When it comes to missing or damaged teeth, dental implant restorations are one of today's most recommended solutions. In this procedure, a titanium rod is installed into the jaw and fitted with a crown, known as a restoration, in place of any missing teeth. Implants are an appealing alternative to dentures or bridges due to their permanence, comfort and aesthetic appeal. With so many types to choose from, it is essential to consult a dental professional when evaluating which is appropriate.
Before a prosthetic can be placed, it needs a base to hold it firmly in place. During a consultation, diagnostic 3D-imaging can help determine the available bone structure, the position of the tooth or teeth to restore, and the severity of the damage. This helps a dentist decide which implant procedure is appropriate.
Dental implant restorations are traditionally installed in two surgeries. During the first, a titanium base is mounted in the jaw. After allowing three to six months for osseointegration, the process of bone fusing to the metal, an abutment is fitted to the base. A custom restoration is crafted to match. While these have historically been made of gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal, improvements in computer-assisted design and modeling have made zirconia with a porcelain finish a more popular material.
Today, immediate load dental implants are an alternative for many patients. By adding the abutment and a temporary prosthetic when the base is installed, the surgical process is reduced to a single day. A custom permanent restoration is affixed after a few weeks. While this is a preferable alternative for most patients, the smaller diameter of the rods require sufficient bone density for support. Significant bone deterioration can necessitate a traditional procedure or even a bone augmentation process. A consultation can determine the appropriate route to a sturdy smile.
The prosthetic is attached in one of two ways. Screw-retained restorations are affixed with a series of screws, while cement-retained restorations are cemented into an abutment and attached to the structure with a screw. Cement-retained restorations are easier to seat in hard-to-reach areas and are believed to better absorb shock, but they pose a risk of peri-implant tissue damage when removing excess cement. Hence, screw-retained restorations are a better option for most patients. They are easier to remove when a replacement is required, and with the advancement of porcelain fused to zirconia, screws no longer show through the material. Ultimately, a dental professional can make an appropriate recommendation for a patient's mouth.
Depending on a patient’s unique needs there may be other preferable options, such as using fewer screws to hold a full arch of dentures, or mini dental implants, a less-invasive option with smaller screws to hold a lower denture. Subperiosteal implants, which are not placed as deep into the jaw, are used in rare cases when bone augmentation is not suitable.
Advancing technology offers a number of options for replacing missing teeth. The type of dental implant restoration right for each patient should be determined with the help of a dental professional.
Request an appointment here: https://drdelucia.com or call Anthony DeLucia D.D.S., P.A. at (772) 492-7045 for an appointment in our Stuart office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Preventative dental care is essential for your oral health. If you have never been to the dentist, it can be hard to know what to do. Let's go over some of the best practices for diet and nutrition that you need to keep your teeth healthy and strong, so that not only are they easier…
Preventative dental care is essential for a healthy mouth. The health of a person's teeth and gums says a lot about their overall health. Regular dental checkups and a proper oral hygiene routine are two of the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.Oral health will also aid in preventing…
Preventative dental care is important to maintaining good oral health. It would be best to make it a point to schedule your routine dental checkups twice a year. Another way to help your teeth and gums stay healthy is to brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash.If you are a smoker, the…
Preventative dental care is one of the most important ways to take care of your teeth and gums.Having a healthy smile can give you more than a great first impression. Taking care of your teeth is important in maintaining your overall body health as well. If you don’t take proper care of your teeth, you…