What Kind of Dental Implants Work for Me?

Dental implant treatments have soared in popularity over the past few years. With the increased life expectancy and the aging population, the demand for dental implants is projected to rise in the years to come.

Dental implant treatments have soared in popularity over the past few years. With the increased life expectancy and the aging population, the demand for dental implants is projected to rise in the years to come.

Dental implants have additional benefits because they enhance overall oral health. Dental bridges attach to two or more teeth to fill in gaps between teeth. Bridges can promote tooth decay, as cement is used to attach bridges to your teeth.

In contrast, dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. Conventional dentures are removable and require a bond or clasp to latch on to teeth. If they are not cleaned properly, plaque and food particles can build up on your natural teeth.

Dentures and dental bridges have long been the traditional methods for fixing broken and missing teeth. Today, dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth in dental medicine.

But how does the surgery work? What kind of dental implants are there? How do I pick the right implants for me?

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are artificial roots that are inserted into your jawbone. The implants fuse with your jawbone, forming a sturdy base for artificial teeth.

A connector is put on top of the implant to support the artificial teeth - known as crowns. They are custom-made to match the natural shape and color of your teeth.

According to Dr. Marc Lazare, top cosmetic dentist from NYC, the surgery is done by placing a biocompatible titanium post into the bone of the jaw. The post functions as a replacement for the tooth’s root, to which a custom tooth is attached. This surgical procedure is minor, and dental implants offer the benefit of remaining secure and fixed for a lifetime.

Types of Dental Implants

 

There are two primary types of implants:

Endosteal.
● Endosteal implants are normally made of titanium, shaped like tiny screws, and implanted into the jawbone. They are the most regularly used kind of implant.

Subperiosteal.
● Subperiosteal implants are inserted underneath the gum but are not implanted into the jawbone. Instead, these implants are put on or above the jawbone. Patients who lack sufficient healthy jawbone – as well as those who cannot or do not want to undergo reconstructive surgery – use these types of implants.

Dental implants are commonly made from titanium, but they are also available in zirconium. Titanium implants allow the bones to grow on the surface of the implant, which makes them immovable. They also have a 95% success rate and offer superior strength.

Although there are no reported cases of titanium allergies, zirconium implants were developed as an alternative. These implants are free of metals, but they do contain trace amounts of hafnium and yttrium – two metals that improve the strength and durability of zirconium implants.

Reconstruction Options

If you have a weak jawbone, there are several methods available to rebuild and restore bone. This gives the dental implants the strong foundation they need for support. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, there are three procedures available to reconstruct your jawbone:

● Bone augmentations use growth factors and bone additives to repair or restore your jawbone.
● Sinus lifts add bone underneath the sinus if the natural bone deteriorated because of missing teeth.
● Ridge expansions use bone grafts to create additional space along the top of your jaw. This
procedure is done if your jaw is not wide enough to sustain implants.

How to Choose a Dental Implant

Before choosing an implant type, you must first consult with a dental specialist. Dental specialists have the extra training needed to give you top-notch care. This means that there is a lower risk of complications from surgery.

Additionally, dental implant specialists are equipped with the specialized tools needed to perform implant surgery. This means that your results will be more natural and aesthetically attractive.

There are several manufacturers of dental implants, each of which offers implants in several “superior” shapes, sizes, textures, and materials. However, the most efficient way to choose an implant is through a consult with a dental implant specialist. They have the equipment and skills needed for a successful procedure.

One such piece of equipment is 3D printing. Medical 3D printing is becoming an integral part of dentistry and is especially useful in creating dental implants. Scanning technology is used to create an accurate, detailed digital image of your mouth. Dental implant specialists use these 3D models to improve the shape and fit of your implants.

Dental implants are growing in popularity due to their strength, stability, and protection of overall oral health. Dental implants with the Dentist in San Ramon not only replace and restore damaged teeth but also boosts your confidence, as you reveal your brighter, better smile.