Tag: implants

If you have started thinking about replacing missing teeth, you will also have to start considering the right procedures for actually doing this.

Sure, you could just visit a random dentist and tell them to do whatever they want, but I suppose you get why that wouldn’t be quite a good move.

After all, you want what’s best for your teeth and your overall oral health, which is why being careful when choosing is important. This page will help you take good care of your oral health.

Overview of Dentures vs. Implants

As I was saying, what you need to do here is make the right choice regarding what it is that you should do when it comes to replacing missing teeth. In other words, you want to decide on the right procedure. When you start thinking about that, you’ll usually wonder about two specific procedures and you’ll need to decide between those two.

In case you didn’t guess already, I am talking about the idea of getting dentures or dental implants. Since you’re not an expert on this topic, all of this might sound the same to you and you might not be exactly certain what the difference actually is. I can definitely understand that, but the truth is that there is a huge difference between dentures and dental implants, and you need to get properly informed about the difference.

To be even more precise, there are a lot of differences here. These two solutions might serve the same purpose, but they do so in completely different ways.

So, your task right now is to learn what dentures are and what dental implants are, which will help you realize how they differ and which will also help you decide which solution could be right for you.

Dentures

We are going to begin with dentures simply because this particular solution has been around for a longer period of time. So, it is only logical for us to begin with something that has been known to the general public for a long time now. In plain words, dentures are prosthetic, removable teeth. They can be a whole set made to replace all your teeth in your lower or upper jaws, but they can also be partial, i.e. designed to replace only your few missing teeth.

The first thing that the dentist needs to do if you decide to go for this solution is take an impression of your lower or upper gums, depending on where it is that you want to add dentures. Of course, if you want to replace all of your teeth, then the expert will have to take an impression of both the upper and lower gums. I am guessing, though, that this was perfectly logical to you already.

What you undeniably need to know before deciding which option to use is that dentures require quite a lot of maintenance. First of all, you shouldn’t wear them at night and you should leave them to soak in water or a cleaning solution designed specifically for these products. In addition to that, you should clean them on a daily basis and remove and brush them after every meal.

Another thing you should be informed of is that these might need to be refitted from time to time. This is because your bite will change over time, and the dentures will need to be adjusted accordingly.

So, if you decide to get, say, dentures for bottom teeth right now, you should be prepared to have them refitted sometime in the future. And, additionally, you should also be prepared to invest quite a lot of effort into properly maintaining them and thus making sure that they will last a long time.

Implants

Dental implants are basically metal screws that are embedded into your jawbone and that, thus, serve to replace the missing tooth roots. This procedure is slightly newer than the first one we have talked about, but it also seems to be at least a bit more popular recently. That’s probably because maintaining the implants is much easier and they do function very well, but we’ll talk about the maintaining part later.

The damaged root of your tooth needs to be extracted first in order for the implant to be placed instead of it. This procedure will require you to have enough bone, which is why a bone graft might be necessary from time to time.

Anyway, once the damaged root is removed, a hole is drilled into your jawbone and a metal prosthetic root is placed deep into the bone. After the bone has started growing around the post, which can take a couple of months, the post will be ready to receive an abutment, i.e. the piece to which the actual crown will be fitted.

Now, when it comes to maintenance, the good news is that you can think of these as of your regular, natural teeth.

This means that brushing twice a day, flossing on a regular basis, and not missing your dental appointments will be enough to maintain the implants (read more about these). You should, however, know that these are quite a bit more expensive than dentures, which is probably perfectly logical, given that they seem to be the more popular and the more beneficial option.

How To Choose Your Option (Dentures vs. Implants)

If you’ve done your reading, then you now certainly understand the difference between these two options. Some people might immediately be able to decide which one they want to use upon checking the advantages and the disadvantages of both options. Some people, however, might not be able to make that choice so easily.

I have a great piece of advice to give you when it comes to making this particular choice and being absolutely sure that you’ll choose the right option.

In short, what you should do is have a conversation with your dentist and let the professional give you his or her opinion on the topic. They can give you the right recommendation while taking your specific dental situation into account.

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What is a Dental Crown? In modern dentistry, a dental crown is an artificial tooth designed to cover a misshapen or damaged tooth or dental implant.

According to the oral health foundation, a dental crown is sometimes called a “cap” that fits over the site of the original tooth.

They are used to protect and cover the shape of a tooth when fillings aren’t enough. Laboratory technicians manufacture the dental crowns from the impressions your dentist creates from your teeth.

By visiting Park crossing dentistry, you’ll find the best dental crowns for your weakened tooth or dental implant.

A dental crown placement procedure is usually completed in a dental appointment with your dentist; however, a previous visit is required to take the necessary impressions.

Over several years, teeth can get damaged for several reasons, such as tooth decay, cavities, and fractures which can lead to the deterioration of the shape and size of your teeth.

A dental crown is a great solution that can restore the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your original tooth.

Reasons Why a Dental Crown is Needed

Dental crowns are well known for creating brilliant smiles, but they can do much more. Many dentists recommend dental crowns because they are a strong cosmetic solution for restoring the appearance of your teeth.

Dental crowns are recommended for several reasons:

• To protect – a weakened tooth (most likely from decay) from fracturing
• To cover – a tooth that has filling but not enough enamel
• To cover – a dental implant site
• To restore – a tooth’s original appearance and functionality

What Materials are Crowns Made From?

Several durable materials are used to make dental crowns, such as metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, and composite resin.

Before a dental crown is made, your dentist will ask you what kind of shade or color you want your dental crown to be.

Most patients choose a shade that closely resembles the original color of the tooth they got removed or the tooth they want to cover.

Your dentist will consider the following factors when deciding which material to use such as:

• The tooth’s location and function
• The position of your gums
• The amount of tooth that is exposed when you smile
• The color or shade of your surrounding teeth

After you and your dentist have evaluated these factors, you can voice your personal preference regarding which tooth shades and material you believe are best for you.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper dental hygiene, dental crowns can last more than 15 years and well into the later years of a person’s life.

In general, the lifespan of a dental crown depends on the wear and tear the crown is exposed to, such as the foods you eat, how healthy your gums are, and how routinely you brush your teeth. Dental crowns are made out of durable materials since they will be constantly faced with.

Crown Placed Over a Natural Tooth

In the case when a crown is placed over a natural tooth, several steps are involved:

1. Your dentist will start working on your tooth by removing the outermost layer (including any signs of decaying enamel), so the crown will fit. If additional tooth structure is needed to support the crown, your dentist may use fillers to build the tooth’s core.
2. An “impression” or mold is made using a clay-like putty to create an exact model of your natural tooth.
3. In some cases, while your permanent dental crown is being made by a lab technician, your dentist will place a temporary crown in the meantime. (The permanent dental crown usually takes between 2 to 3 weeks to arrive at the dental office, depending on how many orders the lab technician must complete).

When your permanent crown is ready, during your following dentist appointment, your dentist takes certain steps to properly place it on top of your existing tooth while making necessary adjustments. When you and your dentist are happy with how it looks and feels, the crown is then cemented into place using special dental cement.

Crown Placed Over a Dental Implant

If you have undergone dental implant surgery, dental implant crown placement is the next step in the process.

The dental crown sits on the implant (a screw-like object that is safely drilled into the jawbone), and both work together to give a dental restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your original tooth that was surgically removed.

Taking off the temporary crown

The main benefit of a temporary crown is to provide you with the temporary functionality of your original tooth that you need for chewing food and for aesthetic appeal (perhaps you don’t want to feel embarrassed at a family gathering).

Before removing your temporary crown, your dentist will administer a small dose of local anesthesia at the implant site.

Checking the fit of the dental crown

Before cementing the crown permanently into the dental implant, your dentist will make sure your new crown fits properly.

This is usually done by biting down, and if the crown sits too high on the implant, your dentist will trim it until it is completely level and in line with the rest of your teeth.

If your dental crown still feels uncomfortable, your dentist will ask you to bite again for further adjustment until you are satisfied with the feel and look of your new dental crown.

Placing the permanent crown

The final stage is the permanent cementing process to permanently seal the crown on top of the implant.

This involves inserting the dental cement inside the dental crown and then placing it over the dental implant.

Once in place, your dentist will ask you to bite down and hold your bite for a few minutes for the cement to settle and harden.

After the process is complete, it is advised not to eat any solid foods for a few hours, but usually, the next day, you can go back to eating your regular foods because the cement will have bonded by then.

A final thought on What is a Dental Crown

The advantages accruing from having a dental crown can never be overestimated and it is not limited to the ones listed above.

Your oral health must be cared for at all costs, and having a specialist for your oral health is a clever approach everyone must learn to adopt.

I am confident you now have the perfect answer to this question of what is a dental crown. Since your opinion counts on our platform feel free to air your view in the comment box below.

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The different dental implant types serve as replacements for a missing tooth’s root. This “artificial tooth root” then holds a replacement tooth or bridge in place.

A dental implant fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to a natural tooth because it stands on its own without affecting neighboring teeth and has excellent durability.

The process of fusion between a dental implant and the jawbone is known as “osseointegration.” The majority of dental implants are titanium, which allows them to integrate with bone without being recognized as a foreign object in our bodies.

What types of dentists are there who specialize in dental implants?

Any licensed dentist can perform implant surgery as long as the treatment adheres to the standard of care and is in the best interests of the patient.

However, because implants are surgically implanted in the jawbone, dental specialists who routinely perform surgery within the jawbone are an obvious choice for implant surgery.

Oral maxillofacial surgeons (oral surgeons) treat all hard and soft-tissue diseases and defects, including Tooth extraction and jaw surgery

Dental Implants last how long?

The implant screw itself can last a lifetime with regular brushing and flossing, assuming the patient has regular dental check-ups every 6 months. The crown, on the other hand, usually only lasts about 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced due to wear and tear.

Maintaining good dental hygiene and using it sparingly, on the other hand, could extend the life of the crown beyond 15 years.

Overview of the Different Types of Dental Implants

Technology and science have advanced over time to significantly improve the outcomes of dental implant placement.

Dental implants now have a success rate of nearly 98 percent. let’s take a look at the different Dental Implant Types.

Endosseous (Endosteal) Implants

The most common type of dental implant is endosteal. They are occasionally used in place of a bridge or removable denture. Endosteal implants can be screwed (threaded), cylindered (smooth), or bladed. Your prosthodontist can advise you on the best type of dental implant for you.

Endosteal implants are the safest, most effective, and widely used option today. Endosteal implants begin by drilling into the jawbone and inserting a titanium screw that serves as an artificial root.

You must wait for the soft tissue and bone around the root to heal before proceeding with the treatment. This is usually a couple of months.

Endosteal implants are well known for producing the most stable, natural-feeling results.

An endosteal implant is installed by screwing it into the jawbone, which requires adequate jawbone health and density.

If you have a naturally narrow jawbone ridge or one that is short, narrowed, and worn down as a result of trauma or disease, you may not have enough bone to support an endosteal implant properly. A subperiosteal implant may be an option in this case.

Subperiosteal Implant

Subperiosteal implants are rarely used nowadays. They were previously used primarily to keep dentures in place in patients with insufficient bone height. You can visit Dental Implant London for the latest implants.

Subperiosteal implants are placed on the jawbone within the gum tissue, with the metal implant post visible through the gums to hold the denture in place.

Treatment: The overall treatment process for subperiosteal implants is completed in two appointments and is frequently a much shorter treatment plan than for endosteal implants.

Stability: Because the implant does not go into the jawbone but rather rests on top of the bone and is held in place by only one screw, subperiosteal implants do not have the same level of stability.

Zygomatic implants

They are the least common type of dental implant that you can get. It is the most difficult procedure and should be performed only if you do not have enough jawbone for the Endosteal implant. Instead of the jawbone, the implant is placed in the patient’s cheekbone.

Various Dental Implant Methods

Depending on the strength of your jawbone and your specific situation, there may be implant alternatives that work well.

These types of dental implants can be used instead of or in addition to traditional types. The following are examples of common dental implant methods:

Immediate Load Dental Implants (also referred to as Teeth in a Day):

Immediate load implants allow you to leave your appointment with a full set of teeth rather than the usual healing time.

The teeth you receive at first are only temporary until the implant heals and you have enough healthy bone contact to support a permanent prosthetic. This can be an excellent way to restore your smile as soon as possible.

All-on-4 (or 5 or 6)

This is a great option for people who have lost most or all of their teeth due to decay or gum disease.

It enables you to place implants without the need for bone grafting by using a set of temporary teeth that are placed the same day or very soon after.

Single-tooth implants are ideal for people who only have one or two teeth or a few teeth are missing

A single implant can bridge the gap, resulting in a seamless appearance and perfectly functioning teeth.

Multiple Implants

If you have several missing teeth that are causing larger gaps but do not require a full mouth replacement, you can use multiple implants in only the areas where there are large gaps.

Two-Stage Dental Implants

This is the standard procedure for the above-mentioned dental implants. The first day consists of a surgical procedure to insert the implant into the jawbone.

Minor surgery is performed several months later to attach an abutment and tooth (crown).

Single-Stage Implants

These are similar to two-stage implants, but the implant healing cap remains visible, allowing the abutment and temporary restoration to be attached without surgery to make the head visible (top of the implant).

Mini Implants

These are small or narrow-diameter implants that can be used to stabilize a lower denture using less-invasive techniques. Mini implants can prevent a lower denture from “floating” or shifting on its own.

It is critical that the top of the mini implant be properly positioned so that there is enough space for your denture!

The opportunity to place replacement teeth where they belong for your smile should not be squandered by mini implants that are too tall or poorly positioned, nor should the denture base holding the teeth be too thin or too thick in critical places!

Materials Used in Dental Implants

The first requirement for dental implant materials is that they be long-lasting as well as powerful. The physical property should be compatible with the strength of the dental implant materials and their design.

Titanium and zirconia are the most common dental implant materials, each with its own set of advantages.

Titanium

For many years, titanium has been regarded as the most popular type of dental implant material.

Researchers discovered that titanium metal implants help the bone grow properly because when they are in contact with the bone and are not disturbed, the bone grows next to them.  This contributes to the development of a long-term bond.

Titanium dental implants have been the most popular implants because they provide long-lasting results at an affordable price.

Zirconia

In comparison to titanium, zirconia is a relatively new innovation that is regarded as having a very promising future in dental implant materials.

The use of Zirconia implants for full abutment was seen in the early 1990s, but titanium implant materials were still popular at the time. In 2003, the first all-in-one crown made of dental implant materials was introduced. Despite being relatively new, zirconia dental implant materials are gaining popularity.

Other dental implant materials

Abutment: The abutment attaches to the implant and holds the crown in place.

Crown: A crown is a ceramic false tooth that sits atop the abutment and mimics the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

 Frequently Asked Questions about dental implant types

Here are the best answers to the questions most people have been asking about the types of dental implants.

What is the purpose of a dental implant?

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth. In dentistry, the goal of tooth replacement is to restore function as well as aesthetics.

What is the cost of a dental implant?

The cost of a single dental implant varies depending on where you live and who performs the procedure. The conservative cost estimate for a single dental implant is $3,500-$4,500.

This price includes the surgery for implant placement, all components, and the implant crown.

Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?

Dental implant placement is typically not covered by insurance. Some dental insurance policies may cover the implant crown portion of the procedure.

Unfortunately, dental insurance often considers dental implants to be an elective procedure, despite the fact that they have become the standard of care for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants have become a popular tooth replacement option due to their conservative approach and predictable results, with success rates approaching 98 percent.

What are the risks, complications, and issues associated with a dental implant?

There are always risks and potential complications with any surgery.

Careful planning is important to ensure that a patient is healthy enough to undergo oral surgery and heal properly.

Just like any oral surgery procedure, bleeding disorders, infections, allergies, existing medical conditions, and medications need careful review prior to proceeding with treatment.

Is dental implant surgery a painful procedure?

Dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anesthetic, so there should be no pain during the procedure.

After the local anesthetic has worn off, each patient’s post-surgery discomfort will be unique.

However, most people will experience post-surgery discomfort similar to that of tooth extraction.

To help reduce swelling, a cold ice pack is applied to the skin over the surgical site immediately after treatment.

What kind of aftercare is required after getting a dental implant?

Dental implants are susceptible to a condition known as “peri-implantitis,” which is similar to periodontal (gum) disease in natural teeth. Inflammation of the gums and bone surrounding the implant is referred to as this.

Excessive biting forces on the implant or bacterial infection are common causes of inflammation of the surrounding tissues.

What causes dental implants to fail?

When properly cared for, dental implants provide a long-term replacement for missing or damaged teeth, but there are a number of conditions or situations that can cause an implant to fail prematurely.

Patients with diabetes or other pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer, are more likely to have their implant fail.

In dental implants, as previously stated, as the gums and neighboring teeth are still vulnerable, regular brushing and flossing are required.

Gum disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene, which can also have a negative impact on the success of a dental implant.

Conclusion

We all want a lovely smile, don’t we? As a result, we recommend that you consider dental implants to replace missing adult teeth.

Both of the above implant types are viable options. Although endosteal implants are best suited for the majority of patients, subperiosteal implants may provide exceptional results for others. However, your dentist is in a better position to choose the right implant for you.

Most importantly, consult with your dentist. Their advice will help you make the best decision for your mouth and lifestyle.

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