Dental Implants

Common Types of Dental Implants and Restorations

Dental implants are special dental restorations made to replace a lost tooth. The implant is composed of two parts — the post, which replaces the tooth root, and the restoration. The post sits inside the jawbone and supports the crown or any compatible dental restoration.

How dental implants work

The implant itself is a little, screw-shaped post manufactured from titanium or zirconium. Both materials are biocompatible metals, meaning they have a special ability to fuse with the gums and jawbone naturally, which is why they are preferred for dental implants.

The implant is inserted into the socket which the lost tooth used to occupy, and it primarily functions as the prosthetic tooth root. The implantation procedure requires minimally invasive surgery, after which the bone will be allowed to heal around the implant (osseointegration) to create a solid fusion.

After osseointegration, the implant will be strong enough to support different types of restorations such as crowns, bridges or dentures.

Types of implants and restorations

There are up to 40 varieties of traditional implants. There are the normal-sized implants typically used when the jawbone has sufficient mass for implants, as well as two other variants knowns as mini and micro-mini implants. Mini implants are similar to traditional implants but with a smaller diameter, while micro-mini implants are a variant of the conventional implant design but thinner and smaller. These are temporary and created for easy removal.

Single tooth replacement

This uses one implant and supports a single crown. It is the most popular and usually recommended if only one tooth is lost.

Multiple tooth replacement

Several missing teeth can be restored by using multiple implants to support fixed bridgework. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the number of dental implants used varies. Typically, about four to eight implants would be needed to replace a full dental arch, which would support 10 or more crowns on a fixed dental bridge.

Hybrid of fixed and removable bridgework

In this situation, the implant supports a section of a fixed bridgework connected to a removable section.

Over-dentures (implant-supported dentures)

For this restoration, two or more implants (either traditional or mini implants) are used to stabilize a denture and maintain the jawbone underneath. Traditional full dentures sit on the gums and bones directly, and the pressure from biting could cause bone loss through resorption. Implant-supported dentures protect bone loss through stimulation. The American Dental Association considers overdentures as the standard treatment for people who are missing all the teeth in one or both jaws.

Temporary bridgework:

Dentists sometimes use micro-mini implants for temporary bridgework to provide functional teeth while the permanent implant heals for a lasting restoration. This is to ensure that the patient never has to live without teeth.

The bottom line

The dentist will evaluate your condition and choose the appropriate dental implant for your situation. If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, dental implants provide a stable and appealing option to restore the normal appearance and function of the teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding To Reshape Teeth

Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This can even enhance your general health. Bonding material allows the dentist to provide you with a better dental shape. Here are the details on how a cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth with dental bonding.A chipped edge and dental staining…

Enhancing Your Smile With A Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter teeth to overall smile improvement, cosmetic dentistry has something to offer just about everyone. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, here is some key information to help you decide if it is right for you.Any dental treatment where the key…

How Can A Cosmetic Dentist Enhance Your Smile?

A beautiful smile can be a powerful asset. It can affect first impressions, social interactions, and even your self-esteem. A cosmetic dentist improves the look of teeth and provides solutions to turn ordinary smiles into extraordinary ones. The treatment options typically depend on your preferences and needs.Patients looking to transform their smiles can book an…

Common Treatments At A Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of treatments that enhance the appearance of your smile. While these procedures are typically elective rather than essential, some cosmetic dental treatments also provide restorative benefits, improving the overall function of your teeth. Understanding these common treatments can help you decide which one is right for you.Over time, teeth can…

Dr. David Matto

Share
Published by
Dr. David Matto

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding to Reshape Teeth

Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This…

2 days ago

Enhancing Your Smile With a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter…

1 week ago

How Can a Cosmetic Dentist Enhance Your Smile?

A beautiful smile can be a powerful asset. It can affect first impressions, social interactions,…

2 weeks ago

Common Treatments at a Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of treatments that enhance the appearance of your smile. While…

4 weeks ago

How a Dental Filling Can Protect Your Teeth

When dentists recommend a dental filling, they can use various materials according to the patient's…

4 weeks ago

Seeing a Cosmetic Dentist for Veneers

A cosmetic dentist can improve the overall appearance of your smile thanks to dental veneers.…

1 month ago