In technical terms, a dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is inserted into your jaw to support a bridge or prosthetic tooth. But when most people refer to “dental implants,” they mean the combination of the prosthetic tooth and the implant, which is an artificial tooth root. For those who would rather not wear dentures and have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or another cause, dental implants may be a possibility.
Dental Implant Types
The most prevalent kind of implant is endosteal, or inside the bone. It can take many different forms, such as surgically implanted screws, cylinders, or blades into the mandible. One or more artificial teeth are supported by each implant. For most patients, this kind of implant serves as an alternative to bridges or removable dentures.
On the bone, subperiosteal: This kind of implant is positioned above the jaw and held in place by posts made of metal framework that poke through the gums. Patients who cannot wear traditional dentures or who lack the bone height necessary to support an endosteal implant are typically candidates for subperiosteal implants.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
A dental implant would be a great choice for you if:
- Both your general and oral health are good.
- Your jawbone is strong enough to sustain the implant.
- You don’t have periodontal disease and your gum tissues are in good health.
The soft tissues in the mouth, such as the gums, and the underlying hard tissues, such as the bone, are closely related to dental implants. Periodontists possess the perfect blend of expertise and education to ensure that you have a dental implant solution that feels and looks like your natural teeth. They have completed three years of specialized training beyond dental school, making them specialists on both soft and hard tissues.
Dental Implant Procedure Types
Your periodontist will design a personalized treatment plan based on the type of implant selected and your unique situation.
These are a few potential treatment programs based on your circumstances:
Dental implants for single teeth: One dental implant can serve as a substitute for a single lost tooth.
Dental Implants for several Teeth: Dental implants can be used to replace several lost teeth.
Full Mouth Dental Implants: These can be used to replace all of your lost teeth if necessary.
Enhancement of Sinus: The amount and quality of bone in the intended implant placement are crucial factors in implant success. Because of the upper back jaw’s near proximity to the sinuses and insufficient bone quantity and quality, it has historically been one of the hardest sites to successfully insert dental implants. By building bone for the implantation of dental implants and elevating the sinus floor, sinus augmentation can assist in resolving this issue.
Ridge Modification: If you have abnormalities in your upper or lower jaw, you may not have enough bone to support dental implants. The gum is pulled away from the ridge to reveal the space where bone is lacking in order to fix the issue. The ridge is then filled in by adding bone or bone replacement. It has been demonstrated that ridge alteration significantly enhances the appearance of the jaw and raises the likelihood of implant success.
Follow-Up on Dental Implant Procedure
In order to maintain function and avoid peri-implant disease, dental implants require diligent at-home oral hygiene and routine dental checkups, much like natural teeth. You still need to brush and floss your implant to maintain it clean and free of plaque.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Bayside, NY, call Avalon Dental at (347) 472-0318. Our team would happily discuss dental procedures and help you schedule an appointment.
