgically inserted into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants rest on top of the bone but are still under the gum.

Zygomatic Implants

The least common type of dental implant available is the Zygomatic Implants, the most complicated procedure, the implant is placed in the patient’s cheekbone rather than the jawbone.

These are only recommended if one does not have enough jawbone for the Endosteal implant.

Types of Dental Implants

The different types of dental implants available are:

1. Single Tooth Implant

Ideal for a single missing tooth that needs to be replaced majorly for aesthetics, comfort, and function, Single tooth implants require a single dental crown that connects to the implant screw.

2. Immediate Load Dental Implants:

Immediate load dental implants are also called same-day implants or Teeth in a Day.  Placement of a temporary tooth on the same day as that of the dental implant placement is possible in this type of dental implant.

However, they need enough natural bone and an implant that is steady enough to bear and support immediate placement and pressure.

3. Implant-Supported Bridge

Usually recommended for people who have more than one missing tooth, the implant-supported bridges act as a support for the bridge instead of the natural tooth.

A fixed dental bridge provides support to other teeth, preventing them from moving and helping to restore their functions. Eating and speaking functions are also improved with the help of the dental bridge.

4. All-on-4 Dental Implants

The patients looking for a permanent and secure solution for many missing teeth are recommended All-on-4 implants. The whole upper or lower jaw or both the arches can be restored with this treatment.

5. 3-on-6 Dental Implants

A more reliable and recommended alternative to an implant-retained denture, 3-on-6 Dental Implant consists of three individual dental bridges that are attached to six dental implants.

6. Mini Dental Implants

Mini Dental Implants are toothpick-sized implants that are narrower than most commonly used dental implants. Placed through less-invasive techniques, they are primarily used to stabilize a lower denture.

At Morgan Hill Dentistry, our Dental Implant specialists employ their expertise and vast experience in dental implant surgery to help deliver precisely the treatment and care that you need.

Book an Appointment Now.