Everyone loves to keep a beautiful smile. That’s why most people would make extensive decisions to ensure that they maintain a perfect dental structure and formula. One of the widely preferred dental procedures is dental implants. This is a dental procedure that is aimed at restoring dental aesthetics using an artificial tooth. La Puente Dental Implant Center is committed to ensuring that its clients get the best dental implant.
Definition of Dental Implant
The term dental implant can be considered as a medical, dental procedure, or a dental appliance. As a medical, dental procedure, this is a procedure that involves the attachment of an artificial tooth to the jaw as a way to replace a missing tooth. As an appliance, this is an appliance that is attached to the jawbone that attaches an artificial tooth.
Types of Dental Implant
There are several types of dental implants that one can consider. The dental implants differ according to the procedure, the material used, and the health of the jaw. There are two common types of implants that one can consider. The main types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal
In this procedure, the dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone. It is the most favored option compared with the subperiosteal. It has two common options, known as the cylinder and the blade. The cylinder is made up of a screw, ceramic, titanium, or abutment. On the other hand, blades consist of one or several abutments. In both options, the prosthetic tooth is modeled to fit on the abutment space of the implant.
Subperiosteal
Subperiosteal is rare compared with endosteal but still suits in a particular situation. It is used when the bone of both the upper and lower jaw are limited due to bone loss. Since subperiosteal sits on the top of the bone, there is no limitation of the amount of bone that one has. This procedure has its advantage, which includes a fast healing process and the avoidance of grafting, which is both expensive and takes time to heal.
In this procedure, the patient has to undergo two surgeries to insert the subperiosteal. Unlike other dental implants, the subperiosteal must be made in a way that fits the contours of your bone.
In the first procedure, the oral surgeon or dentist opens the gum tissues with a scalpel to expose the underlying bone. The dentist will take an impression of the bone to capture the contours and whether the framework sits in a position that can hold the bridges. After capturing the impression, the dentist will close the gum with sutures until the next surgery.
In the second procedure, the dentist reopens the gum tissue and places the implant on the bone. Sometimes the dentist can opt to use small screws to hold the implant in place. The tissue gets sutured back onto the implant frame, leaving an anchor piece known as the per mucosal extensions on the gum. Finally, the oral surgeon places a temporary bridge on the extension to allow the healing of the oral tissues. One can cement the extension with a bridge that resembles natural teeth once the gum has healed.
If you have a weak jawline that cannot support the dental implants, the dentist or oral surgeon can employ several means to restore your jawbone or provide a strong foundation to support your implant. These options include:
Bone Augmentation
Bone augmentation is a term used to describe several procedures made in dentistry to build the jawbone to ensure that it can hold an implant. This procedure is ideal for people with previous medical conditions such as face injury and periodontal disease. It also works for patients who removed their teeth and left an open space for a long time, leading to reduced bone density.
A modern bone augmentation procedure is painless and can be completed within a dentist’s office. A dentist can perform the procedure during a tooth extraction if you are experiencing tooth decay. If your tooth has been missing for an extended period, the dentist will administer local anesthesia on your gum and make an incision to expose your jawbone. The surgeon will then attach a bone grafting material that contains collagen and proteins to encourage bone growth. Later on, the surgeon will suture the area and close it.
The new bone replaces the graft material as it grows by completing absorbing it. It can take a few weeks to a few months before the dentist decides to place the dental implant. This depends on the existing bone’s condition.
Sinus Lift
Sinus lift is a surgical procedure that involves grafting of the bone found in the upper jaw right at the molar and premolar position. The dentist usually lifts the maxillary sinus membrane to allow space for additional bone. The procedure is also referred to as maxillary sinus floor augmentation, sinus augmentation, or sinus graft.
The procedure is carried out in different ways. A typical procedure starts with creating an incision in the gum to expose the underneath gum. The dentist usually cuts a small window inside the bone and pushes it upward to reveal the sinus cavity. The dentist will then lift the cavity membrane and fill the space below with bone graft material. Then, the tissue is stitched to allow the bone to grow.
Ridge Expansion
This procedure involves the expansion of the ridge bone, which is a particular type of bone that surrounds the teeth. It is performed in a jaw that is not wide enough to support the implant. In this procedure, the dentist divides the ridge bone into two segments, the inner and outer segments. This makes a space between the divided sections that the dentist can fill with bone grafting material.
The oral surgeon uses a unique tool called osteotomes to expand the ridge. This tool is flat, cylindrical, made out of stainless steel, and comes in various sizes. They can laterally compact the bone and expand the ridge to place the implant.
Materials Used in Dental Implants
For a long time, titanium has been the primary material used in dental implants. However, with the advent of technology, another material has been incorporated into the dental implant. This material has gone through extensive research to ensure that they meet the physical and chemical properties needed for a dental implant. A typical dental implant should have the following characteristics:
- Resistant to corrosion and fracturing.
- Biocompatible.
- Sturdy and robust.
Therefore, the closest material that meets the above-stated properties apart from titanium would be zirconia. It is quite similar to titanium, although there has not been a lot of its usage since its full abutment use. However, it still proves to be a suitable option for future dental implant procedures.
Comparison between Titanium and Zirconia
If you are made to decide between titanium and zirconia, you would probably evaluate their pros and cons. In such a case, there are several benefits and disadvantages of using either of these materials.
Firstly, both materials integrate well with the bone and can achieve equal success as long as specific protocols are upheld. Since titanium has been in the market for quite a long time, it can still function after twenty to thirty-five years. Zirconia might also establish the same success, but there is still a lot to explore to determine this fact.
When it comes to versatility, titanium stands out more than zirconia since it can be made as a single piece or as a two-piece system. In a two-piece system, the implant replaces the root and is placed at the same level as the underlying bone. The implant is attached to an abutment or post. Sometimes putting the implant at a slightly off-angle does not count as a surgical error but is necessary to accommodate the volume and location of the implant site.
On the other hand, the zirconium implant is made as one piece. For that reason, the only prosthetic that one has is to cement the tooth into its place. This means that there is a slight room of error hence the need to be careful when placing the tooth to ensure that it is in the right location and angle.
Although titanium seems to be the best option, there are several benefits that zirconium has to offer. These advantages are as follows:
- There are no dark colors that show in the gum.
- Zirconium does not corrode compared with titanium.
- Zirconium does not experience piezoelectric currents.
- It is thermal non-conductive.
Reason Why You Need Dental Implants
Several reasons should prompt anyone into getting a dental implant. These reasons are as follows:
No Gel or Creams are Used
Implants use a titanium post to place them in a jawbone. Once they are implanted, the bone grows around the bone and connects to it, firmly attaching the implant to the jaw. This does not bring out the worry of using a sticky cream or gel to hold the implants to the dentures.
The Procedure Does Not Rely on Other Teeth as Anchors
Fixed bridges rely on their attachment to the teeth to hold them in place. This makes them susceptible to the build-up plaque and other problems that might lead to a root canal. However, implants do not rely on any attachment to the teeth, reducing the possibility of additional problems in the future.
Dental Implants are Not Rested on the Gum
Dentures are rested on the gums. Therefore, anyone using them experiences friction when talking or eating, which rubs them against the gum if they are not well fitted or firmly attached. Denture friction can lead to white patches on the gum or lead to mouth ulcers. Since the implants are fused on the jawbones and are not rested on the gum, you cannot experience any friction.
Implants do not Alter the Teeth
When one is using dental bridges, he or she requires the removal of a couple of natural teeth to anchor the false teeth. However, it is different with implants since it does not involve healthy natural teeth.
Eliminates Slipping
If you decide to use denture, there are possibilities of experiencing slippage once in a while. However, with implants, this possibility cannot be experienced since implants are permanently attached and work like natural teeth.
There is No Limitation of What You Can Eat
Eating certain types of food with dentures can prove to be complicated. There are chances of having your teeth slip out, especially with fruits such as apples and pears. However, with an implant, you do not have to worry about this due to their sturdiness.
Regular Cleaning
Since implants are not different from natural teeth, there is no particular procedure needed to keep them clean. There is no specific procedure required to clean the implants, although one should maintain the regular teeth cleaning regimen to ensure their longevity.
One Does Not Experience Clicking Noise
If one has dentures, he or she tends to experience clicking noise when talking or eating. This is due to the limited space between the false and natural teeth inside the mouth. However, with implants, you do not have to worry about this experience since they do not shift.
No Smell
If you compare dentures and implants, dentures tend to smell if they are not meticulously cleaned. They can also cause halitosis if the users do not clean the gum area near the dentures. Also, one can experience halitosis if he or she does not clean the inside part of the mouth. Implants patients do not have to worry about the chances of lousy smell since they can rely on regular teeth cleaning procedures and achieve excellent results with oral hygiene.
There is Zero Bone Loss
It is common to experience zero bone loss. It is experienced when there is excessive pressure on the bone due to chewing. Bridges usually put a lot of pressure on the support teeth, which wears out the jawbone, which can be severe if the area had a missing tooth for a long time.
With implants, users should not worry about any bone loss since the pressure achieved through chewing is focused on the implant and into the bone. Therefore, the bone is preserved similarly to how a natural tooth is.
Guarantees a Natural Look
Dentures are easy to spot, despite how excellent their creation or fitting might be. Implants are quite different since they mimic the natural look of a natural tooth, which thoroughly blend them with the other teeth. It is hard to tell the difference between natural teeth and implants unless the user tells you about this.
You Do Not Have to Worry About Refitting
It usually takes several fitting to find the perfect fit for a denture. In that case, potential users have to visit the dentist frequently, which is both expensive and frustrating. This can continue if the dentures are poorly fitted and can lead to problems with chewing and talking. However, if you have implants, you do not have to worry about the fitting issues since they are shaped to resemble your former natural tooth.
You Do Not Need Adjustments
Dentures wear off with time. This means that they need adjustments after a specific period. Implants are quite different since once they are infused with the implant, they are quite stable and cannot change their shape or shift.
There are No Saliva Problems
Denture wearers experience excess saliva production since they are foreign bodies, and naturally, your mouth is supposed to react by producing saliva. This can be messy and annoying and can last for quite a long period until the mouth gets used to the dentures. In rare cases, the body might react in opposite ways and start experiencing dry mouth. However, with implants, this cannot be a problem since they appear like natural teeth.
Low Cost in the Long Term
When it comes to comparing the upfront cost of setting up implants, it might seem expensive compared to bridges and dentures. However, they do not require any long term upkeep, as in the case with dentures and bridges. Dentures need refitting, special pastes, dental appointments, and special cleaning tools. This makes implants more affordable compared with other dental procedures.
Candidacy for Dental Implant
A good dental implant candidate should have good healthy teeth and old enough to have no growth with their jawbone. You should also have enough bone that can support the implant’s anchor. However, one can still undertake this procedure even without enough jawbone through a jawbone grafting process, as discussed above.
Your dentist will take you through an assessment procedure to approve your candidacy. A successful evaluation process will consider your jaw, mouth, teeth, and overall health. Taking an X-ray and a Computed Tomography (CT) scan would be the best means to make the assessment. This will help in determining the shape of the sinuses, nerve location, and check areas with bone loss. The dentist will also go through your overall health history as part of the process needed to determine how the implant will heal or fuse with the bone.
Although a good number of people meet the minimum requirement for a dental implant, several other people are at risk of poor outcomes once they undertake this process. This includes people with diabetes, cancer, uncontrollable gum disease, alcoholism, smoking, and radiation to the jaw. The fact that you have any of these diseases does not ultimately write off your candidacy for the procedure. Your dentist will take a thorough assessment of your jaw and find the best way to work with you and reduce your risk factor.
Recovery After a Dental Implant Procedure
There are several considerations that one has to make during the recovery process after a dental implant. Here is a brief overview of what you expect during the recovery process.
Recovery Time
The period that a dental implant takes to recover depends on your oral conditions. The recovery process differs according to the following factors:
- Whether you have gone through a bone grafting process.
- The number of teeth that have been extracted or implanted.
- Your existing health condition.
- Your overall bone and mouth health.
Generally, a patient will experience post-surgery pain for two days. One can also experience swelling or bleeding for two days and start feeling well on the third day. It’s only in the first full week that you will begin to feel normal once the inflammation or pain has subsided, and there are zero risks for infection.
Eating and Drinking After Surgery
To ensure proper healing of your dental implants, you must be gentle with them for the first few weeks. Therefore, you will have to eat or drink something that you are not accustomed to. If you have had a few implants and have gone through a moderate surgery, you should maintain soft foods for seven to thirty days.
However, if you had a more complicated surgery, you might be forced to maintain soft drinks for a maximum of six weeks. Pureed food, smoothies, and protein shakes can work in this situation.
You should also avoid taking extremely hot drinks or food as well as drinking alcohol.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is necessary for maintaining your dental implant in good condition. Typically, dental hygiene involves brushing, flossing, and the use of a nightguard. When it comes to brushing, you should brush at least twice a day and mostly before you go to bed to avoid bacteria growth during the night.
With flossing, you should be particular about the placement of your implants and their bridges. Flossing your dental implants might seem complicated, but will protect the mouth from any debris or fray that might cause plaque formation.
Finally, if you have issues with grinding your teeth, it is thoughtful if you use a night guard. This will help in avoiding bone loss.
Find La Puente Dental Implant Center Near Me
Dental implants offer a long-term solution for your tooth loss. For you to get excellent results, you must rely on a professional dental clinic. It is quite hard to find a suitable clinic, owing to the number of clinics that one has to choose from. At La Puente Dental Implant Center, we are committed to offering the best services to our clients. If you are in La Puente, CA, contact us at 626-995-0456, and let us help you.
