When you’re missing a tooth, there are a few options for replacing it. One option is to have a bridge installed, which requires altering the surrounding teeth in order to anchor the artificial tooth in place. Another option is to have a dental implant installed, which eliminates the need for modifying the natural teeth.
Dentist Robina implants are made of titanium, which fuses to the bone in a process called osseointegration. This makes them very durable and resistant to tooth decay and gum disease.
They are also very comfortable, as they can be shaped to look like your natural teeth. They’re also less invasive than other dental restorations, so they’re an excellent choice for many patients who are concerned about undergoing surgery.
There are also a number of different types of dental implants. These include endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants and mini implants. These types of implants are used for different purposes and should be discussed with your dentist before deciding which type is right for you.
Endosteal Implants
The most common and effective type of dental implant is an endosteal implant, which is a screw-like structure that is fused to the jawbone after a tooth is extracted. This type of implant is often the most successful and is available in a wide variety of sizes to suit your specific needs.
A dentist might also use a bone grafting procedure to add some bone mass before the implant is placed, which can significantly improve its success.
In addition, if you have a weak jawbone or don’t have enough healthy bone to support an endosteal implant, a subperiosteal implant might be the best option for you.
This type of implant is made of a metal frame that straddles the jaw, holding a screw that sticks up through the gums to attach to the fake tooth. It’s usually more expensive and not as sturdy as an endosteal implant, but it’s possible for a dentist to sculpt the jawbone to support this type of implant.
Some patients are allergic to metal, so zirconia implants are available as an alternative. This material fuses to the bone similarly to titanium, so it’s an ideal option for those with metal allergies.
A dentist may also recommend a titanium implant for patients who have lost bone mass due to aging, or for those with a poor jawbone structure. It’s important to note, however, that a dental implant can only replace a single tooth at a time.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and eat soft foods during the healing process. Taking pain medications can also help to reduce any discomfort you experience after surgery.
Mini Implants
The smaller of the two types, these implants are only half the size of a regular dental implant and are used for patients who have very small mouths. They are also used to replace missing teeth in small gaps or as a temporary solution before having conventional restorative procedures completed.
Mini dental implants are generally not suitable for large gaps, such as those created by missing front teeth, because they can cause the adjacent teeth to shift or slip out of position. They’re also not recommended for those who want to chew hard food because they can be more susceptible to fractures and wear.