What is an Implant?
What is an implant?
A dental implant, or what people often call a screw tooth, is a titanium screw that is placed inside the jawbone and acts like a tooth root. This screw fuses with the jawbone through surgery, and afterward, a crown is placed on the implant as the tooth’s cap.
At Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach, our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure your implant treatment is precise and comfortable. With a nearly 98% success rate, dental implants are one of the most successful treatments for missing teeth today. Implants might be the right choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting solution.
Table of Contents
Dental Implant Material
Most dental implants are made from titanium, but zirconia implants are also available. Both titanium and zirconia are materials that the human body is compatible with and does not recognize as foreign invaders, so it does not react to them. The implant is a thin rod that is placed inside the jawbone. Currently, the success rate of dental implants is close to 98%, making it one of the most successful treatments. It is said that today, dental implants are the best replacement for lost teeth. A noteworthy point about implants is that they can have a long lifespan if adequately cared for after being placed in the jaw.
At Beach Cities Dentistry, our skilled professionals will guide you through the entire process, from consultation to the final placement of your custom crown.
Types of Dental Implants
Next, it’s better to know what types of dental implants exist and what they are used for. Historically, there have been two different types:
- Endosteal(in the bone): These implants are placed directly into the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal(on the bone): These implants sit on the jawbone, under the gum tissue.
An endosteal implant is placed inside the bone. In contrast, a subperiosteal implant is placed on the jawbone and under the gum tissue. Today, subperiosteal implants are no longer used because they produce weaker long-term results and are less durable.
We specialize in the most effective implant techniques at Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach, ensuring you receive top-tier care. If you’re missing teeth and want a permanent solution, contact our office today for a personalized consultation. We’re committed to helping you restore your smile!
The Steps of Dental Implant Procedures
The dental implant process is broken into several essential stages to ensure success:
- Initial Evaluation & Planning: Your oral health is assessed through exams and imaging to evaluate bone quality. A customized treatment plan is then created, and surgery is scheduled.
- Anesthesia & Tooth Extraction (if needed): Local anesthesia or sedation is administered before surgery. If a damaged tooth is still present, it is carefully extracted, and in some cases, bone grafting is performed.
- Implant Placement: The bone is drilled to create space, and the titanium implant is placed. Depending on the situation, the gums may be stitched around or over the implant for protection.
- Healing & Fusion: A healing period of 2-6 months allows the bone to fuse with the implant, ensuring stability.
- Abutment & Crown Placement: Once healed, an abutment is attached to the implant, and an impression is taken to create a custom crown. The crown is then securely attached.
At Manhattan Beach Dentistry, we perform each step with precision, ensuring long-lasting results and a smooth patient experience.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Evaluation | Assessment of oral health and planning for the implant procedure. |
| 2. Preparation | Application of anesthesia and, if necessary, tooth extraction. |
| 3. Implant Placement | Insertion of the dental implant into the bone. |
| 4. Healing | Allowing time for the implant to integrate with the bone. |
| 5. Final Restoration | Placement of the abutment and custom crown. |
Types of Dental Implant Methods
Depending on the patient’s condition, gum status, the location of the lost tooth, and other factors, a specific implant method is used. It’s important to know that dental implants can be performed through several methods, the most important of which are as follows:
1. Single-Stage Dental Implant:
In this method, the root and base of the implant are placed in a single stage. After repairing and stitching the gums in the first stage, there is no need for additional surgery or treatment later. The patient must only return after three to six months to have the dental crown placed. This waiting period ensures complete bonding between the base and the jawbone.
2. Two-Stage Dental Implant:
If the implant base is placed in two separate visits along with secondary repair, it is called a two-stage implant. The patient completes the treatment in two stages, lasting three to six months between visits. In the first stage, the base is placed, and the gums are stitched. In the second stage, the restoration is completed by reopening the gums for the dental crown, followed by the final crown and cap placement.
3. Submerged Dental Implant:
The submerged implant method is used when the specialist intends to replace dentures or dental bridges with implant treatment. In this method, flat or threaded bases are placed inside the jawbone.
4. Immediate or Same-Day Dental Implant:
After thoroughly and carefully examining the patient’s condition, the specialist can determine whether immediate implantation is possible. If conditions allow, immediate implantation is prescribed, which shortens the overall treatment time. The base is placed during the same appointment, and the patient only waits for the specialist to determine the time needed for the implant to solidify.
5. Subperiosteal Dental Implant:
If the patient does not have enough jawbone and dentures supported by implant bases are needed, the jawbone is not split, and the base is placed inside the gum above the bone. The subperiosteal dental implant method is considered a single-stage process. The base is placed inside the gum, exposing a small part to attach the denture securely.
6. Short Dental Implant:
Certain implants are made in smaller dimensions, and the dentist places them in the patient’s jaw through a minimally invasive method without deep surgery. This method is called a short dental implant (MDI). These are typically used in the lower jaw to support dentures.
7. All-on-4 Dental Implant:
The “all-on-four” method uses four implant bases to support a complete set of teeth. If you recall, traditional dentures were made in an entire arch of teeth for each jaw. The issue with these dentures was that they could move or become loose. The All-on-4 implants fix the dentures securely on the jaw and gums, eliminating looseness.
8. Endosteal and Punch Implant Methods:
These are two other standard and practical methods for performing dental implants. In these, the implant base is placed entirely inside the jawbone. Endosteal implants are a good option for replacing dental prosthetics and bridges.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures: A Complete Comparison
Choosing between dental implants and dentures can be challenging, but understanding the differences can make the decision easier. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants are permanently anchored into the jawbone as a natural replacement for tooth roots. While dentures are typically removable and sit on top of the gums, implants are fixed in place using titanium or zirconia posts, providing long-term stability and a more natural feel.
One key advantage of dental implants is their ability to prevent bone loss. Since they fuse directly with the jawbone, they help maintain the bone structure, something dentures cannot achieve. On the other hand, dentures, though more affordable upfront, may require adjustments over time due to gum and bone changes, and they often need replacement every few years. However, with proper care, implants can last a lifetime, offering superior durability.
At Manhattan Beach Dentistry, we provide comprehensive consultations to help you decide which option is best suited for your needs. Whether you choose implants or dentures, our team guides you every step of the way.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Proper care is crucial to the longevity and success of your dental implants. While implants are designed to be durable, like natural teeth, they require regular maintenance to ensure they stay in optimal condition.
- Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Like natural teeth, brushing and flossing regularly is critical to maintaining dental implants. We recommend brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using dental floss or interdental brushes to clean around the implant and abutment. - Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental visits at Manhattan Beach Dentistry are essential for monitoring the health of your implants. During these visits, we check for any signs of gum disease or potential issues around the implant, ensuring they remain secure and healthy. - Avoid Excessive Force
While implants are sturdy, avoid using your teeth as tools or biting down on complex objects, which can damage the crown or the implant itself. If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a night guard to protect your natural teeth and the implants.
By following these care guidelines and maintaining regular appointments at Manhattan Beach Dentistry, you can ensure that your dental implants remain a permanent and reliable solution for your missing teeth. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule your next visit!
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