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What Are The Different Types Of Dental Implant Procedures And Techniques?
When it comes to dental implants, you have several options. Your dental implant options depend on the number of missing teeth, the locations of the missing teeth, whether you have sufficient jawbone tissues, whether you need a sinus lift and numerous other factors. Your dental implant dentist will consider your options and curate a personalized treatment plan. The dental implant dentist will also discuss the different dental implant procedures and techniques and recommend the ideal ones for you. This article provides a general overview of the different types of dental implant procedures and techniques to replace your missing teeth.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are screw-shaped or cylindrical implants drilled into the jawbone underneath the empty socket of your missing teeth. Once the endosteal implant is drilled into the jawbone, your body initiates an osseointegration process whereby the jawbone tissues fuse with the implant surface, making it a firmly rooted part of your dental anatomy. Endosteal implants replace the root structures of your missing teeth, thus offering a firm and stable base for dental implant restoration.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are dental implants placed underneath the gum tissues and above the jawbone. They are meant for patients without enough jawbone tissues, i.e. if endosteal implants aren’t possible. The dental implant dentist makes an incision on the gum tissues to place the subperiosteal implant above the jawbone, following which it can support a dental prosthetic. However, subperiosteal implants aren’t as stable and strong as endosteal implants, so they’re not widely used.
Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants are meant for patients missing one tooth. If you’re missing one tooth, the dental implant specialist will attach one implant at the site of the missing tooth. After the healing process, the dental implant dentist will attach an implant abutment to the implant, following which a dental crown will be attached to the abutment.
Full Dental Implants
Full dental implants are meant for patients missing all of their teeth. If you’re missing all your teeth, the dental implant dentist will place four strategic implants on your jawbone to support a complete denture. The specific surgical techniques used for full dental implants depend on your goals and condition.
Bone Augmentation + Implants
Bone augmentation is a preliminary procedure that some patients may need before dental implant surgery. Your dental implant specialist may recommend a bone augmentation procedure if you have insufficient jawbone tissues. This involves inserting bone grafting materials from other sources into the implant site. The bone grafts stimulate natural jawbone regeneration, thus improving your candidacy for endosteal dental implants. After a few months, once you have sufficient jawbone tissues, the dental implant specialist can perform dental implant surgery.
Sinus Lift + Implants
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or elevation, is a preliminary procedure that some patients need before dental implant surgery. If you need a dental implant molar, you may need to enhance the bone tissues below the sinus to prevent sinus complications later. The surgeon may attach bone grafting materials at the site to enhance the sinus, following which dental implant surgery can be performed.
Fast Dental Implants
We can place dental implants faster than ever, thanks to state-of-the-art 3D digital implants and dental planning software. Fast dental implants, also known as immediate-load dental implants, allow us to replace your missing teeth in one day. After dental implants, the dentist can instantly place temporary crowns or prosthetics on your implants. This procedure is only suitable for patients with optimal jawbone conditions and oral health.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants, also known as narrow diameter implants, are extremely small, toothpick-sized dental implants placed using less invasive techniques. The dental implant dentist can place mini dental implants with minimal incisions and a recovery period. This procedure is generally suitable for patients seeking stable lower dentures.
All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants allow you to replace all of your missing teeth using only four strategically placed dental implants. The dental implant specialist places four implants strategically on your jawbone, following which the implants can support a complete denture. This is the ideal and most effective means of replacing a complete arch of missing teeth.
My Jawbone Has Begun To Deteriorate. Can I Still Get Dental Implants?
The jawbone underneath the empty socket starts deteriorating when you lose a tooth. That’s because your jawbone tissues need an impetus for growth. Placing a dental implant can be dangerous if you don’t have enough jawbone. Without sufficient jawbone to hold the implant, the dental implant may fail and have to be removed. But an insufficient jawbone doesn’t mean you can’t get dental implants. If you have a deteriorating jawbone, your dental implant dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure before your dental implant surgery. Bone augmentation can rebuild your jawbone tissues to improve your candidacy for dental implants.
What type of titanium is used for dental implants?
The most common type of titanium used for dental implants is Ti–6Al–4V, also known as Grade V titanium alloy with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. However, the specific titanium material used by your dentist will depend on your condition.
Is corrosion possible with dental implants?
Titanium implants do have a possibility of corrosion over time. The most common type of corrosion for titanium implants is galvanic corrosion, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to symptoms. Most patients go their entire lives without suffering from side effects because of titanium implants.
Are titanium dental implants safe?
Titanium dental implants are completely safe. Titanium implants have been used for teeth replacement for several decades, and extensive clinical studies back them. Titanium dental implants can last a lifetime without complications. The risk of complications is negligible.
Schedule an appointment for dental implants in the molars in Houston, TX
URBN Dental is a state-of-the-art group of dental implant clinics in Houston, TX. We have dental implant centers in Midtown Houston, Uptown Houston, and Montrose. Our dental implant specialist uses cutting-edge techniques to plan your dental implants for the molars. Please schedule a consultation to explore your dental implant options in Houston.