Dental Implants: What are they? Types, fixing, benefits, and risks

Dental Implants: What are they? Types, fixing, benefits, and risks

Oct 01, 2021

Dental implants titanium screws fixed on the jaw as an artificial root to replace your missing teeth.

Implants are dental devices whose primary function is to replace a missing tooth. They are made out of titanium and ceramic to replicate natural dental roots.

Dental implants in Philadelphia, PA, can be used to replace one or more teeth, depending on what is needed for the patient. There are many benefits associated with dental implants, such as increased comfort and improved speech quality.

However, there is always some risk involved when undergoing dental procedures like this, so it’s important to consult a dentist near you before going through with it.

What are Dental Implants, and What Types of Them Exist?

Dental implants are dental restorations that replace a missing tooth. They are mostly made of titanium, but you can also get them in other versions.

Teeth implants near you come in different types that serve different purposes:

  • Endosteal implants are the conventional posts that are fixed on the jaw bone to anchor the teeth. It is crucial to have sufficient bone density to have the implants fixed.
  • Subperiosteal implants. These are ideal if you lack sufficient bone support, as the dentist will fix the implants above the jaw. A metal framework is fixed on the jaw to offer support for the implants.

How Do They Work?

Implants are dental devices used for the replacement of tooth roots. They help with the dental arch, and often patients who have lost one or more teeth can regain their chewing function, bite-size, speech quality, facial appearance, and dental health as well.

Endosteal implants require drilling to be fixed. Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gums. The dentist can use metal support to anchor the implants in place.

What is the Dental Implantation Procedure?

The dental implantation procedure consists of the following:

  • Preparatory dental examination

The dentist will begin the process with an examination to determine if the implants are right for you. If you lack the necessary bone density, the dentist may recommend a bone graft to stimulate new bone growth. You may also opt for other options like subperiosteal implants, bridges, or dentures if you don’t want a bone grafting procedure.

  • Fixing the Implants

The dentist will open the gums to fix the screws on the bone. The gums are stitched back to facilitate healing.
It can take a few months to have the gums heal and the bone to fuse with the implants.

  • Placing the abutment and crowns

The abutment connects the implants and crowns in place. On the final visit, the dentist will fix the crowns.

What are the Benefits of Implants?

Dental implants are a long-term dental solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Implants can be used in combination with dentures or bridges to replace one, two, or more teeth.

Implants have numerous benefits including natural appearance; stability that won’t change with dental work or gum disease. However, the primary benefit of teeth implants is preventing bone loss. Having missing teeth for an extended time can cause the supporting bone to deteriorate. Moreover, getting bridges and dentures only cover the gaps, but do not necessarily stop bone loss. The implants are fixed in the jaw and they fuse to the bone.

What are the Risks of Dental Implants?

The dental implant procedure is considered a safe and reliable method to replace missing teeth. However, there are potential risks associated with dental implantation that must be weighed against the benefits of dental implants for each person’s situation. The most common risk is infection from bacteria in the mouth or throat which can travel to the site where dental implants have been inserted.

The drawbacks of implants include:

  • Dental implants can be more expensive than other dental restorations.
  • Dental implant placement may require a surgical procedure that is associated with risks, including dental implant failure and infection.
  • Dental implants are not always a dental treatment option for everyone because of other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

The risks may be higher than the benefits in some cases, and it is crucial to understand your options before making an irreversible decision. Talk with your dentist about whether dental implants are right for you.

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