Dental implants, types and main advantages

 

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium or zirconia device that is surgically placed in the patient’s jaw or jaw bone for the purpose of replacing a missing tooth.

95% of the implants are made of titanium as it is a highly biocompatible material to carry out the fusion with the bone.

 

What types of dental implants are there?

 

1- Endosseous dental implants. They are the most common and are placed on the maxillary or mandibular bone.

They are made of titanium and can have various shapes: screw, cylinder or sheet.

They are used to support a single dental crown, a fixed bridge or a complete denture.

2. Zygomatic dental implants. They are used in cases where the upper jaw bone has suffered significant loss and is not sufficient to place conventional dental implants.

They are placed in the zygomatic bone, a bone that is denser and more resistant than the maxilla.

3.Pterygoid dental implants. They are the least common option and are used in case of missing posterior teeth in the upper jaw.

They are placed on the pterygoid bone, located at the base of the skull.

They allow a secure anchorage for fixed dental prostheses in the absence of sufficient maxillary bone.

4. Subperiosteal dental implants. These implants are placed below the gum tissue, but above the maxillary or mandibular bone.

Subperiosteal implants are used when the bone is not high or wide enough to accommodate endosteal implants.

 

 

What is the procedure for a dental implant?

 

The dental implant placement procedure generally consists of several stages and may vary depending on the clinical situation of each patient.

1. Evaluation. A thorough assessment of the patient’s oral health is performed to assess the quantity and quality of bone available. The general health of the patient is also taken into account and based on this evaluation, the most appropriate treatment and the ideal implant are planned.
2. Tooth extraction if necessary.
3. Implant placement. Surgery is performed to place the dental implant in the maxillary or mandibular bone.
4. Healing period. The bone is fused to the implant, providing a solid foundation for future dental prosthetics. This period can last several weeks or months.
5. Placement of the abutment or connector. Once healing has been achieved, a small incision is made in the gums to expose the implant and a connector is placed on top of the implant. It acts as a connection between the implant and the future dental prosthesis.
6. Taking impressions. Once the connector placement is complete, impressions of the teeth will be taken to create the custom denture in the laboratory.
7. Placement of the dental prosthesis. The denture is placed over the socket and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a proper fit and appearance.

It is important to note that the process of placing a dental implant may require follow-up visits to assess healing and ensure that the implant is integrating properly. In addition, proper care and maintenance instructions will be provided to ensure the longevity of the implant and overall oral health.

 

 

What are the main advantages of a dental implant?

 

✔️Improves dental aesthetics. They provide a strong and stable base for biting and chewing food, allowing normal dental function to be restored. This means that you can enjoy a varied and nutritious diet without significant restrictions.

✔️ Restoration of chewing function. Dental implants integrate naturally with the bone and gums, providing a natural, aesthetic appearance.

✔️ Preservation of bone and facial structure. Dental implants help preserve bone by providing an artificial root that stimulates the bone and prevents its resorption. This helps maintain facial structure and prevent bone loss, which can prevent changes in facial appearance and sagging of the lips and cheeks.

✔️ Greater durability and longevity. Dental implants are designed to be durable and can last for many years, or even a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance.

✔️ Improvement of the quality of life. Tooth loss can have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting the ability to eat, speak, and socialize. Dental implants restore functionality and aesthetics, improving self-confidence and comfort when performing daily activities. They also eliminate the worry of the prosthesis moving or falling off, allowing you to enjoy an active life without restrictions.

 

 

Care after a dental implant

 

1. Follow the professional’s instructions.
2. Maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Avoid direct contact of teeth and tongue with the implant.
4. Avoid hard foods in the early stages of healing.
5. Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.
6. Schedule regular reviews to monitor the intervention.
7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle as it contributes to general oral health.

 

Do you need an evaluation of your oral health? Request an appointment