Modern dental implants take advantage of technology to create a seamless and beautiful support for your new tooth. Using techniques and materials to form a better bond with the teeth allows us to give you a tooth that looks, feels, and acts like a natural tooth. One significant advantage that we have is the use of titanium to make the implants themselves.
Through a process known as osseointegration, the jaw bone will actually grow around the titanium implant for effective integration. To augment this kind of biointegration, we actually coat some implants with hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring substance in the bone. The introduction of hydroxyapatite adds an entirely new dimension to a method of replacing teeth that are already deeply engaged in fusing the dental implant with your natural bone.
Integration, for dental implants, takes on many forms and is facilitated by a number of ways. For example, there are a number of different surfaces and textures to the dental implant itself. By selecting the right kind of surface, we can ensure a much more seamless process. Some of the surfaces that are available are plasma-sprayed, acid-etched, grit-blasted, and hydroxyapatite-coated.
There are also several different types of implants that we use for different situations. The most important factor in choosing which implant is right for the patient is the amount of bone mass in the patient's jaw. For some people, it is better to use the bone immediately under the site of a crown replacement. For other people, the dental implant needs to be in bone that is slightly heavier, typically near the wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth.
When a person does not have a bone structure that can withstand the impact of an implant, we use a different kind of implant that most people have come to traditionally expect. Known as a Ramus-Frame implant, these dental implants span the entire mouth. It is anchored in the back of the mouth, near the wisdom teeth, and near the chin. A thin metal strip is left on the surface, which allows us to then connect the bridge or dentures to it. A Ramus-Frame implant helps to stabilize the jaw and can prevent it from fracturing while still providing a means for false teeth to be installed.
More traditionally, we will use a root-form implant that we implant directly into the bone underneath the gum where we plan on placing the false tooth or crown. Also known as an endosseous implant, these depend upon fusing with the bone for their strength and stability. In order for this kind of a dental implant to be successful, the bone has to have virtually no loss and be relatively strong. The installation is a two-step process that often takes several months while the body adjusts to the implant before proceeding to the next phase. When you visit our dental office, Maitland Square Dentistry will review the options with you after examining your teeth.
Dental Implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone to serve as the roots of replacement teeth. They are often the most highly recommended teeth replacement solution due to the unique benefits that they provide over alternative solutions, such as removable dentures and fixed bridges.The three primary options that patients have after they lose one…
For those who severely damage or lose a permanent tooth, dental implants can restore the appearance and function of a healthy smile. This option produces a durable and more natural-looking replacement than other alternatives, such as crowns or bridges. While the treatment process can be lengthy, most patients find they can return to a normal…
Gum disease, if left untreated, often results in tooth loss, leaving many patients to wonder if they can get dental implants. Even gum disease patients who do not develop the advanced form of the disease, known as periodontitis, may want to replace missing or decayed teeth with implants. Is this possible, or will unhealthy gums…
For many people, dental implants are life-changing, as they drastically improve the appearance of the smile and increase overall comfort and function. That said, the process of installing implants is invasive, requiring several surgeries. As with any surgery, proper care post-implantation is key to preventing infection and ensuring the procedure’s success.Any area of the body…
The lifespan of a dental filling is limited. Due to normal wear and tear, a replacement may be necessary. When a filling deteriorates or comes loose, your tooth loses the protection that it has against injury and decay and will be more vulnerable to dangerous bacteria. To avoid more dental issues in the future, you…
A dental crown can save a tooth that is in danger of extraction. Dental crowns serve a dual purpose. They reinforce the tooth structure and improve the appearance of the smile at the same time. This means that a dentist could recommend a crown as a treatment for tooth decay or injury. A cosmetic dentist…