Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.

What are Dental implants ?

A dental implant is a “root” device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures.They can also be used as anchorage for orthodontic tooth movemenPrior to commencement of surgery, careful and detailed planning is required to identify vital structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve or the sinus, as well as the shape and dimensions of the bone to properly orient the implants for the most predictable outcome. Two-dimensional radiographs, such as orthopantomographs or periapicals are often taken prior to the surgery. Sometimes, a CT scan will also be obtained.

What is meant by Immediate Implant placement ?

An increasingly common strategy to preserve bone and reduce treatment times includes the placement of a dental implant into a recent extraction site. In addition, immediate loading is becoming more common as success rates for this procedure are now acceptable.This can cut months off the treatment time and in some cases a prosthetic tooth can be attached to the implants at the same time as the surgery to place the dental implants. Because one of three implants requires a minimum addition of bone tissue, surgical techniques for underlying bone augmentation are currently under a large scale development.

What is Socket preservation type of Bone grafting in Dental Implants ?

Socket Preservation is a procedure in which graft material or scaffold is placed in the socket of an extracted tooth at the time of extraction to preserve the alveolar ridge. After extraction, jaw bones have to be preserved to keep sockets in its original shape. Without socket preservation, the bone quickly resorbs. The jaw bone will never revert to its original shape once bone is lost and tissue contour has changed.

What are Implant Overdentures ?

An implant overdenture fits over your own remaining natural teeth roots or dental implants that have been installed by your oral surgeon or other dental specialist. The retained root or implant provides you with excellent stability and support for your denture implants.
Unlike traditional dentures, root-supported or implant-supported overdentures or implant dentures are held in place by dental attachments which provide the retentive strength that you desire. An attachment retained implant overdenture will provide maximum retention, increase in function, and added health benefits. Implant overdenture attachments are composed of two working components; the root post which is cemented into your root or an implant abutment that is threaded into your implant, and the denture cap which is retained in the underside of your denture.

The most important consideration in your decision to choose an implant overdenture ordenture implant is the limited retention and stability of a traditional denture which relies on suction alone. Over time, retention only worsens due to continual bone loss (atrophy) of your dental arches from the lack of teeth. When a tooth loses bone support through the years, its root can be saved and used to anchor an implant overdenture. The significant concerns regarding function, retention, stability, mastication (chewing), and speaking can be overcome by maintaining the level of bone present in the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). These issues can be successfully accomplished by keeping your own roots, or if you are edentulous (without teeth) having dental implants placed by your oral surgeon may be an option.

What are the benefits of implant overdentures or implant dentures?

• Saving your natural roots or having dental implants placed will preserve bone and will dramatically reduce bone resorption and deterioration that results in loss of jawbone height.
• Implant overdentures will control facial contour changes that lead to premature wrinkles and aging.
• Implant overdentures will allow you to chew your food better and speak more clearly. Studies have proven that overdentures contribute to improved chewing efficiency and phonetics.
• Loose dentures that cause embarrassment will be eliminated. Messy denture creams and adhesives are no longer needed with denture implants.

What are Partial Dentures ?

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework.

What are the disadvantages of Partial dentures ?