Dental Implants

Dental implants are a newer procedure that dentists use for patients that need permanent tooth replacement. These implants are anchored into the patients jaw and are meant to replace other types of dentures that just float in the patient’s mouth. The dental implants do not require glue or adhesive gels of any kind. These implants can be done for the loss of one tooth or for an entire mouth that needs teeth replacement. The replacement teeth should be taken care of by the patient just like normal teeth would be. They require brushing and flossing to keep the mouth free of any type of infection or gum disease. When taken care of properly, an implant can last up to 30 years. The titanium rods used in the implant should last the patient an entire lifetime.

A dental surgeon will examine the patient’s mouth with x-rays to find out if the bone structure will permit placement of the dental implants. If the patient is a good candidate, the surgeon will then give the patient an appointment for this out-patient procedure. Before the surgery the patient will be sedated with the use of a local anaesthesia. The surgeon will then insert the titanium rods, or roots, into the patient’s bone that is just under the gum lines.

Endosteal implants are permanent fixtures that are placed into the bone. A surgeon has the options of using screws, cylinders or blades to insert the replacement teeth. These rods are surgically implanted into the patients jawbone. It is the most common implant procedure done today. The patient will need two surgeries when they opt to have endosteal implants. The first one is for the implant itself. When the gum line heals the second surgery will then be performed. This second surgery is done so that the surgeon can connect a post onto the implant. This is when the replacement tooth is attached.

Subperiosteal implants use a metal frame that fits the jawbone. Posts are also used in this procedure to mount the replacement tooth onto. The metal frame is inserted inside of the jawbone during the surgery with the posts sticking upward, outside of the gum line. The surgeon then attaches the replacement tooth to the post making it a permanent fixture for the patient. This procedure is often performed on patients who have very minimal jawbone for the surgeon to work with.