X
Dental implants – Components, types, and benefits
dental implants

Dental implants – Components, types, and benefits

Oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are incredibly essential. Not caring for the teeth can cause them to decay and even fall off in extreme cases. Consequently, missing teeth can make chewing food complicated and cause extreme discomfort. To manage the problem, dentists affix dental implants in the jawbone that replace the lost teeth. Here is a quick guide on how implants work and their popular types and benefits.

How do dental implants work?
A dental implant effectively works both as a root and a tooth. The three components of a dental implant are:

  • The implant
    The implant is placed carefully into the jawbone using surgery. It is made of biocompatible titanium, which means that, once placed into the jawbone, it will integrate with it gradually over three to six months. This is a slow but effective process called osseointegration.
  • The abutment
    This is a component used to attach the implant to its restoration.
  • The restoration
    Depending on the individual needs and the dentist’s recommendations, this component can be a porcelain crown, denture, or bridge.

Types of dental implants
The following are a few popular types of dental implants one may come across:

  • Endosteal implants
    These are the most common type of dental implants consisting of titanium screws or cylinders placed into the jawbone with the help of a surgery. Once the surgery is successful and the implants have integrated with the bone properly, the teeth can be attached to these implants. Endosteal implants are usually recommended for individuals with good bone density and volume.
  • Subperiosteal implants
    This is an alternative procedure for those who do not have the required bone density and volume for endosteal implants. Here, the titanium screw or cylinder is placed on top of the jawbone (instead of into it), right below the gum tissue. A metal framework keeps this implant in place and supports artificial teeth attached to it.
  • All-on-4 implants
    This unique implant is used when individuals lose many teeth due to substantial tooth decay, accidents, or other reasons. Here, just four main implants support an entire arch of teeth. All-on-4 implants form a secure foundation for new teeth to be attached and improve teeth functionality, which benefits many patients.
  • Zygomatic implants
    This implant is specifically for those with excessive bone loss in the upper jaw. In such cases, the implant cannot be installed in the maxillary bone, as usual, and can only be affixed in the zygoma or the cheekbone. No bone grafting procedure is needed for zygomatic implants, making them a preferred option for many.
  • Mini dental implants
    When choosing an implant, dentists measure the space between two teeth. If the distance is less, mini dental implants may be recommended as they have a smaller diameter than traditional implants. This kind of procedure is best when there is a need for a single crown.
  • Immediate load implants
    These kinds of implants are also known as single-day implants or teeth-in-a-day implants. Usually, patients have to wait for some time before restoration takes place after the implant surgery, but with this quick fix, one can get restoration the same day.

The best implant for a person will depend on their oral health and how much stress their bone structure can support at the time of the diagnosis. So, it is vital to do a detailed analysis and diagnosis before committing to a dental procedure.

Benefits of dental implants
There are several benefits to getting dental implants. Here are a few of them to explore:

  • Last for a long time
    A dental implant can last for a long time or even a lifetime. Since it is made from titanium and integrates with the jawbone, it turns into healthy teeth roots. It is non-toxic and hence does not get rejected by the body, making it completely safe and healthy.
  • Prevent bone loss
    Missing teeth can cause an empty space in the jaw, which can widen due to a lack of stimulation to the bone. When implants are placed, they fill up and integrate into the bone, preventing further bone deterioration.
  • Keep adjacent teeth stable
    A gap between two teeth can cause the teeth to shift towards the empty space, leading to crooked teeth. This can also pull the teeth away from their natural position and affect chewing. Dental implants can keep the adjacent teeth in place, preventing these problems.
  • Reduce the risk of gum disease
    The risk of gum disease and infection increases when there is a gap in the teeth. This is because the gap can trap food particles, accumulating bacteria in the mouth.

Individuals suffering from missing teeth should speak to a dentist about the best treatment plan for them. The dentist can recommend a suitable type of dental implant to make chewing easier and lessen discomfort. The expert can also suggest tips to maintain the implant and prevent tooth problems in the future. However, it is important to note that dental implants are not the only solution to lost teeth. In some cases, the dentist may recommend using removable dentures or other alternatives.

Related Questions

Q1 : How do I get dental work done for no cost?

Your state or local health department may know of programs in your area that offer no cost or reduced-cost dental care. Call your local or state health department to learn more about their financial assistance programs. Check your local telephone book for the number to call.

Q2 : What should you consider when choosing a dental plan?

There is no single "best" dental plan. Some plans will be better than others for you and your family's needs, so there are a few factors to take into consideration when shopping around. First, how much will it cost on a monthly basis. If your budget is limited, a plan with low premiums could be a good option. However, keep in mind that low premiums

POPULAR TAGS

Related Blog

  • Benefits of getting dentures in a day
    Benefits of getting dentures in a day

    Your teeth play a vital role when it comes to breaking down food for digesting and maintaining general health, which is why regular dental care is recommended by medical professionals. Teeth not only enhance your facial appearance but also are indirectly connected to vital health systems in your body. Loss of teeth can not only affect your overall appearance but also lead to oral health problems like the movement of adjacent teeth, degeneration of your jawbone among other complications.

    Dentures are designed to provide the much-needed stability and support to maintain oral health care for people who have lost part or most of their teeth due to natural causes or maybe due to an accident.

    Benefits of dentures in a day include:

    • Dentures in a day prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the gaps where you have lost your teeth. Any abnormal movement of teeth can compromise the structural integrity of your jawbone and lead to added oral complications.
    • Dentures take care of the oral tissues and maintain overall health.
    • Upper and lower teeth are positioned properly to ensure the jawline is maintained. Loss of teeth can disrupt perfect alignment which is why dentures in a day can help maintain this alignment without you having to worry about misaligned molars.
    • Even your speech can get affected due to missing teeth which is why dentures are all the more essential to have, to replace a few or many of your teeth. Pronunciation is mainly affected due to misalignment or missing teeth.
    • Wrinkles and aging lines develop around your mouth over time, and the process is speeded up due to missing teeth. Dentures in a day counter this problem by ensuring missing gaps are filled.
    • Dentures in a day are surgically attached directly to the jawbone which gives them immense stability that will prevent your teeth from shifting or slipping causing you any discomfort.
    • Artificial dentures are made from materials which are designed to last, which is why they are more durable than your existing molars. Damaged dentures can be repaired very easily without the need for removing the implants.
    • Cost of artificial dentures will depend on the type of replacement ones used. Complete and permanent dentures will cost more than partial dentures. Check with your insurance company to find out if your dental plan covers the cost of dentures replacement be it complete or partial for that matter.
  • Different types of dentures in a day and how much do they cost
    Different types of dentures in a day and how much do they cost

    Dentures are crafted using substances like resin, porcelain, acrylic and even metal sometimes. These molars are affixed in removable plates to complete the set which will consist of both top and bottom plates, proving to be a costly surgical treatment.

    Not all dental insurance plans will cover the cost of these dentures, which is why it is a good idea to read the fine print. Dentures in a day are classified according to their construction:

    Basic dentures: The biggest advantage of having basic dentures made is its cost. For a single plate with all teeth, the cost will be $300 to $500 and double the cost for both upper and lower plates. But there are a number of cons of basic dentures in a day since they come with a limited warranty and are of substandard quality which ultimately affects its durability.

    Mid-range denture kits: These come with a good warranty and customized fit as compared to basic dentures. Mid-range dentures will cost anywhere between $500 to $1500 for a single plate and double for the entire upper and lower kit. The warranty can range from 1 to 2 years depending on the product.

    Premium denture kits: Want the best denture set, be prepared to shell out anywhere between $4000 to $8000 for a full kit. Premium dentures in a day are made with high-quality materials which are crafted and designed to look exactly like your natural teeth. Warranty against any chipping or cracking can last for more than 10 years depending on the make and durability. Premium pricing also will cover the frequent visits to ensure a proper follow-up after the procedure.

    Removable denture kits: These are partial kits which can be removed whenever needed. Theses kits mostly made with a metal wire frame to support the molars which can be attached to your existing natural teeth. Partial dentures are designed for people who have lost a couple of their teeth and do not need complete teet alignment and denture kits. The average cost of a set of partial dentures will range anywhere from $800 to $1900 depending on the product.

    In order to provide a perfect alignment and placement of new denture kits, old and misaligned teeth have to be extracted at first. Tooth extraction can cost anywhere $80 to $500 per tooth, and the price will vary depending on the mode of teeth extraction which can be normal or surgical. Compare pricing options offered by dental professionals and clinic’s online to understand the potential expenditure.