Dental implants in Grand Rapids are generally recommended for individuals looking for permanent solutions for missing teeth . Dental implants consist of tiny titanium screws that a dentist surgically implants beneath your gums to replace missing tooth roots. After a brief healing time, dental implants are covered with prosthetic devices. Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend a single dental crown, dentures, or a dental bridge. Read on for an introduction to dental implants 101, including different types of implants, good candidates for implants, and available procedures to place implants.
Different Types
Dental implants all act as permanent replacement tooth roots. However, your dentist will recommend either endosteal or subperiosteal dental implants depending on how much jawbone height you have. Endosteal, or in the jaw, dental implants fuse directly with your jawbone. These dental implants are used as an alternative for patients with removable dentures or bridges. If you are unable to wear conventional dentures and have minimal bone height, your dentist will use subperiosteal, or on the bone, dental implants.
Good Candidates
To be a good candidate for dental implants, you must have sufficient healthy jawbone tissue for the implant to properly take root. You must also be in good oral and overall health. If you do not have enough bone tissue, your dentist office may suggest a bone grafting procedure so you can regenerate enough tissue for the implants to take hold. Good candidates for this dental procedure must also be willing to care for their dental implants.
Available Procedures
The dental implant procedure varies according to patient, and only your dentist can advise you of how long your dental implant surgery and prosthetic placement will take. For example, you may need only one dental implant and a dental crown to replace a single missing tooth. If you are missing several teeth, your dentist may suggest implant-supported dentures. For patients who are missing all their teeth, a dentist generally recommends an implant-supported full bridge or denture.