Dental Implants
Types of Dental ImplantsSan Diego, California
Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. An implant acts as an anchor for a replacement tooth, and multiple implants can support an entire set of replacement teeth.
If a tooth is missing, along with its root, there are gaps both amongst the teeth and within the jawbone. Over time, this can lead to deteriorating dental health.
- Existing teeth will gradually move to fill in the tooth gap – this will put them out of proper alignment and potentially lead to a bad bite, the central feature of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD). Misaligned teeth block proper jaw movement and start the chronic muscle stress that creates so many painful symptoms.
- Bone tissue will gradually shrink to fill in the bone gap – which will alter the shape of your jaw, giving you an older look.
The Three Types of Implants
1. Root Form Implant (endosteal implant)
This is the most common type and it looks like a small screw. It’s made of titanium, a light metal which bonds well with bone tissue. It is set directly into the jawbone, under the gums. Implanting it is dental surgery and requires anesthesia.
It takes three to six months for the gums to heal over. Then in a minor procedure, the implant is uncovered and an abutment (small projection) is attached. After a couple of weeks, the new tooth is attached to this abutment. You now have a porcelain crown, anchored by a titanium implant, and nobody will be able to tell. This arrangement should last as long as your natural teeth, depending on your daily dental hygiene.
A root form implant is used when there is plenty of width and depth of the jawbone. If your jawbone is too narrow, a plate form implant is a better choice.
2. Plate Form Implant (endosteal implant also)
This type has a flat, long shape and is set into the jawbone like the root form implant. Being very narrow, it can fit into a narrow jawbone. Bone and gum tissue will eventually grow around it, making it more secure.
The surgical process to implant a plate form implant is similar to that for the root form implant. Under anesthesia, the plate form implant is set into the jawbone. It takes about three to six months for your gums to heal; they'll heal over most of the plate form implant. After healing, an abutment is attached to the implant. The replacement tooth, teeth or crowns (depending on the type of procedure) is then attached to the abutment.
Some plate form implants, however, do not require the long healing process, and are immediately ready for restoration. Each individual is different – only a qualified cosmetic dentist can tell you which type of implant is right for you.
3. Subperiosteal Implants
A subperiosteal implant is used if the jawbone is too small for either root or plate form implants. This is a custom-made implant and it is placed on top of the bone, underneath the gums.
In a preliminary procedure, with local anesthetic, Dr. Loye would take a physical impression (mold) of the jawbone. In some cases he might order a CT scan of the jawbone, and then use that data in computer imaging to create a model of the jaw. Either way the dental laboratory would use the results as a model for the implant.
About two weeks later, the implant is placed on your jawbone and covered by the gum tissue. After the gums have healed, replacement teeth are attached to the implant.
One or more dental implants can be used to support a bridge. If you are missing several teeth, then an implant can be placed with an abutment on the top which will hold two teeth. Dr. Loye would assess your individual situation and plan a treatment accordingly.
Dr. Loye of the San Diego area has many years of experience placing all three types of dental implant. He could give you more information about which type would be most suitable for you. Please give us a call, or send an email, so that we can arrange for your free initial consultation.
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The Dentist that Makes You Smile!
3830 Valley Center Drive, Suite 702
San Diego, CA 92130
