Dental implants are commonly recommended for patients who have lost some of their teeth due to periodontal disease or injury. Although other options are available in the dental industry to replace teeth, such as bridges and dentures, dental implants offer the most natural feeling for patients as they are inserted into the jawbone and look and act like real teeth.
Due to these benefits, dental implants have become so popular that today there is a great number of qualified Australian dentists that offer their patients different types of dental implants using state-of-the-art technology. Different types of dental implants offer specific benefits and are suitable for treating different conditions.
Endosteal Implant
This is the most common form of dental implants. It is a place-holder post that is placed into the jaw so that false tooth can be fitted onto it. It has a screw shape and is made of titanium as to prevent oxidation and provide a less reactive environment within the mouth. Each endosteal implant can easily hold one or more prosthetic teeth. It is a good alternative for patients who use bridges or removable dentures.
Subperiosteal Implant
This type of dental implant is recommended for patients who have minimal jawbone and are unable to wear traditional dentures. Instead of being placed into the jawbone, this implant sits on top of the bone using a metal framework which protrudes through the gum to hold an artificial tooth or teeth.
Dental Implant Procedures
Your dentist will perform a dental examination and construct a detailed and comprehensive treatment plan according to your dental needs. Common dental procedures include:
- Single Tooth Replacement – Suited for people who have lost only a single tooth as it can easily obscure the affected area aesthetics wise.
- Multiple Teeth Replacement – Recommended when more than one tooth needs to be replaced. In this case, a dentist will use an implant-supported bridge to replace several missing teeth.
- Full Teeth Replacement – A solution for patients who have lose all their teeth. Implanted full bridged will be used to replace all the teeth.
- Sinus Augmentation – A procedure used when a dentist finds it difficult to implant bridges or dentures.
- Ridge Modification – Recommended for patients who have bone defects in their jawbone.
Dental Professionals Who Perform the Surgery
Although there are some general dentists who are educated and trained enough to perform the procedure, oral surgeons and periodontists are often the best professionals to turn to when it comes to dental implants. Make sure you choose a professional who knows what they are doing; don’t be afraid to ask them about where they were trained and what’s their previous experience. Keep note that general dentists don’t need to have a special license to perform a dental implant procedure as they can perform the restoration of bridges and crowns, which are considered part of the implant treatment. This means they can also place the implant themselves.
