On a basic level, a dental implant is a metal post that is screwed into the patient’s jawbone. Once secured, an artificial tooth, or crown, that matches the patient’s natural tooth color is attached to the post. The end result is a full smile and healthy, sturdy bite.
Dental implants can be broken into several categories, and a dentist may suggest one over the others because of specific patient needs. First, a dentist must determine if the patient has a strong enough jawbone for an implant. After that is decided, a patient may receive one of three different types of implants.
All implants can be divided into two major types: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly in the jawbone. These are often used with patients who have strong, healthy jawbones that are not at risk of breaking during the procedure or after the implants are placed. Endosteal placements are more common than subperiosteal.
Subperiosteal implants do not go into the jawbone but rest above it within the gums. Patients who do not have robust jawbones may undergo bone restoration techniques to regrow and fortify the bone to make it a candidate for endosteal implants. However, patients who do not wish to receive this treatment can opt for subperiosteal implants.
Single dental implants are used if a patient is missing just one tooth. One post can be set into the jawbone where the tooth is missing, essentially replacing the lost root. The jawbone must then be given ample time to heal around the post, a period that can last several months. After it is fully healed, the crown is secured to the post via a third piece called an abutment.
Some patients are missing consecutive teeth in a row. In this case, dental implants can be placed in the location of the roots of the two teeth on each end of the row. The crowns attached to these implants support the crowns in between, creating an effective “bridge.” This removes the need for an implant under each artificial tooth.
The third option is for patients missing most teeth. Several implants are secured in the jawbone and attached to an entire denture that sits on top of the gums. Instead of having dentures that must regularly be removed, these dentures are permanently fixed in place.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants in Houston, TX
Some dental implants work better for certain patients than others. See a dentist to get an assessment of your teeth and to discover what implant may work well for you.
Request an appointment or call Hermann Park Smiles at 713-379-2767 for an appointment in our Houston office.
For people with gaps in their mouth due to missing teeth, dental implants can be a great replacement method. Implants provide a wide variety of benefits, and they last a long time. However, the procedure is more invasive than others, and it is not a good option for every patient. When considering them as a…
Dental implants are a reliable replacement option if a patient has a tooth extracted. There are many reasons to pull permanent teeth, including infection, irreversible damage, and a crowded mouth. A dentist may recommend an implant if a patient is experiencing difficulties with chewing or speaking, or if the person is self-conscious about smiling. It…
For patients who have missing teeth, dental implants are a restorative solution that can help in many cases. This treatment has grown increasingly popular in recent years and is often preferred over other options such as traditional dentures.Many patients are unsure of what implants are and how the procedure works. The following explores some of…
Patients might have a dental checkup to see if there are any cavities. While looking…
Getting a dental checkup is often one of the most critical ways of keeping your…
Getting a dental checkup is one of the essential steps in your oral care routine.…
It might be helpful to discuss any fears and anxieties that you have about dental…
Gum disease treatment is necessary for patients whose tooth decay has progressed enough to cause…
As part of your six-month dental checkup, your dentist will look for a variety of…
