Dental implants are artificial structures used for anchoring replacement teeth. If a patient is missing one or more teeth, a dental surgeon may choose to rely on dental implants to support the replacement teeth. A titanium screw is surgically placed into the patient’s jaw bone and allowed to fuse with it until it is strong enough to support the crowns.
Dental implants act as the root for the replacement teeth. They are not only safe and reliable but are also easy to care for as they are manufactured from biocompatible materials. In recent years, dental implants have soared in popularity as people found them to be more reliable and beneficial compared to conventional treatment for replacing missing or damaged teeth. If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they can help bring your smile back, visit us at Erik P. Cadra DMD, and our staff would be more than happy to assist you.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants typically come in two types: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal – the most commonly used type of implant– is embedded straight into the patient’s jawbone. Each implant of this type can support two or more dental crowns. Whereas subperiosteal implants are affixed on top of the patient’s jawbone. This is typically done by dental surgeons when a patient does not have adequate bone density or jaw height.
Based on how many teeth need to be replaced, dental implants can be divided into several types: single tooth implant, multiple tooth implant, implant-supported dental bridges, and All-on-4® Treatment Concept. As the name suggests, single and multiple tooth implants are used when a patient needs one or more adjacent teeth restored. The All-on-4 is a complete jaw restoration treatment where both the upper and lower jaw of a patient are replaced with an arch of crowns.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Compared to conventional methods of restoring damaged or missing teeth, such as dentures, dental implants have shown a more reliable response and longevity. They are also easy to look after unlike dentures that need to be removed for cleaning or brushing. Dental implants can function and look just like natural teeth.
Dental implants also prevent further bone loss and help to restore strength in the jawbone naturally. In some cases, they have been known to slow down facial sagging and premature aging caused by tooth loss. If you are looking for a permanent solution to restore damaged or missing teeth, dental implants are the most reliable and long-lasting out of all treatments out there.
Risks Associated With Dental Implants
Our dental surgeons may not be able to qualify you for implant-supported treatments if you are already dealing with acute illness, chronic metabolic disorder, or bone or soft tissue disease. In some cases, our dental surgeon may not recommend operating on people with heavy smoking and drinking habits, diabetes, HIV, or parafunctional habits, such as tooth clenching. If there is a possibility of side effects or complications in the future, we like to resolve those issues before going ahead with any implant-supported treatment procedures. To learn more about dental implants and how they can help bring back your natural smile, visit us at Erik P. Cadra DMD for a consultation with our highly trained staff.
If you would like to book an appointment or have any questions before your visit, feel free to reach us at 661-502-6990.
