Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or a bridge. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, dental implants offer an ideal option for those who have lost a tooth or more due to periodontal disease, injury or some other reason, and who are in good general and oral health. Dental implants are highly desired by people who need replacement teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth. Besides improving appearance, they also improve comfort, do not create impediments to speech, like other alte
atives and help improve self-esteem in those who have lost their teeth. Since they are integrated into the bone of the patient, implants prevent bone loss and recession of the gum that are common with bridges and dentures. Dental implants are extremely durable, and with proper placement by a periodontologist and diligent maintenance by the patient, can last a lifetime.

Versatile dental implants can do many things

Dental implants offer a more attractive alte
ative because they can replace one or more teeth without affecting adjoining teeth, as happens in bridges. They are also used to support a bridge. Implants can support dentures making them more secure and comfortable and can be an alte
ative to removable partial dentures. This helps patients do away with general discomfort and bid good bye to the vexing disadvantages of dentures such as embarrassing and uncomfortable clicks and wobbles, pastes and glues as well as misplaced dentures. It is easier to eat with dental implants, making life more convenient and less stressful.

Types of dental implants

The main types of dental implants are called endosteal (in the bone) and subperiosteal (on the bone) implants.

* Endosteal implants, also known as root form implants, are generally used as an alte
ative for bridges and removable dentures. They are directly placed into the jawbone and can hold one or more prosthetic teeth.

* Subperiosteal implants are used in those who are unable to wear conventional dentures or have minimal bone height. A metal framework is inserted unde
eath the gum tissue, playing the role of multiple tooth roots. It is used as an anchor for the implants that are placed on top of the jaw.

Mini implants, originally used as a temporary measure, are now a type of implant in their own right. These are usually used in stabilizing the lower denture in older patients, and as replacements for small teeth and incisors. Mini implants are placed in the jawbone, but lack the height necessary to fuse with the bone through osseointegration as other implants do. Despite this, mini implants are still rather durable.

Procedures

Dental implant treatment options depend on each patient’s needs and can involve:

• Single tooth replacement
• Multiple tooth replacement
• Replacing all of the teeth
• Ridge modification helps in case of inadequate bone for placing dental implants. The gum is lifted away from the ridge and filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge.
• Sinus augmentation improves chances of success in implants in the upper back jaw by raising the sinus floor and helping develop bone for the placement of dental implants.

Dental implants and care after treatment

Best long term results from dental implants are achieved as a team effort between the dentist, periodontist and the patient. Patients with dental implants should diligently follow the at home oral care plan developed by their dentist and the periodontist.

Periodic follow up visits are necessary to monitor the implants, teeth and gums.