I know when I mention dental implants to my family, their first reaction is confusion – and then curiosity. After all, knowing what this means for you can be difficult to understand. As far as dentistry goes, most of us just think of getting braces or filling cavities.
In reality, there are a lot of other procedures you can have done to your mouth and teeth. Some are more cosmetic than medically necessary, but having good oral health is vital in the long run. Without it, you can end up very sick later in life.
You might be wondering if any of this is even relevant to you. Well – learning about orthodontal care is beneficial for almost everyone. You don’t need to be an expertbut going to your dentist with a vague idea of what you’re looking for can really speed the process along!
What are Implants, Anyway?
This answer is somewhat complicated. If you’re curious, this Medical News Today article has a great overview of them: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327515. That being said, I’ll go ahead and provide some more information about them as well!
There are several different types of dental implants. Each hasits own benefits. Of course, each has its own drawbacks as well. Interestingly, they areusually given by prosthodontists rather than orthodontists. Each kind uses different materials to form the implant.
Endosteal Implants
This kind is probably the most popular kind of implant. They are utilized quite often by medical providers. There are a few types in this category: bladed, cylinder, or screw. If this sounds like jargon, don’t worry! Talk to your dentist or prosthodontist about what kind might be best for you.
Your surgeon will start by inserting the implant into your jawbone. Obviously, this process requires you to have enough bone density and a healthy jaw. The screw serves as the replacement root to the artificial tooth.
Sometimes the process can take a few months, if your mouth needs to heal. If you’re looking for Phoenix Arizona dental implants, you have many options. Keep in mind that endosteal types are quite stable and usually feel natural in your mouth.
Subperiosteal Implants
This type is more obscure. That is mostly because most people tend not to use them anymore. While they were popular in the past, this was largely for patients who did not have enough bone height to support another kind of implant.
For this kind, they usually are put in the gums along the jawbone. This might sound a little gruesome. I know I probably wouldn’t want this procedure done, but only because of how intimidating it sounds! Your healthcare provider should be able to discuss your options with you.
They were usually used to hold dentures in place. Because of their nature, they are often less stable than endosteal implants. If you seek a procedure to replace your teeth, you will most likely not be recommended a subperiosteal one.
Implant Coatings
As the final topic as I discuss the types of implants, I’ll describe the different types of coatings that exist. After all, the object itself is usually made of titanium. It’s best to cover it up somehow. This is for both cosmetic and health reasons.
With a coating, your implant will heal and become a part of your mouth a lot better. The metal will also not grate against your teeth and damage them! These are things I had never really thought about before.
There are many different types of coating. These include acidetched, plasma sprayed, grit blasted, hydroxyapatite, anodization, or zirconia. There are pros and cons for each kind. My recommendation is to discuss your options with your care provider or prosthodontist to determine what is best for your mouth.
Implant Methods
Because there are so many various kinds of them, obviously there are several different methods to installing them. If this sort of thing makes you nervous, you can always check out this article from the American Academy of Periodontology. I’ll go over some of the most well-known types of dental implants, though.
Mini Implants
This type is usually used to stabilize a denture. It’s a less invasive type of procedure. They can help prevent or correct any movement of the dentures. Obviously, that moving really isn’t ideal. You want your smile to remain in place, after all!
Single Tooth Implants
If you’re only missing one tooth, or missing some in various spots in your mouth, this is most likely the option you will want to take. This is pretty much what it sounds like – one implant is placed in the gap. It restores your smile!
All-on-Four
This can also be known as all on five or all on six. If you’re missing a lot of teeth but don’t want to get a bone graft, this is probably the best way to do it. It’s a method where temporary teeth are placed either shortly after or even the same day as having the damaged teeth removed.
Immediate Load Dental Implants
The final kind I will go over is immediate load dental implants. This type is usually known as “teeth in a day.” As the name implies, this is the quickest method of getting an implant. In this technique, you don’t have to wait the usual period for your mouth to heal. Instead, you get a set of temporary teeth that serve as a barrier while your soft tissue heals.
When Should You Look into Implants?
This is somewhat difficult to answer because of the nature of the question. It’s hard to say exactly when because only you can really know this. That being said, if you are experiencing tooth decay or gum disease, you might want to mention them to your dentist.
Before you inquire, you’ll want to look into your own medical history. Make sure that your bone health is sufficient to support them – that’s incredibly important. Don’t wait too long, though. A healthier and happier smile is awaiting you! All you have to do is start the process by asking!