Adults who are missing a tooth or two is not exactly shocking news. Most adults are missing at least one tooth by the time they reach midlife. However, there is a big difference between missing one tooth or all of your teeth. The more teeth you are missing, the more difficult it is to continue to live your life the way you want. Luckily, thanks to the amazing technology of dental implants, you do not have to live your life without teeth. Here are some important details about dental implant technology from Precision Dental Specialties.

What Is A Dental Implant?

Dental implants are the latest technology for people who are missing teeth. All dental implants consist of either a single prosthetic tooth, a bridge of prosthetic teeth, or a denture plate with prosthetic teeth. These prostheses are rooted into your jawbone in the same manner as your tooth root is implanted in your jaw. Dental implant screws take the place of tooth roots to hold your prosthetic teeth in place. The implant screws are connected to your prosthetic teeth by an abutment, which fits your new teeth perfectly to your dental screw.

Dental implants solve several of the issues with bridges and dentures. Bridges and dentures are great ways to replace missing teeth, but some adults have a hard time adjusting to them. Bridges may break easily and, depending on where they are located, tend to cause additional mouth issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. Dentures are also difficult to adjust to because they may not fit correctly and may cause sores along your gumline.

Types Of Dental Implants

Dr. Scott Bulloch uses different types of implants depending on patient needs. Here are some of the types of implants our dentist can use to fix missing teeth.

Single Tooth Implants

For adults who are missing a tooth, single-tooth implants represent the best way to restore it as naturally as possible. To begin the procedure, our dentist makes an incision in your gumline to reach the jawbone. Then, our dentist drills a hole into the jaw and places the implant screw. They close the incision, and then you have to wait for your jawbone to heal and make new bone around your dental implant screw. Usually, this takes between three and six months. Waiting for the jawbone to heal is usually the most difficult part for patients because you are anxious to have your missing tooth fixed.

After your jawbone heals, our dentist will make a small incision in the gums to add an abutment, which will connect the implanted screw and your prosthetic porcelain tooth. After one to two weeks of waiting for your abutment incision to heal, you will be ready to finish your implant with your prosthetic tooth crown, which is easy to place.

Multiple-Tooth Implant

If you are missing more than one tooth, you may be a good candidate for a multiple-tooth implant. Usually, a multiple-tooth implant means our dentist will use a permanent bridge of prosthetic teeth to replace a group of teeth you are missing, such as the four front teeth in your lower jaw. The procedure to replace your multiple missing teeth is much the same as when you have a single tooth replaced. Our dentist will make an incision to access your jawbone, but instead of drilling one hole, they will drill multiple holes into your jawbone – between two and four holes total to implant the screws. You will then wait for your jawbone to heal. Often, dentists will use a temporary prosthetic to give you some function and allow you to smile without a large gap in your teeth. After your jawbone heals, our dentist will place your abutments and, later, a permanent bridge of fixed porcelain teeth.

All-On-4

The All-on-4 procedure replaces all of your teeth using just four implanted screws in each jaw. The screws are used to secure a fixed set of teeth that look like dentures, but the dentures are permanent rather than removable. Also, the implant screws anchor to a part of the jaw that is denser, so it is more supportive of dental implants. The All-on-4 technique has made the process of replacing a full set of teeth much easier for patients.

Implant-Supported Denture

Implant-supported dentures may represent the best of two worlds: the ease of dentures and the permanency of implants. With implant-supported dentures, our dentist is able to create a full set of teeth and attach them to your upper and lower jaws with the use of implanted screws. No need to remove your dentures to soak them because these dentures are permanent. Best of all, if your dentures wear out or are damaged, dentists can replace them with new prosthetic teeth.

As with multiple tooth implants, your implant-supported dentures will be done in stages. You can choose to have both upper and lower arches done at the same time, or you can choose to have one jaw done at a time. While you wait for healing, you will have a temporary or healing denture placed so you can lead your active life as normal.

Zygomatic Dental Implants

Not everyone qualifies for traditional dental implants. What if you need to replace all of the teeth in your upper jaw? The first step you will take with our dentist is to determine whether you have enough jawbone to support implants. If you do not have enough jawbone due to disease or trauma, no worries. Using zygomatic dental implant technology, our dentist can still give you a permanent bridge for your upper jaw. This means dentists will implant dental screws into your cheekbone, or zygomatic bone, which is a very strong, dense bone. You can still have your implants, even if your jawbone is not strong enough to support them.

Ceramic Implants

Ceramic implants offer a metal-free alternative to traditional titanium implants, making them an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities or those who prefer a more natural option. Made from zirconia, a biocompatible ceramic material known for its strength and durability, these implants are designed to integrate seamlessly with the jawbone. Ceramic implants stand out for their aesthetic appeal as well, as their white color closely matches natural teeth, providing a more discreet look than the metallic sheen of titanium. Ideal for achieving optimal functional and cosmetic results, ceramic implants are resistant to corrosion, do not conduct heat or electricity, and are less likely to provoke an inflammatory response in the gum tissue. With their hypoallergenic properties and excellent compatibility with the body, ceramic implants are increasingly popular among patients seeking a holistic approach to dental restoration.

Bone Grafting During Dental Implant Placement

Integrating bone grafting with dental implant placement is a strategic approach that enhances the success and longevity of the implant. This procedure is often performed when the existing bone structure is not adequate to support an implant due to bone loss or atrophy. By adding bone graft material at the time of implant placement, we can ensure the implant has a robust foundation, which is critical for its stability and function. This simultaneous approach minimizes the overall treatment time and accelerates the healing process, allowing for the bone and implant to integrate more effectively. Utilizing bone grafts during implant surgery not only supports the structural integrity of the jaw but also promotes better aesthetic outcomes, ensuring the implant and the surrounding tissue blend seamlessly with the natural alignment of the patient’s dentition.

Schedule A Consultation

If you are ready to talk to someone about your suitability for dental implants, what kind of dental implants you need, or to answer your questions, please contact us! We will be thrilled to schedule a visit with our dentist as soon as possible. Reach out to us today. Call 435-652-1445 to schedule your consultation today!