What Are Dental Implants And When Are They Used

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are usually performed by periodontists. They are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. They are an ideal option for people that are in good general oral health but who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

If you’ve lost a tooth or teeth, you will most likely be given the option of getting dental implants or a bridge to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants are very involved and time consuming but are more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework. This is because implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are like having a natural tooth to replace the missing one. They are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever received an implant.

Dental implants serve three major functions:

· Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.

· Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.

· Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable. Dental implants are often recommended for patients that have bone loss throughout the mouth and have a lower denture that is loose because a dental implant can keep the denture in place.

The two most common types of dental implants used today are endosteal (in the bone) and subperiosteal (on the bone). Endosteal is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.

Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework's posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are most often used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.

As you may have guessed, current X-rays are necessary in order for periodontists to make accurate diagnosis for what type of implant you may need. You also may be wondering if an insurance company covers dental implants. About half of the insurance companies do and those that say a dental implant and related services are not a benefit, will often consider paying as a bridge instead.

The steps for a dental implant generally include:

1. Surgery: During surgery, the doctor will make an incision in your gum tissue to place the implant post directly into the bone. With the current x-rays, the doctor is then able to determine which implant post is the correct one. He or she will use a drill to make an entrance site into the bone to place the implant. An x-ray is then taken to ensure that the implant is placed correctly. Surgery to place an implant is often less traumatic than the surgery to remove the tooth. The doctor will finish up surgery by placing sutures over the implant.

2. A post op appointment and a suture removal appointment are made.

3. Usually three months or so after the initial surgery, you can schedule a follow-up appointment for another x-ray to determine if the bone is healing around the implant. If your implant is healing well, you can schedule an appointment to uncover the implant post and attach an abutment. An impression can be taken soon thereafter for a crown to be placed on the implant post.

4. The impression is sent to the lab for a custom made implant crown.

5. Several weeks later, your missing tooth is replaced with the crown and your treatment is complete.

In summary, what happens during a dental implant procedure is that an implant post is placed in the bone and the gum tissue and bone heal around it. An abutment is the attachment that is placed on top of the implant post. A crown is made and cemented to the abutment. Your missing tooth is now replaced by a natural feeling and a natural looking dental implant and crown.

Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.