A Brief Guide on the Different Uses of Dental Implants

People desire a beautiful and healthy smile. But unfortunately, injury, aging, gum disease, or decay can leave people missing one tooth or more. Having gaps in the mouth will affect their smile’s aesthetics and, at the same time, leave the teeth surrounding them susceptible to various other dental problems.  It is here where dental implants can act as a savior. 

A Brief on What is a Dental Implant

Simply put, a dental implant is a form of root device that is generally manufactured of titanium and used in dentistry for supporting restorations, which has resembled a tooth or even group of teeth for replacing missing teeth. It generally comprises titanium screws that look like a tooth root having a smooth or roughened surface. Most dental implants are made of pure titanium that comes in four grades resting on the iron and carbon contained. Dental implants are used for supporting and retaining fixed bridgework, dentures, and replacing missing teeth. This procedure is not painful during surgical placement or after. It is generally performed using local anesthesia, yet alternative methods such as general anesthetic procedures, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide are also available. 

Dental Implant Technology and Its Different Uses 

There are mainly four types of dental implants, they are: –

• Single Tooth Replacements – A dental implant is an ideal choice for those who wish to replace a single tooth or more. These implants not only look but also function like a natural tooth. With proper daily hygiene, they can last for a lifetime. Besides, it will integrate with the natural jaw bone that will prevent bone deterioration. 

• Full-Arch Replacements – Following advancements in the field of dental implant technology, it is now possible to restore the complete arch of teeth through a single cost-effective and efficient procedure. Your permanent prosthetic teeth can now be replaced with four dental implants acting as a base. At the time of the initial technique, you will get an arch of teeth (temporary), but when the implant sites begin to heal, the permanent, custom teeth will be put, after which you will be able to eat just whatever you desire. These implants are secure, which means there is no such risk of losing your teeth when you speak or eat. 

• Implant-Supported Bridges – This can replace multiple teeth permanently in a row, sans damaging the existing healthy teeth. The traditional bridges generally rest on the healthy teeth, especially for a support, and the teeth should be ground down for fitting the prosthetic. These implant-supported bridges will be firmly held in place through dental implants. This way, the healthy teeth will stay intact while placing the bridge. The base will combat bone loss by stimulating your jaw bone. 

• Orthodontic Anchorage Devices – Oral surgeons and orthodontists often work together to restore the tooth alignment. A dental implant acts as an anchorage device to help in the surrounding teeth’s movement. After the dental implant is placed, the orthodontist will use the implant as an anchor for the braces and/or other types of dental devices. Eventually, dental implants integrate with the natural jaw bone that makes them stable and enables the surrounding teeth to easily move into place. To know more, visit dental implants Medford.

The Merge of Restoration and Dental Implants

 The restoration used, along with dental implants, comprises dentures, dental bridges, and dental crowns: –

• Dental Crowns – It is a replacement tooth placed above the abutment or post, fixed to the implant. Dental crowns usually are made of ceramic material or porcelain and made to match the natural teeth’ color. 

• Dentures – Implant-supported Dentures are attached permanently to implant posts that are strategically placed. As you cannot remove these dentures, most of the demerits related to removable dentures will be eliminated. These dentures are stable; thus, they do not need dental adhesives. It is a good choice if you are missing all your teeth. 

• Dental Bridge – This is generally used for a couple of missing teeth. It comprises two crowns on both sides of the gap as well as amid the artificial teeth. The centerpiece appears as natural teeth yet made of a single solid piece. 

Common Dental Implant Materials 

Dental implants are mostly made of the following: –

• Titanium – Titanium made from metal is one of the most widely used materials in a dental implant for its alluring characteristics. Titanium metal implants allow the bone to grow alright. This, when placed with the bone being undisturbed, will grow next to it. In turn, this will make a permanent affinity. This material is highly sought-after as its cost is reasonable and offers long-lasting results. No wonder it is the finest material of all times for implants. 

• Zirconia – As opposed to titanium, this is a current invention. Zirconia is a promising future of implant materials and still in vogue. 

Benefits in Abundance 

When it comes to the benefits of dental implants, the list is indeed huge. There is an array of reasons why implants are highly preferred over conventional crowns, dentures, and bridges to replace teeth. These may often be uncomfortable and slip to make changes to the means a person speaks or eats. Some of the key advantages of dental implants comprise yet are not limited to: – 

• Natural feel and look.
• Having teeth that one can clean and eat with easily. 
• Similar work as natural teeth.
• They last longer compared to conventional tooth replacement methods. 

Wrapping Things Up

The bottom line is, if you are on the lookout for tooth replacement choices, often dental implants are highly suggested as the finest treatment, more so because they are attractive, functional, permanent, and good for jaw bone health. Dental implants are a highly versatile option for tooth replacement. They are designed specially to function, look, and feel that of natural teeth. Regardless of what your reason is to get dental implants, experts are always at your service as they specialize in implant techniques of all kinds.