Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal, Root Form, Subperiosteal
What Are Dental Implants?
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reports that upwards of 50% of all Americans between the ages of 35 and 45 have lost one or more adult teeth in their life. There are quite a few things that can cause a person to lose teeth. Some of these causes of lost teeth include tooth decay, accidents, or injury. The sad thing is that some of these folks don’t know that a viable and attractive solution is within reach.
One attractive option when it comes to restoring not just the look of lost teeth but the function as well is dental implants. If you're looking for solutions that will restore your lost tooth's function and appearance, you have several options when it comes to dental implants. If you look in the mirror and see a smile that’s missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the answer. Dental implants are one of restorative dentistry’s most pleasing options when it comes to replacing lost teeth or just plain making your smile more attractive. Here is some very helpful information regarding the different types of dental implants from top general dentists in NJ that will assist you in deciding if dental implants are right for you. If you would like to know more about dental implants you should contact a top dentist near you for an appointment.
Dental Implants Improve Your Smile
What is An Implant?
Dental implants are devices that are placed securely into the jawbone in order to restore or replace missing teeth. The type of procedure that is performed is dependent upon which type of dental implant you receive. Oftentimes, dental implants are screwed into the jawbone in order to act as an anchor for placing prosthetic (artificial) teeth. Because they are designed to become an integral part of the mouth, dental implants look and function like natural teeth. The American Dental Association reports that dental implants offer a more stable option than dentures because they fuse to bone, meaning they fit more securely in the mouth. If you wish to discuss your options as far as the best type of dental implant for you, you should contact a dentist for help with answering all of your questions. A good dentist can go over the pros and cons of each type of implant.
Types of Dental Implants
There was a time that dentures were the only option when it came to replacing teeth. The sad fact about missing teeth is that a healthy smile isn’t just about beauty. It’s about being able to speak properly, and it’s about being able to chew your food better, which can even help you to make wiser choices about the foods you eat. Enter dental implants. There are a number of different types of dental implants, including endosteal implants, root form implants, plate form implants, Subperiosteal implants, intramucosal implants, and mini-dental implants.
Endosteal Implants
There are two main categories of dental implant. These are endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal literally means 'located within the bone,' and endosteal implants are aptly named because they’re placed within the jawbone. Endosteal implants can involve titanium screws, metal cylinders, or blades that are surgically placed into the jawbone in order to hold one or more prosthetic teeth into place. An endosteal implant is considered more permanent, which is one of the main reasons patients opt for endosteal implants. Two of the main types of endosteal implants include root form and plate form.
Root Form Implants
Root form dental implants are also called screw-type implants. They’re typically used on patients whose mouths are deep and wide enough in the jawbone in order to enable a dentist to secure them into place. Root form implants are aptly named because they’re attached in a procedure that uses screws in order to secure these implants into place. This integrates the implant into the mouth. During the procedure, the jawbone is exposed in order to attach the implants through an incision which is sutured closed at the end of the procedure. Not all patients are candidates for this type of implant. Your cosmetic dentist will need to do an examination of your jawbone in order to determine whether the root form type of implant is right for your situation.
Plate Form Implants
Plate form implants, also referred to as blade form implants, are much like root form in that they are secured in place using a surgical procedure. However, unlike the root form type which is used on patients whose jawbones are wide and deep enough, plate form implants are used for patients whose jawbones are too narrow to accept root form implants. This type of dental implant is long and flat, allowing the implants to be properly placed and secured into narrow jawbones. Plate form implant placement is much like that of root form, but they often are used because grafting is not suitable due to a patient's narrow jawbone. During this procedure, a cosmetic dentist will place a long, flat piece of metal under the gums which will lie on top of the bone. The gums are stitched closed, and the recovery period will take about 6 months for the bone and metal to fuse. Upon healing, these implants will be anchored into the metal plate.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are sometimes used on patients who cannot accept root form or plate form implants. This type of implant is placed on top of the jawbone under the gums. Sometimes two surgical procedures are necessary, with the first being performed for the mold and the second for implantation. Other times, only a single surgical procedure is necessary because a CAT scan is performed to create the mold, while the surgery is used for implantation.
Intramucosal Implants
Intramucosal dental implants are actually more insert than they are implant. This type of implant is utilized for the same purposes of as other types, but they are used with dentures as an attachment to gums. Intramucosal implants are a kind of mushroom-shaped insert designed to hold dentures securely in place. During the procedure, your cosmetic dentist will fit this type of implant into indentations that have been constructed in the roof of your mouth in order to attach the inserts to the gum side of false teeth and keep them more securely in place.
Mini-Dental Implants
Another type of dental implant is the ‘mini-dental implant.’ Mini-dental implants, more commonly referred to as 'MDI,' are implants that usually are made from titanium. These can be used as a base for dentures in order to keep them more securely in place. The purpose of mini-dental implants is to replace the function of a missing tooth's root. These typically aren’t any larger than the size of the average toothpick. Mini-dental implants have a type of ‘ball-and-socket’ mechanism with an O-ring that works to keep dentures secure. Mini-dental implants are used where small, premolar, or narrow teeth once were, typically on the lower jaw. Mini-dental implants usually only need a single visit to the dentist. The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves placing an implant in bone by drilling a hole. The implant is then screwed into place, and dentures can be utilized on top of these implants. This type of implant can be a good choice for patients who don’t have the bone they need in order to bind conventional implants. Mini-dental implants can also be a viable option for those who can’t take, or don’t want, bone grafts. Sometimes they’re also used for patients who want to lock their dentures over the implants. The success rate of mini-dental implants is high. It’s important to note, however, that the success rate of all implants is much higher when good oral hygiene is observed. Mini-dental implants are considered to be permanent or long-term and they may be able to last for quite a number of years with proper dental hygiene. Mini-dental implants are durable and stable. Of course, as with all implant procedures, not everyone is a good candidate to receive mini-dental implants. Patients, who smoke, drink heavily, are in overall poor health, or have serious medical conditions such as bleeding disorders or Alzheimer are not considered good candidates for mini-dental implants. It is vital that everyone who is considering these implants disclose their complete medical history to their cosmetic dentist before embarking on any dental procedure.
Good Candidate for Dental Implants
Anyone who is in good overall health can be acceptable candidates for dental implants. Because implants require at least one surgical procedure, patients who have other health problems may not be good candidates. If you are someone who suffers from a bleeding disorder, hypertension, or poorly controlled diabetes, you may not be a good candidate to receive dental implants. Some other health problems that can restrict a patient from being a good candidate include cancer and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Additionally, all patients who receive dental implants must possess healthy gums. Your dentist will be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for this dental procedure.
Dental Implants Cost
Dental implants tend to be more expensive than dentures, especially on the front end. The cost may range from $1,000 to $25,000. This largely depends on the type of implant you receive, as well as the amount of work that needs to be done. Insurance may or may not cover this type of dental procedure. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, it’s important that you speak with your insurance agent or check your policy in order to learn whether or not implants are covered, and if they are, how much of the procedure/implant will be covered. However, it is important to note that dental implants typically last much longer than dentures, and this fact sometimes makes the costs comparable, even affordable long-term. Dentures often must be replaced within 10 years, while implants can last several decades as they tend to be more durable. Naturally, your implants will last much longer if they are cared for properly.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are a number of benefits to getting dental implants, especially if you’re opting for these over dentures. First, dental implants look more like your natural teeth than dentures do. Another good thing about dental implants is that they function more like your natural teeth. Implants also are favored because of their low maintenance. Additionally, implants typically have the capability of restoring near complete function to a patient’s teeth, along with restoring their beautiful smile. And restoring that beautiful smile more surely leads to more confidence. Dental implants also last longer than dentures, especially when cared for properly. If a patient performs a routine dental regimen that involves twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and routine visits to a top dentist in New Jersey, dental implants actually can last for several decades. One other very significant reason for choosing dental implants is that they help to prevent the bones in the mouth and the gums from deteriorating, which is a fact dentures can’t claim. Additionally, dental implants do not slip like dentures because they are a permanent part of the mouth. These facts all make dental implants one of restorative dentistry’s most popular dental procedures.
Risks of Dental Implants
The success rate of dental implants is more than 95%, but it’s important to know that there can be risks, as with all medical and dental procedures. One such risk is that, because it is not a biological substance, titanium may be rejected by the body. Implants also can carry a risk of infection because they’re placed within your mouth during a surgical procedure. Sinus problems may arise due to placement of implants, as well as nerve damage, tingling, or numbness.
Following all implant procedures, it is vital that patients learn to care for their implants regardless of the type they’ve received or the procedure they’ve undergone. According to the Mayo Clinic, extra care should be taken of implants in order to maintain optimal appearance and performance. A regular oral hygiene regimen needs to include brushing at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and twice-yearly visits to a top dentist. This type of care really is only the minimum when it comes to caring for any and all dental implants.
Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you look in the mirror and wish you could see that dazzling young smile you once enjoyed? Dental implants could be your long-awaited solution. With the baby boomer generation moving into their golden years, lost teeth are becoming a much more prevalent incidence in the U.S. Thankfully, there are dental implants, a popular dental procedure that helps folks get back their beautiful smiles. Having missing teeth can be devastating for many people, but there’s no reason you have to accept it. For more information about the different types of dental implants and what to expect from the procedure, contact a top dentist near you for a consultation. Take back your vibrant smile, and take back your vibrant life!