Dental Implants – Types and Procedure
Dental implants can completely change your life! They have the possibility to change your entire smile from okay to beautiful. You can replace a single tooth or several of them while maintaining your oral health. The purpose of dental implants is to restore the function of your teeth while also bringing back a bright smile.
The type of dental implant you need will be determined by a certified dentist after considering different factors including the location of the tooth, the jawbone, the health of the patient, and of course the patient preference.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two types of dental implants – endosteal and subperiosteal.
The endosteal procedure involves an implant done in the bone, while the subperiosteal implant is the one that rests on the surface of the jawbone under the gum. The latter type of dental implant is no longer used by certified dentists as the procedure is not long-lasting compared to the endosteal implants. The endosteal implant is made of titanium and the fixtures look like small screws that are inserted in the jawbone.
If the jawbone is not healthy enough to support the dental implants, your dentist will use the following techniques to revive the quality of the jawbone and create a base for the implant.
- Bone Augmentation: Used where the bone can be restored.
- Sinus Lift: Adding bone where the natural bone is deteriorated.
- Ridge Expansion: Expanding the jaw if it is not wide enough for the implant.
Modern types of dental implants also include 3D imaging techniques that employ software for implant planning. 3D imaging reduces time and cost spent on analyzing the jaw to determine the dental implant procedure.
Dental Implants Procedure
First, a certified dentist takes you through the consultation and planning stage in which they examine the state of your teeth and jawbone. This stage would include X-rays, CT scans, studying the anatomy of jaw, and panoramic films.
The next stage is the preparation for the surgical procedure. The patient is given local anesthesia for the procedure. Other sedatives are also preferred by certified dentists if they feel they are necessary to reduce the patient’s anxiety.
In the first part of the surgery, the damaged teeth and their remains will be extracted. The dentist will make sure the root in the jawbone is empty to create a solid base for the implant. Bone grafting may take place in this stage if there’s a need to create a foundation. This procedure usually takes up to six months to heal up. If there is enough bone present, the implant will be carried out on the same day.
Once the bone is ready to take the implant, the second part of the surgery will be carried out. The implant will be placed with drilling tools and a healing cap will be placed. The gum will be stitched up. The healing time can last up to six months for the new implant until it fuses into the bone.
Follow-up appointments are necessary after an implant to reduce the risk of infections or other side-effects.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Our dentist at Axiom will determine if a patient can receive a dental implant as a treatment option. The dentist will examine the bone in the area of the patient’s mouth with the missing tooth to make sure it is strong enough to hold the implant. If the jawbone is not strong enough to hold the dental implant a bone graft is used to increase the strength of that area. Once the jawbone is strong enough, a titanium cylinder is screwed into the jawbone to replace the natural root. After the implant has been placed the area will heal over six months to promote a full integration with the jawbone. Following the integration of the artificial root, a ceramic tooth is bonded to provide a natural-looking and functional tooth. Dental implants are a great way to replace one or multiple teeth without receiving a full set of dentures.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Another benefit of Dental Implants are that they can last a lifetime with proper care. By following simple healthy hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day you can help prevent any buildup of plaque or damage to the implant.
If you are looking for certified cosmetic dentists, Axiom is rated as one of the best dental implant dentists in Las Vegas. We have a board of certified dentists that specialize in oral surgery procedures including dental implants. Visit our website and find out more about our services https://axiomimplant.wpenginepowered.com/
