Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

The need for replacement teeth is more common than you may think. People lose their natural teeth for many reasons including tooth decay, injury, infection, and more. It is very normal for patients to feel insecure about their smiles when they lose a tooth or need a tooth removed but luckily there are many solutions. 

While there are many options for replacement, dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace a missing tooth to restore a smile. The biggest benefit of dental implants is that the implant will look no different than the other natural teeth and will support a patient’s oral health for years to come. Keep reading to learn about the different types of dental implants and dental implant materials to discover which type of implant is best for your needs. 

The ideal candidate for dental implants

For people who have lost teeth due to injury or periodontal diseases, dental implant procedures are a good alternative. The right candidate must:

• have good general oral health
• have an adequate bone density in the jaw to anchor the implant
• be free from periodontal disease
• have healthy gum tissue

What are the different types of dental implants?

There are two main types of dental implants and two main types of procedure, endosteal and subperiosteal, and single-stage and two-stage, respectively. All of the options are incredibly natural-looking but are used for different reasons. Your dentist will be able to guide you in making the right implant decision for your oral needs, but it is important to know the difference. 

Endosteal

An endosteal implant is the more common of the two types of implants and what most dentists prefer to use. This type of implant is anchored into the jawbone to act as an actual tooth root and is shaped like a small screw. Dentists prefer to use this method because when a tooth is missing in the mouth structure it can cause bone loss and shift adjacent teeth. Endosteal implants anchored into the vacant tooth root helps preserve the structure of the face and jawbone.

Subperiosteal

Subperiosteal implants look the same as endosteal implants but are placed under the gum tissue or on top of the jawbone instead of being anchored into the jawbone. This implant option is typically used on patients who do not have a strong enough, or healthy enough, jawbone to support an implant. 

Oftentimes, dentists will suggest their patients undergo a bone augmentation to rebuild and strengthen their jawbone so that they can receive an endosteal. If a patient does not want a bone augmentation however, they can achieve very similar results with a subperiosteal implant. 

Single Stage

A single-stage dental implant requires only one surgical appointment. During the procedure, your dentist will place a longer implant into the jaw and gum so that the top of the implant is exposed. Once the area heals, the connector and crown parts of the implant will be attached right onto the exposed part of the implant.

The single-stage procedure is often used on patients with bone problems or those who have special needs. This is because the single-stage process is typically quicker once the initial surgery is done and the patient will have an easier adjustment to their new teeth. 

Two-Stage

The two-stage dental implant procedure takes much longer than a single-stage because it requires a minimum of two surgeries with healing time in between. During the first part of this process, your dentist will surgically place the base of the dental implant into the jawbone and then stitch it up to heal. Once the mouth has healed after a few months, another minor surgery will expose the base of the implant to attach the connector piece and crown of the implant.

Although this type of process is more invasive and complex, it provides long term benefits. During the time between the first and second surgery, the base of the implant will fuse to the jawbone to create a base that is as strong as a real tooth root. 

Dental implant materials

For many years, titanium implants were the only material used in implant dentistry but as technology continues to evolve, so do our options. The two main materials used for dental implants are titanium and zirconia. There is an extensive amount of research and testing that goes into developing new implant materials including the chemical and physical properties. These dental materials must be resistant to fracturing and corrosion while having the proper microstructure and composition. 

Titanium dental implants

To this day, titanium dental implants are the most commonly used material. One of the main benefits of using titanium material implants is that it does not disturb the jawbone. When the titanium implant is placed, the bone is still able to grow next to the implant as it would a natural tooth which allows the implant to last longer.

Titanium implants are also the most cost-effective and versatile option. Most titanium implants today are not made out of pure titanium and are actually titanium alloys. This allows the implants to be stronger and safer for those that are allergic to titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible material which means it closely resembles the human body making implant fusion to the bone easier. 

Zirconia dental implants

Unlike titanium that has been around seemingly forever, zirconia implants are the most recent material to come to the dental implant industry. Many patients have concerns with metal allergies and putting metal into their body which makes zirconia implants a great, metal-free, implant option. Zirconia is also used for making bridges and crowns and the material is very hard and strong. This material also fuses to the bone very similarly to how titanium does. 

One of the most prominent downfalls to zirconia implants is that they simply have not been around as long as titanium implants have, so the material has not had the same level of testing. Zirconia dental implants, however, do have two large advantages over titanium implants: 

• There is no dark metal color showing through the gums
• While zirconia can fracture easier than titanium, they are less susceptible to corrosion

Potential issues during dental implant procedures

The success rate of implants is quite impressive. However, sometimes patients get complications, most of which are minor and are easily managed by dentists. Some of the issues people experience include:

• Implants become loose during the healing process. When this happens, the dentist may remove the implant to allow the bone to fill the area and replace it after the bone regains strength.
• Perimplantitis. This is a disease that causes the loss of the bone supporting the implant. In such an event, the dentist removes the implant and may recommend grafting.
• Implants can fracture or wear out. In such cases, the dentist examines the magnitude of the problem and recommends an appropriate alternative.
• Nerve and tissue damage may occur if the implant is placed very close to a nerve, causing chronic pain and numbness in the mouth area.
• Foreign body rejection. The patient’s body may reject the implant altogether.
• Allergic reactions. Some patients may be allergic to substances in the implant. Therefore, it is prudent to have a MELISA test before the procedure.

Steps in the dental implant procedure

Initial evaluation. This is done by the surgeon to determine the condition of the jawbone. It may include x-rays and taking impressions.

Tooth extraction. This involves the removal of any remaining tooth before starting the procedure. It can be done simultaneously during the process.

Grafting of the socket. Grafting is done at the extraction site to preserve the bone.

Insertion of the implant. The patient is put on anesthesia, after which the implant is placed in the jawbone.

Abutment placement. An abutment is a piece that connects the implant to the crown, usually placed on top of the implant.

Fixing of the permanent crown. After the gums heal, the dentist prepares an artificial tooth or crown and attaches it directly to the implant.

Timelines

Dental implant timelines can be confusing. However, the time taken depends on your teeth’s current condition and the intricacies of your procedure. Some factors that determine the timeline includes; your general teeth and gum health, the number of teeth being replaced, the position of the tooth being replaced, whether there are extractions, and jaw bone grafting. A simple implant procedure can take a few hours, while complex procedures are spaced out over two years. In ideal oral health conditions, a dental implant should take about nine months.

What to expect as a patient

The following should be done before the procedure:
• An elaborate dental examination
• Developing a plan for the surgery
• Disclosure of medical conditions and medications
• Discussing the mode of pain relief
• Scheduling the surgery

During the surgery, the anesthesia used by the dentist may make you feel groggy for some time. Incisions made in your gums to place the implant in the jaw may cause bruises, swelling, minor bleeding, and pain. The dentist may prescribe medication.

After the procedure, the gums are closed to cover the implant. You will be scheduled for a second phase of the procedure after a few months. After healing of the gums, an artificial tooth will be placed on the implant.

Pre care requirements

The following should be observed before dental implant procedures.
• Stop alcohol and tobacco use at least two weeks before the surgery because they can cause complications after surgery and inhibit the healing process.
• Disclose any medications you are taking to help your doctor take precautions to reduce the risk of complications.
• Practice proper oral hygiene to reduce bacteria that may cause infections in the gums after surgery.
• Plan your journey to and from the hospital because it may be unsafe for you to drive after the procedure.
• Prepare for the recovery period by getting items you may require during that period.

Post care suggestions

• Discomforts emanating from the procedure can be managed using over the counter painkillers.
• Ice can be placed on the area intermittently during the initial 24 hours to minimize swelling.
• Antibiotics prescribed to prevent infections must be taken to completion.
• Stick to soft foods to avoid disturbing the surgery area.
• Avoid hot drinks and spicy foods for a few days.
• Do not bite hard substances in the area of the implant until you have fully recovered.
• Be cautious when cleaning your teeth to avoid disrupting healing. Use Q-tip and appropriate cleaning solutions rather than a toothbrush.
• Stay away from strenuous activities for some time after the surgery.
• Avoid smoking for at least two weeks after surgery.
• A bite guard can be used to prevent trauma on the implant site.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and follow up.

In need of a dental implant in the Southfield or Berkley area?

If you live in Southeast Michigan and think dental implants might be right for you, contact any of our locations to set up a consultation.