Dental implants offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for those with missing teeth. Dental implants are designed to replace the lost tooth in its entirety, including the tooth root beneath the gums. With numerous benefits and various types available, they can significantly enhance your quality of life. If you’re considering dental implants, consult with Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto to explore your most suitable treatment options.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium. They are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, often referred to as crowns. Unlike dentures or bridges, which rest on the gums, implants integrate with the jawbone, providing a permanent solution to tooth loss. They restore natural function and preserve the structure of your lower chin and jaw, which can change after tooth loss due to lost bone.
The process typically involves several steps:
- Consultation: Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto will evaluate your oral health and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for implants.
- Surgical Placement: The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone.
- Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the bone heals around the implant, anchoring it securely.
- Abutment Placement: Once healed, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant.
- Crown Placement: Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or hybrid denture is attached to the abutment, completing your new smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer patients key benefits for oral health and lifestyle. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence. Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth. They restore your natural ability to bite and chew food with confidence. Stable and permanent, they also allow for normal speech. Patients can enjoy their best quality of life without fearing a slipping denture or the embarrassment of unintelligible speech.
Dental implants function like natural teeth. They are lasting and durable. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, often making them a cost-effective option in the long run. When used in lieu of a dental bridge, dental implants preserve the integrity of adjacent healthy teeth, which are typically reduced to accommodate a dental crown.
Types of Dental Implants
We place different types of dental implants to meet the varying needs of our patients. The structure of each different type of implant is designed to support the condition of a patient’s jaw bone and their unique placement needs. The main types of implants include:
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Endosteal Implants: The most common type, endosteal implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. They typically take the form of screws, cylinders, or blades.
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Subperiosteal Implants: These are placed under the gum but above the jawbone. They are often used for patients who have a shallow jawbone and cannot undergo a bone augmentation procedure.
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Zygomatic Implants: This type is anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone, used in complex cases where there is significant jawbone loss.
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Mini Implants: Smaller in diameter than traditional implants, mini implants can be used in narrower areas of the jaw and require less invasive surgery.