Are you missing a tooth (or perhaps several)? Over time, your teeth may shift into gaps where teeth are missing, causing additional oral health issues.
As your appearance changes, your self-confidence could falter.
Before that happens, consider getting dental implants in Teaneck and West New York, NJ. Implant dentistry can restore your smile and help you avoid additional tooth problems.
What are the most common types of dental implants available, and which suits your needs? Read on to find out!
A dental implant includes a small, titanium post (which looks like a screw), the abutment that sits atop it, and a dental crown. The titanium post is surgically placed under your gum line, within your jawbone. Over time, the post will fuse with your jawbone, ensuring the implant's stability.
Implant dentistry is recommended for patients who are missing teeth. The post will replace your missing tooth's natural root.
The post will fuse with your bone (like a tooth root) while providing your jaw with stimulation. Stimulating the jaw bone can preserve your natural bone structure.
Implant dentistry can provide:
Without a dental implant, you may experience bone deterioration, facial sagging, and wrinkle development. You may begin to look older than your age.
Missing teeth can also cause tooth problems. For example, surrounding teeth can shift toward the gap, leading to crooked teeth.
Food particles and bacteria will have more space to hide, which can cause plaque to develop. Plaque can harden into tartar or release acid, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
As plaque develops under your gum line, you could develop gingivitis. Gingivitis (gum disease) can cause bleeding gums, a change in how your teeth fit together, and loose teeth. You could start losing teeth if you neglect to seek treatment.
The best dental implants (and a proper oral healthcare routine) can last a lifetime. They're longer lasting than other tooth restoration options, including dentures.
Depending on your oral health, overall health, and needs, your dentist may recommend one of three types of dental implants. The three main types include endosteal, subperiosteal, and all-on-4 dental implants. Endosteal dental implants are the most popular, with a success rate of nearly 100%.
When most people picture dental implants, they're imagining endosteal implants. These screw-like dental prosthetics are designed to fit into a patient's jawbone.
Over time, a process called osseointegration occurs. Your jawbone will grow around and fuse with the jawbone as you heal. Osseointegration ensures the implant's stability.
Once you heal (which can take a few months), your dentist will place an abutment atop the dental implant. During a third appointment, your dentist will place a permanent tooth (a dental crown) atop the abutment.
This type of dental will provide your jawbone with the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. However, you'll need enough jawbone volume for this treatment option.
If there's not enough jawbone present, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure. This procedure will prepare your jawbone for the endosteal implant. Otherwise, your dentist will recommend another type of implant.
Subperiosteal dental implants aren't recommended as frequently as endosteal implants. They're often an alternative when patients don't have the necessary jawbone volume to ensure an implant's stability.
This type of implant isn't inserted into a patient's jawbone. Instead, they feature a frame-like structure that will rest atop the patient's jawbone (beneath gum tissue).
Your jawbone won't hold the implant in place. Instead, your gum tissues will heal around the frame to support the dental implant.
Subperiosteal implants are the best dental implants for patients without the necessary jawbone mass. They're also ideal if you don't wish to undergo a bone grafting procedure.
Your dentist may recommend all-on-4 dental implants if you're missing more than one tooth and want to avoid dentures. During your procedure, the dentist will place a titanium screw into the jawbone. As with endosteal implants, the screw will replace a tooth's missing root.
Compared with endosteal implants, all-on-4 implants don't require a lot of bone density. These are the best dental implants for patients missing a full arch of teeth.
Your dentist will place two implants at the front of the mouth and two angled at the back of the mouth. This provides support for the entire arch.
The procedure for all-on-4 dental implants is less invasive and therefore requires a shorter healing process. There's also more flexibility in the design and fit.
Your dentist will determine if you're an ideal candidate for implant dentistry based on your bone volume, age, and oral health. Remember, you'll need a certain amount of bone present. Otherwise, your jawbone won't fuse with the implant.
During your consultation appointment, your dentist will use a CBCT scanner. This technology will provide a 3D view of your jawbone and mouth.
After evaluating our bone quality, your dentist will develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
However, getting dental implants isn't ideal for patients who are young. They may need to wait for their facial structure to develop fully.
It's also important to make sure you're in good general and oral health. Let your dentist know if you have gum disease, are a heavy smoker, or have a condition like diabetes. They may recommend an alternative treatment option.
During your consultation appointment, talk to your dentist about the healing process. It's important to follow their aftercare plan to the letter.
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily can keep plaque and bacteria at bay. You could extend the lifespan of your dental implant and avoid complications.
Missing teeth can compromise your oral health, appearance, and happiness. Consider getting dental implants in Teaneck and West New York, NJ. With treatment, you can improve your smile and enjoy lasting results.
Want to review your treatment options? The team at Complete Dental Works has years of experience restoring smiles.
We'll create a personalized treatment plan based on your oral health needs. Contact us now to schedule your consultation appointment.
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