Dental implants are a modern, permanent solution to missing teeth. They can last for 30 years or more and have a 90-95% success rate over 10 years.
Living with missing teeth can adversely affect digestion and speech, not to mention loss of self-esteem. Dental implants solve all the problems associated with missing teeth and require no more maintenance than regular brushing and flossing.
Two Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants. A single implant is used to replace one tooth. But what if you have several missing teeth or want to replace a set of dentures or a bridge with tooth implants?
All-on-4, 5, or 6 dental implants replace many teeth without the need for individual implants for every tooth. These types of dental implants are used like permanent versions of dentures and dental bridges.
We’ll explain the different applications for the two main types of dental implants so you can make an educated decision about which type would be best for you.
Elements of a Single Dental Implant
The single dental implant consists of a titanium threaded implant that serves as the new tooth’s root and is screwed into your jaw. The tissue around the implant can heal for three to four months, although a bone graft may be required to increase the bone mass of the jaw holding the implant, which can lengthen the healing time.
Once the jaw is healed, an abutment is attached to the end, and a crown resembling the surrounding teeth is attached to the abutment. The abutment between the implant and the crown serves as a failsafe device. If the crown becomes damaged and needs to be replaced, it can be detached at the abutment, and the implant in the jawbone can remain in place.
Elements of an All-on-4, 5 or 6 Implant
The descriptive name, all-on-4, 5, or 6 implants, refers to the span of the intended bridge and how many implants will be required to support the new denture or bridge. This type of dental implant costs less than having several single implants done and is less time-consuming. The implant procedures can usually all be accomplished at the same time, reducing the healing time.
The implants serve as pillars supporting the length of the bridge or denture. They anchor the bridge solidly to the jaw and the prosthesis is treated like your natural teeth by flossing and brushing.
Dental Implant Surgery
The surgical procedure for the single implant and the all-on-4, 5, or 6 procedure is virtually the same. If a bone graft is required, it’s done before the implant is inserted. An incision is made in the target area, revealing the jawbone, and it’s packed with powdered bone grafting material that forms a type of scaffolding that the natural bone tissue can grow on, strengthening and increasing the jaw mass.
In the implant surgery, the dental surgeon numbs the gum area around the target site and makes an incision in the gum tissue, revealing the jawbone. They drill a hole into the jaw and then screw the titanium implant solidly into the jaw. The tissue is then sutured around the top of the implant and allowed to heal.
Temporary Prosthesis Placement and Healing
In the single implant installation, the implant is allowed to heal without being covered. However, in the all-on-4, 5, or 6 procedure, a temporary prosthesis is fitted over the implant area that allows the patient to chew their food during the healing period. The healing period is approximately four to five months, though the need for a bone graft can lengthen it by up to three months.
Fitting the All-on-4 Permanent Prosthesis
The precise locations of the dental implants are measured during the implant procedure, and the permanent prosthesis is created with access points that fit the implant’s location. The access points allow the prosthesis to be solidly attached to each implant, generally with screws.
Visit About Tooth Dental Clinic for Dental Implants
If you’re considering having dental implants, please make an appointment at About Tooth Dental Clinic in Bangkok for an initial examination and consultation. You can learn more about the benefits of each type of dental implant and decide which is the right choice for you.
At About Tooth Dental Clinic, we focus our service on four main areas and installing quality dental implants is one of our specialities. The others include dental veneers, Invisalign aligners and self-ligating braces.
Dental implants are the modern permanent and preferred method of replacing missing teeth. Make your initial appointment today.
