Dental Implants are becoming more popular, and you likely know someone with a dental implant or you may be considering one yourself. While there is a lot of information available, below are three things you might not realize about implants that can affect your discussion with your dentist.
There Are Different Types of Implants
You may have heard of mini implants and regular implants. Mini implants are smaller implants that can be placed in a single visit and are often used when a patient does not have enough bone to support a regular implant. While they are a good option for many patients, they are not as strong as regular implants and the type of prosthetics that can be placed on them is limited.
However, when it comes to regular implants, there are several different types. Endosteal implants are the most common and involve a post placed in your jaw bone. Subperiosteal implants involve a metal plate placed beneath your gums, and zygomatic implants involve a post places in your cheekbone. Additionally, there are several methods of bone grafting that may be used to prepare your jaw for an implant.
Most Implants Take Several Appointments Over Several Months
Even with mini implants, which allow your dentist to place a prosthetic on the implant the day, it is placed, may take two or more appointments to secure 3D imaging, and produce a tooth that will fit your mouth. Other types of implants usually involve a consultation, any necessary extractions, surgery, and two or more placement appointments. These appointments are spaced out over three to six months to allow time for your jaw to fuse with the implant.
You Can Change What You Mount Onto An Implant In The Future
One of the benefits of implants is that you can change what you mount on them in the future. For example, you may get an implant to replace a single missing tooth. However, if you lose more teeth in the surrounding area, your dentist can change your prosthetic to multiple teeth. Most single implants can handle two to four teeth. If you need a full set of dentures in the future, you can place them on your implant for permanent placement as opposed to a removable option. However, this is only an option if you have at least four implants in one jaw.
If you are interested in an implant, talk to your dentist about the various options available to you.
Share25 August 2020
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.