Dental implants are surgically placed artificial fixtures to replace one or more missing teeth. The dental implant itself is a titanium post or screw that is positioned into the jawbone, which acts like the root of your tooth. Dental implants are the standard of care today and the best treatment option in replacing missing teeth. They are part of the many surgical procedures we offer.
Dental Implants, Crowns and Abutment
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a surgically placed artificial fixture to replace one or more missing teeth. It is a permanent fixture made from titanium metal that is positioned into the jawbone, acting like the root of your tooth. It is commonly referred to as a post or a screw. In order for a dental implant to succeed, healthy bone must be present. A cone-beam computed tomography x-ray is often taken to verify the amount of bone remaining, nerve structures, and sinus to analyze if an implant can be placed. Please consult with your dentist to see if a dental implant is right for you.
What Are the Components Dental Implants?
There are 3 major components of an implant:
- Dental Implant – titanium post or screw
- Abutment – the metal fixture that lies around the gum line that is screwed into the dental implant (post or screw) and restoration (the part that looks like the tooth). The abutment is what joins the dental implant and restoration together.
- Restoration (crown, bridge, denture) – the restoration is the part that looks like your natural teeth. It can either be a crown, bridge or denture depending on how many teeth you are restoring. The restoration either can be screwed on or cemented to the abutment.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are many benefits in replacing missing teeth with dental implants, including:
Dental Implant Supported Bridge
What Is a Dental Implant Supported Bridge?
An implant supported bridge has the same concept as a dental bridge, but it is supported by implants and not natural teeth. Sometimes, if individual implants cannot be placed, an implant supported bridge may be a great alternative. Occasionally, we may have to skip a space for an implant due to insufficient bone, nerve proximity, or proximity to your sinus. An implant supported bridge is also a fixed restorative option.
Overdenture
What Is an Overdenture?
An overdenture is a custom-made removable/fixed appliance to replace all missing teeth on an arch that can be placed over retained roots or dental implants.
What Are the Different Types of Overdentures?
The two general categories of overdentures are tooth-supported or implant supported.
Tooth supported overdentures are commonly placed over root canal treated canine teeth that are prepared and connected to attachments for the overdenture to snap onto—although this is not as common today.
What Are the Different Types of Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant Supported Dentures (most common today)
An implant supported denture is a type of overdenture made when a person is fully edentulous (without teeth) but has enough healthy jaw bone to support implants. This appliance is fully supported by and attached to dental implants. The implant supported denture has attachments that snaps directly onto the attachments of the dental implants and are not supported by your gums, like conventional dentures. Implant supported dentures can be removable or fully fixed appliances. Removable implant supported dentures need to be removed daily to keep your gums and denture clean.
What Are the Different Types of Implant Supported Dentures?
There Are Three Main Types of Implant Supported Dentures:
- Bar retained overdentures – are supported by a metal bar that is attached to two to six implants that anchor the denture into place. Bar retained overdentures are stable and are a better option for stability and support in comparison to a conventional denture. However, this type of denture is still a removable appliance.
- Ball retained overdentures – are supported by small ball or stud-like attachments that are attached to two to six implants that anchor the denture into place over the gums. Ball retained overdentures are also a removable option, but are still far more stable than a conventional denture.
- Fixed overdentures – are fully supported by implants. In fact the denture directly attaches to four or more implants. Fixed overdentures are screwed in and cannot be removed for daily cleaning and must be seen by your dentist for cleaning and removal. They are fully secure and are the most stable option in replacement of all missing teeth.
All-On-4
What Is the All-On-4 System?
The all-on-4 system is a type of implant supported denture that uses four dental implants to fully rehabilitate either the top or bottom edentulous (without teeth) arch. The number “4” comes from the number of implants placed.
The all-on-4 concept was developed to allow for immediate function and support. This allow patients to receive immediate results and go home with teeth “same day”. You will often hear it referred to as teeth in a day.
All-On-4 Procedure
The all-on-4 procedure entails a consult with your dentist and a proper reviewing with a cone-beam computed tomography scan. This will allow proper planning and placement of your dental implants.
Once you and your dentist have reviewed your case, a special custom surgical template/guide is made for the day of surgery.
After surgery you will be in the healing phase and leave with a temporary denture that is fixed to the dental implants. The healing phase usually takes up to six months. Once implants have fully healed, the permanent denture can be placed.
Surgery & Sedation
Schedule Your Surgery & Sedation Dentistry Appointment with Clear Dental Studio in Broomfield, CO Today!
If you live in the Broomfield area and are in need of a dental evaluation, cleaning, assessment or any other dental services, turn to Clear Dental Studio. Dr. Martha Ha and her team of dental specialists are known for performing exceptional dental work for the residents of Broomfield and beyond and can do the same for you! Whether you need cosmetic, restorative, preventative, or surgery-oriented dental services, the choice is Clear. Call now or book online to schedule an appointment at our office in Broomfield.