Category: Implants

A Look at Different Types of Dental Implants

There are many different things that you can do to correct your teeth and to be happy with your smile again. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis can offer you the preventative care that is necessary to make it work well for you. From time to time, however, we may experience problems. Some of those issues are easily corrected, such as when we have to get a filling but at other times, we may end up damaging a tooth or perhaps even losing it and a dental implant is necessary.

When we go to the dentist and he suggests that we have an implant, he will likely discuss different options that may be available for the type of dental implants that can be inserted.

Different Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants may be called by a single name but there are actually a number of different types of implants that you have to choose from. The one that is best for your needs will be determined by the dentist and typically, it is not a matter of aesthetics but it is a matter of which is going to work best in your case.

One type of dental implant is inserted into the jawbone directly. It works similarly to a natural tooth root and it is a permanent fixture in the area. These types of dental implants are known as an Endosteal implant.

These types of implants may require a special type of dentist for the procedure. You will want to find a dentist who specializes in periodontal implants. Here is the (ADA profile of one that we would recommend. You could also read some reviews of the dentist here.

There may be times when you don’t have enough jaw bone in the area to support the first type of dental implant or perhaps you have a problem with your bones and they are soft. If that is the case, there is a secondary type of dental implant that is custom-made to the existing bone. It is a type of a metal framework and it fits down in place, making it more of a permanent solution than a denture. These secondary types of implants are known as Subperiosteal implants.

A surgery is likely to be performed so that the (artificial dental root https://www.perio.org/consumer/dental-implants) can be inserted into the jaw bone. You will likely be under local anesthesia at the dentist office when this procedure is completed. After the implant has been inserted, the gum will be secured over the area and eventually, the implant will fuse directly with bone. At that point, an extension is added, known as a post, and the artificial tooth or crown is inserted over the post.

This is not a procedure that takes place quickly and it may take up to nine months or longer before it is completely finished. When you want a tooth in the area where one is now missing, however, it is the best option to ensure that you have something that works well for you permanently.

More about the Procedure

Let’s take a closer look at the implant itself and see what it is, how it works and who is able to receive one.

In essence, when you receive a dental implant, you are having a tooth root inserted surgically and anchored to the jaw so that a replacement tooth can be put into place. Some dental implants are also able to hold a bridge so that it stays in place as well. There is a reason why many dentists will recommend implants instead of recommending other types of dental procedures that may accomplish something similar.

When you have a dental implant inserted into the jaw, it provides a stable and permanent solution so that the tooth or bridge can be fixed into the location. An implant does not rely on any of the other teeth that are surrounding the area to be used as a support system. They offer their own support because they are attached directly to the jaw. In addition, an implant is often preferred because it looks like a natural tooth.

In most cases, a dental implant is going to be made of a type of ceramic that is similar to bone and perhaps even some tissue from another area of your body that is bio-compatible. The Nobel implant is one of the most well-known ceramic implants. There are also metallic implants and many of them may be a combination of the different types of materials. When they are put into place, they offer a permanent solution and it is not necessary to have a denture in the area.

Unfortunately, not everybody is going to be a candidate for getting a dental implant. In order for you to have it completed, your jaw needs to be healthy and you need to be in fairly good health as well. In many cases, an individual that does not do well with dentures is going to be a prime candidate for a dental implant. On the other hand, if you suffer from different diseases, such as diabetes or bruxism, the implant may not work well for you.

Why You Should Choose to Invest In Treatment From a Periodontist

A periodontist is a trained dentist that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and bones inside of the mouth. Not only does a periodontist need to go to 4 years of dental school, but they have to complete a minimum of 3 more years of specialization courses. Throughout the extra education that is required, they learn the advanced techniques to diagnose and treat various forms of periodontal disease and how to properly place dental implants. Along with this, they are also typically trained in a lot of forms of cosmetic procedures as well. Below, we will be going over some of the reasons you will want to choose to invest in the treatment from a periodontist and what you should look for and expect.

Reasons Why You Should Choose a Periodontist:

1. Better Suited To Treat Advanced Disease.

One of the biggest reasons you will want to opt for the treatment from a periodontist is because they are much better suited to treat advanced diseases. Because a traditional dentist is not required to go through advanced training, they are not going to be in the position to help treat advanced diseases in the mouth whether it’s gum or bone related. They have the education and experience necessary to provide you with the best diagnosis and treatment in the industry. Whereas a dentist would only be able to tell you whats viewable from the surface, they will likely end up referring you to a periodontist anyways.

2. They Handle Cosmetic Issues Too.

Another reason to consider heading to a periodontist is that they are fully capable of handling cosmetic issues as well. You are going to be able to get some cosmetic work done if you so wish. This is great for those that are looking to get all of their dental work completed in the same place with the same dentist. Instead of having to travel from dentist to dentist, you will be able to choose a periodontist and get all of the necessary work done with them.

3. Customized Treatment Plan.

Because a periodontist is fully trained in providing custom treatments and solutions to their patients, they will x-ray your entire mouth including every single tooth, the jaw, and even the oral structures in your mouth. They will then fully examine it and come up with a fully customized treatment program that is designed to enhance the overall health of your entire mouth. They will discuss this treatment plan with you and you will be able to ask any questions that you might have available. If there is anything that you are unclear about, you can ask them about it.

What To Expect?

When you visit a periodontist, you can expect them to take x-rays of your entire mouth. They will also be examining your jaw joints, head, neck, mouth, throat, and your teeth and gums. They do this in order to get a full and proper interpretation of what is going on with your bone development, jaw, and everything else. By getting a full idea of what is going on, they will be in a better place to be able to properly diagnose you and give you customized treatment advice and options. Having everything they need to make a full and organized plan for your treatment is going to help you get the best possible results from your treatment.

During your visit, you will likely also be asked about any medications that you might be taking, your medical history, whether or not you are dealing with medical problems, any diseases that can be linked to your mouth and gums, and more. Medication that you might be taking can have negative effects on various parts of your mouth. Therefore, a periodontist needs to have an accurate understanding of it in order to fully and accurately diagnosis you and figure out what is going on. By having a full and clear picture, they will be able to better examine you and figure out what might be causing certain issues to present themselves. They will be able to treat you much better by having your history.

Overall, there are plenty of reasons to choose a periodontist for your needs. Not only will they be in the best possible position to assist you in bettering your oral care, but they are much better suited for diagnosing and treating advanced diseases that are occurring in your mouth whether it’s with your bone or soft tissue. Therefore, you will be able to get the best possible oral care by going to a periodontist with the extra 3 years of training if you are someone that is dealing with gum disease or any other advanced disease in your mouth.

How To Tell If You Might Need Dental Implants

If you have had teeth pulled or are likely going to have teeth pulled, you may be in the market for something called a dental implant. This is a replacement tooth that is put directly into your head, with a bit of re-enforcement, that keeps you from having to use dentures and from having bone loss that is typical when a large number of teeth are being pulled. This isn’t going to work for everyone and unless you know that you are a good candidate, your dentist might not even suggest it, however, you might want to bring it up the next time they talk about pulling a tooth.

The first requirement is, of course, going to be that you have some teeth missing or that at least one is going to be pulled. The minimum number of teeth that need to be missing for an implant is one, so if you need at least one tooth, then you will likely be able to get an implant done. People who are missing a large number of teeth may find that they have too many missing for the work to be done, so it is better to ask about them sooner rather than later.

Asking before work is done will allow a dentist to make the necessary adjustments to the work that they are doing to try and make sure that you are a good candidate. If the extraction is a particularly tricky one this might add a bit of time on to the procedure, and maybe a bit of cost, but it will end up saving you in the long run. The prep work will involve making sure that the bone is strong enough to handle the implant and that your other teeth are in good enough condition to have it put in place as well.

If you have generally good dental health you will likely be a good candidate as well. This is because the implant will need to be taken care of like other teeth. You will need to brush and otherwise take care of your teeth like you always would to prevent any issues from happening with the new tooth.

Finally, you will likely be a good candidate if you are able to bite hard foods without any problems. Jaw pain when you bite hard foods may indicate that you won’t be able to receive one of these implants. However, this is not always going to be the case. Jaw pain may just be from the cavity that you have, from swelling, or from other issues that don’t indicate an issue with your jawbone. X-rays taken by your dentist will tell you if there are any problems preventing you from getting an implant.

Implants are one of the best ways to preserve a smile and to keep you from having problems with eating and other tooth-related activities later in life. There is very little difference with how an implant and a real tooth act, and once the implant has fully healed most people can’t tell the difference.

At the end of the day, the only person who can truly tell you if you will be a good candidate for dental implants is going to be your dentist. However, most dentists will be more than happy to work with you to ensure that you can get an implant and that you can maintain your smile without the addition of dentures and the messy creams that accompany them in your life. If you are going to have a tooth pulled, ask your dentist if implants are the way to go.

What Is Dental Root Resorption

A person once visited his dentist and while a routine examination was being done, a hole was discovered at the gum line in his upper front tooth. The dentist informed him that he was dealing with a “root resorption” and that it was not clear whether the could be saved. If you ever receive such a prognosis, it is important to know exactly what you are dealing with.

What is Root Resorption?

Root resorption in adults is a troublesome but uncommon dental condition where the body’s own cells dissolve and eat away the structure of the tooth. It is not a problem for growing children, but it is a natural process by which the roots of a baby’s teeth are removed thus facilitating their replacement with the permanent teeth.

Root resorption in permanent teeth can start on the inside of the tooth also known as internal resorption or it can start outward then work its way inward also known as external resorption. External resorption is the most common of the two.

The effects of cervical or external resorption the patient in the example was describing occurs near the gum line at the cervical region of the tooth. In the early stages, the condition produces pink spots where the enamel has been compromised and filled with pink colored cells that cause the damage. The spots eventually progress to cavity-like areas.

Deposition (adding to) and resorption (breakdown) are normal processes used by the body to maintain balance. It is especially true of bone where it is a response to the usual stressors of tension and pressure. The processes are actually responsible for allowing the orthodontic movement of the teeth to happen. However, once adult teeth form they don’t typically resorb.

The exact nature of external cervical resorption (ECR) is still not completely understood, but several factors can increase the chances of a person developing it. Root resorption can happen in later years if excessive orthodontic force is applied to teeth. Traumatized teeth can equally suffer damage to the periodontal ligament. The ligament attaches teeth to bone and if disturbed can cause resorption.

Habits such as bruxism or grinding of teeth as well as some dental procedures such as the intra-coronal bleaching of teeth can make a person more predisposed to external cervical resorption. However, the majority of people with the risk factors still never develop the problem.

ECR is typically observed in the upper front teeth and on the lower first molars. The condition is painless and can go unnoticed for a while, first appearing as a distinct dark spot on a routine x-ray examination. However, this is rather unfortunate since the longer it stays untreated, the more the damage it is likely to do.

The progression of the damage further results in an erosion of the structure of the tooth’s root with both the inner and outer layers being eroded away. Eventually, the affected tooth appears like it has a cavity. Unlike cavities that are much more common problems, the damaged area (lesion) caused by the ECR does not feel sticky to a dental probe.

Upon the discovery of root resorption, it should be treated without delay to prevent further damage since the destruction can be rapid. However, as the dentist in the example above stated, it is not always possible to save the affected tooth. The treatment method will depend on the progression of the problem when it was detected.

For small lesions, it is sometimes possible to expose the affected portion of the root of the tooth with minor gum surgery. The tissue cells responsible for the damage are removed and a filling material in the color of the tooth usually a glass ionomer cement or composite resin is used for repairing the tooth.

A single-tooth orthodontic procedure is sometimes recommended prior to surgery. With the treatment, the tooth is moved outward from the jawbone gradually. As the tooth moves, the gum tissue also moves along with it, and new bone is built behind. The final contours of the gum line eventually line up and gum recession at the affected tooth can be prevented.

If ECR reaches the area close to the dental pulp, root canal treatment may be needed. The more invasive and extensive the resorption, the less the chances of saving the tooth. Often, in cases of advanced ECR, the better option would be to extract the tooth and have it replaced with a dental implant.

It is not possible to see the extent of the damage sometimes or even determine whether or not extraction is necessary until the root is exposed by surgery. However, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans are able to identify small anatomical structures inside the tissues in 3 dimensions with much more accuracy than a standard x-ray. CBCT is a high-tech imaging technology that can help increase the accuracy of advanced treatment planning.

Hopefully, this brief explanation has helped you understand more about root resorption. Root resorption might be uncommon, but it can be treated successfully!