Dental
Implants
Dental implants are a cosmetic
dentistry option designed to replace
missing teeth. Dental implants
are artificial teeth that are implanted
into the jaw, having the look and
feel of natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Listed below are several types
of dental implants:
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Root-form
implant - the most common type
of dental implant; also known
as an endosseous or endosteal
implant because the implant
is placed in the bone. Root-form
implants are made of titanium
and are similar in appearance
to screws, nails, or cones.
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Sub-periosteal
implant - commonly used in
patients who do not have enough
bone in the jaw to support
a root-form implant. Sub-periosteal
implants are placed over the
jaw, rather than in it.
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Plate-form
implant - this type of implant
is a rectangle of metal with
either one or two metal prongs
on one side. Plate - form implants
are placed vertically in the
jaw so that the prongs stick
up into the mouth and provide
a place for the artificial
tooth to be placed.
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Ramus-frame
implant - commonly used in
patients with a thin lower
jawbone, ramus-frame implants
are placed in the jaw - at
the back of the mouth and near
the chin. Dentures are then
made to fit on the thin metal
bar that is visible above the
gum tissue, once it heals.
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Transosseous
implant - used only in the
lower jaw. Transosseous implants
are bolted onto the jawbone
and extend along the entire
lower jaw. This type of implant
is rarely used.
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The Dental Implant Procedure
The surgical procedure used to
insert dental implants is done
under local anesthetic. The surgeon
begins by making an incision in
the gums, exposing the bone in
the jaw, and making a hole for
the dental implant to be fitted
into. The implant is then placed
into the bone and the gums are
closed with stitches.
Once the implant has been successfully
placed, the bone is given time
to grow and fuse around the dental
implant - for implants in the upper
jaw this will take approximately
six months and for those in the
lower jaw it will take approximately
three months.
When the bone has grown around
the implant, a process known as
osseointegration, the artificial
tooth is then added (this process
varies depending on the type of
dental implant used) and any necessary
bridges or dentures can be fitted
to the teeth.
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