Types of Dental Implants
Owings Mills, MD
 Dental implants serve as a primary solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a lasting remedy to restore oral function and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the smile. Available in various materials, shapes, placements, and sizes, dental implants cater to diverse patient needs. For further information and to explore the possibility of dental implants, please reach out to us and Dr. Nova, a board-certified implantologist, at Nova Dental.
Placement and Types of Dental Implants
The most prevalent form of dental implant is the endosteal implant, typically crafted from titanium and resembling small screws. Positioned directly into the jawbone, endosteal implants stand as the preferred choice due to their frequent utilization.
Subperiosteal implants offer an alternative approach. Unlike endosteal implants, these implants are situated beneath the gum but on or above the jawbone. They prove beneficial for individuals lacking sufficient healthy natural jawbone, circumventing the need for bone augmentation procedures.
In rare instances where adequate jawbone is lacking for endosteal implants, zygomatic implants come into play. Positioned in the cheekbone (zygoma), these implants serve as a viable solution, ensuring comprehensive dental restoration despite challenging anatomical constraints.
Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants represent a specialized form of dental implant intended specifically for replacing a solitary missing tooth. They are particularly favored by individuals who have experienced tooth loss due to injury, decay, or disease.
Comprising three integral components, a single tooth implant includes the implant itself, the abutment, and the crown. The implant serves as a small titanium post, mimicking the function of the root of the absent tooth. Surgically inserted into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth, it provides a stable foundation for the replacement.
The abutment acts as a connector, positioned atop the implant to secure and support the crown. Crafted to match the color and contour of the patient's natural teeth, the crown constitutes the visible portion of the restored tooth.
Unlike alternative tooth replacement methods, single tooth implants uphold the integrity of neighboring teeth as they necessitate no alteration of surrounding dental structures. This preservation aids in maintaining overall oral health. Moreover, they help deter bone loss in the jaw, a common repercussion of tooth loss.
Multiple Tooth Implants
Multiple tooth implants, alternatively known as implant-supported bridges, serve as a dental implant option to address the absence of several consecutive teeth. This approach becomes particularly relevant when a patient has lost multiple teeth within a specific region of the mouth.
Diverging from conventional bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges anchor directly into the jawbone.
Once the implant posts are securely positioned and the surrounding jawbone has undergone osseointegration, the process of integration, replacement teeth or a bridge is affixed. Customized to match the patient's natural dentition in terms of color, shape, and size, this bridge blends in with the existing teeth.
Multiple tooth implants offer various advantages over traditional bridges or dentures. They impart a more authentic appearance and tactile sensation, remain stable within the oral cavity without slipping, and eliminate the need for altering neighboring healthy teeth. Furthermore, by simulating natural tooth roots, they aid in preventing bone loss in the jawbone.
Dental Implants at Nova Dental
If you are missing teeth and are ready for dental implants, we encourage you to give Nova Dental a call at (410) 205-1127. |
