A patient may invest in dental implants for a variety of different reasons, many of which focus on positively changing personal image and improving overall oral health. Implants are often applied when patients are missing one or more teeth and are not interested (or have had no success with) dentures or dental bridges. To understand if this type of dental work is the right course of action, a patient must first know about the types of implants and the issues they address.
On a basic level, a dental implant is a metal post that is screwed into the patient’s jawbone. Once secured, an artificial tooth, or crown, that matches the patient’s natural tooth color is attached to the post. The end result is a full smile and healthy, sturdy bite.
Dental implants can be broken into several categories, and a dentist may suggest one over the others because of specific patient needs. First, a dentist must determine if the patient has a strong enough jawbone for an implant. After that is decided, a patient may receive one of three different types of implants.
All implants can be divided into two major types: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly in the jawbone. These are often used with patients who have strong, healthy jawbones that are not at risk of breaking during the procedure or after the implants are placed. Endosteal placements are more common than subperiosteal.
Subperiosteal implants do not go into the jawbone but rest above it within the gums. Patients who do not have robust jawbones may undergo bone restoration techniques to regrow and fortify the bone to make it a candidate for endosteal implants. However, patients who do not wish to receive this treatment can opt for subperiosteal implants.
Single dental implants are used if a patient is missing just one tooth. One post can be set into the jawbone where the tooth is missing, essentially replacing the lost root. The jawbone must then be given ample time to heal around the post, a period that can last several months. After it is fully healed, the crown is secured to the post via a third piece called an abutment.
Some patients are missing consecutive teeth in a row. In this case, dental implants can be placed in the location of the roots of the two teeth on each end of the row. The crowns attached to these implants support the crowns in between, creating an effective “bridge.” This removes the need for an implant under each artificial tooth.
The third option is for patients missing most teeth. Several implants are secured in the jawbone and attached to an entire denture that sits on top of the gums. Instead of having dentures that must regularly be removed, these dentures are permanently fixed in place.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants in Philadelphia, PA
Some dental implants work better for certain patients than others. See a dentist to get an assessment of your teeth and to discover what implant may work well for you.
Request an appointment or call Frankford Dental Care at 215-302-1746 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.
If you have missing teeth, there are multiple replacement options from which you can choose. Dental implants are one, and they are a popular choice for various reasons. Although implants may be an effective treatment method, they are not for everyone. Therefore, you should consider the benefits and other information before making a decision.The implant…
Missing or damaged teeth can impact people’s smiles and overall dental health, especially if the affected teeth cause pain or become infected, but dental implants can replace these teeth and eliminate certain oral health issues. Before patients seek out this procedure, it can be important to understand how anesthesia may be used to avoid any…
Many dentists refer to dental implants as the “permanent tooth replacement option,” and while this descriptor is not necessarily inaccurate, it is not completely true, either. The longevity of a dental implant depends on several factors, including a patient’s oral health, lifestyle habits, dental hygiene practices, and diet, to name a few. Patients who are…
Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular as more people use these procedures to improve their smiles and self-confidence. While this type of dentistry is often associated with purely aesthetic improvements, it can also help address many common dental issues. This article will explore how cosmetic dentistry can help improve your smile and overall oral health.Cosmetic…
Invisalign® is a discreet teeth-straightening method. Research shows that many people prefer this method to traditional braces. The clear aligners offer a more comfortable way to align teeth. Knowing when to choose Invisalign can help you prepare for your upcoming appointments.The metal wires and brackets of traditional braces can cause scrapes and holes in the…