Have you been told that you will soon need dental implants? And you are wondering which implants will suit you the best? Generally, your dentist suggests the implant types. However, knowing your options in detail makes it easier to take an informed decision. Read on to learn about different implant options.
What Are Dental Implants
Implants are made from pure titanium to fit into the jaw bone and substitute natural tooth roots. Dentists recommend implants for every type of tooth loss. Their small size makes them customizable and easy to fit. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) defines implants as artificial tooth roots resembling a screw. Once implanted into the jaw bone, dental implants fuse with the natural jaw bone. An abutment, a type of connector, secures your artificial tooth (crown) to the implant.
Who Needs Dental Implants
Patients need dental implants when:
- One or more teeth are missing, severely cracked, or loose
- Full or partial dentures turn loose
- Tooth infection has worsened
- Dental bridge needs repositioning
- Face looks sunken because of dental issues
- Taking care of dentures gets difficult
Reasons for missing, broken, or loose teeth include periodontal disease, injury, or infection. However, some choose implants when unsatisfied with the cosmetic changes achieved through dentures or bridges.
How To Know If Dental Implants Are Right For You
Dental implants support the restoration of a missing tooth. So that’s one reason why implants will suit you. However, every patient is not a suitable candidate for implant treatment. Dentists recommend dental implants for patients with the following:
- Fully grown and healthy jaw bone
- Healthy oral tissues
- Time and intent to commit several months for the treatment
- No history of alcohol and smoking
- No health conditions that may affect bone healing
Dental implants also work well for patients who want to improve their speech or cannot wear dentures. Your dentist is the best person to decide if you are a strong dental implant candidate.
What Are The Types Of Dental Implants
The following are the five different types of dental implants.
Endosteal Implants
The most commonly used implants, endosteal implants, are placed in the bone. These comprise screws, blades, and a cylinder that hold the teeth for patients with bridges or removable dentures. The small titanium screw is put into the jawbone to save the replacement tooth.
Subperiosteal Implants
These implants are for patients with inadequate jaw bone structure. However, the patient’s
remaining jaw bone structure should be strong and healthy to place subperiosteal implants. Unlike endosteal implants, these implants are fixed onto the jaw bone to hold the replacement tooth.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are one of the most popular dental implant options as they conveniently replace dentures. Four implants are placed into each jaw, hence the name all-on-4 implants. First, the implantologist performs minor surgery to place a small titanium screw into the jaw to replace the missing tooth’s root. Then, a crown is fixed, resulting in a natural-looking and functional tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are a viable option when you don’t have enough jawbone to support an implant, one or more teeth are missing, or if there is a nerve in or around the affected dental site. The three parts of implant-supported bridges are Implant, abutment, and restoration. These implants are also great for people who grind their teeth as it helps minimize pressure on the individual implant. The process of implant-supported bridges begins with a consultation, followed by a dental check-up, discussing medical history, x-rays, taking impressions, and a CT scan if several teeth are missing. Next, the dentist performs the first surgery. Once the implant heals, a second and simpler surgery follows, where the dentist makes a small incision. The fourth step is wherein the dentist places the restoration device, and finally, they attach a permanent bridge during the last visit.
Implant Overdentures
Implant overdentures are an excellent alternative to traditional dentures when you’re healthy enough for tooth extraction. Overdentures are positioned on top of implants, adding better stability than conventional dentures. Requiring no denture adhesives or repeated maintenance, overdentures are convenient to use. Besides, they help make chewing food easier, improve speech, minimize discomfort, and often work well on existing dentures.
What Is The Process Of Getting Dental Implants
Each dental implant type has its specific requirements. However, the primary procedure for all dental implants includes the following steps:
- Oral health check-up
- Removal of a damaged tooth
- Jawbone grafting (if needed)
- Placing the dental implant
- Healing phase
- Fixing the abutment and artificial tooth
- Follow-up visits
What Happens After a Dental Implant Procedure
Mild pain and discomfort, bruising, bleeding, and swelling is common side effects of a dental implant procedure. The process of dental implants requires time, patience, and multiple visits to the dentist. Typically, Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed to make these after-effects subside. In addition, following oral healthcare routine diligently, regular dental visits, and avoiding sticky, hard, and chewy foods are essential to the success of a dental implant procedure.
What Is The Cost Of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies based on the dentist’s expertise, experience, location, and type of implant. Remember that the implant procedure consists of multiple steps, each with fees. The cost of a single tooth implant starts at $2500 and may go up to $5000. Alternatively, the price range for full-mouth dental implants varies between $60,000 to $90000. Always ask about the total cost of dental implants beforehand. It also makes sense to check if your insurance covers the cost of dental implants and if the dentist you have chosen is empaneled with your insurance provider.
Dental implants are a life-changing procedure for many. Hence, always choose quality and expertise over cheaper rates. Though expensive is not always better, the cheapest dental implant service may not serve the purpose well. So, choose your implantologist wisely.
