What are dental implants: Types, Procedure, and how they work (2024)

Dental implants provide an excellent option for replacing a missing tooth, whether it’s due to injury or disease. 

Losing a tooth can lead to significant oral health issues, such as bone loss, speech difficulties, and poor chewing. The primary purpose of a dental implant is to replace a missing tooth root and secure artificial teeth, such as dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. 

A dental implant allows individuals to regain their ability to chew and eat comfortably and dramatically improves their overall facial appearance and smile.

This medical device is highly recommended for most patients. However, many questions are expected to arise when considering this treatment for yourself. 

What are dental implants made of? What is the cost, and what types of dental implants exist?

Dental implants: What are they?

A dental implant is a small, strong, and biocompatible screw that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gums. 

This artificial root serves as a robust foundation for a replacement tooth or bridge. The implant is designed to fuse with the jawbone, providing stable support for the artificial tooth and mimicking the function of a natural tooth root.

Dental implants are commonly crafted from titanium, a strong and durable metal, although some are made from ceramic. 

Both titanium and ceramic implants are considered to be safe and biocompatible, meaning they are well-tolerated by the tissues inside the mouth, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural feeling.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants have a wide range of benefits for patients, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Dental implants: 

• Improve speech and restores chewing ability.
• Provide better bone preservation at the site of a lost tooth. 
• Enhance your smile.
• Attach either permanent or removable bridges and dentures.
• Keep the healthiness of the surrounding bone and gums.
• Provide tooth replacement options that do not impact adjacent teeth, which is necessary for dental bridges.
• Can’t get cavities, leading to a lower risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth.

Finally, the main benefit of dental implants is that they improve the quality of life.

Structure of dental implant system

Dental implant systems include a dental implant body, a dental implant abutment, and an abutment fixation screw.

The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the tooth’s root.

The dental implant abutment is a component that is typically connected to the implant body using an abutment fixation screw. It protrudes through the gums into the mouth and supports artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges, or removable dentures.

One or more implants may be needed for a specific case.

For instance, a single implant is needed for a missing tooth, while 4 to 8 implants may be necessary to support the restoration when all teeth are missing from a dental arch.

Types of dental implants

There are three types of dental implants.

• Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type of dental implants. They are surgically placed into the jawbone to support one or more prosthetic teeth. 
• Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jaw, with metal framework posts that stick through the gum to secure the implant. They are used for patients who don’t have enough bone height for endosteal implants.
• Zygomatic implants offer an alternative for individuals with insufficient bone density in their jaw for traditional subperiosteal or endosteal implants. This type of single-tooth implant utilizes the zygoma, a facial bone beneath the eye, as a support structure.

An appointment with a specialist is required to determine which type of implant is best for you.

Procedure for dental implants

When you visit your dentist for a dental implant consultation, the specialist will examine your mouth, run tests to assess your oral health and determine if dental implants suit you.

• During the surgery, local anesthesia will be administered to numb your gums. If you choose sedation, the medications will also be provided.
• Your dentist will place an implant in your jawbone below the gum tissue. The tissue will heal over several months as the implant bonds with the bone and attaches to the gum.
• After the tissue is healed, an abutment will be attached to the implant to connect the replacement tooth. 
• An artificial replacement tooth is made, and your dentist or specialist attaches it to the abutment. Properly fitting the replacement tooth to the abutment may take several appointments.
• When replacing several or all of your teeth, a fixed bridge is anchored to dental implants and spans the area without teeth.
• Following the procedure, the surgeon will arrange follow-up appointments to observe the implants’ condition and ensure the overall health of the teeth and gums. 

It is crucial to schedule professional cleanings every six months to maintain optimal oral health.

What is the cost of dental implants?

Many factors are involved in the cost of a dental implant treatment because every person has different needs. 

The cost of dental implants can be influenced by:

• The specific number and types of implants needed and their positioning within the jaw. 
• If supplementary procedures are necessary to prepare the oral cavity for implant surgery.
• Depending on the material. 
• The experience level of a dentist can significantly affect the costs, as highly experienced professionals may charge higher fees.
• The cost of artificial teeth, like crowns, bridges, or dentures.

This will only be known after your dentist examines you. Then, your dentist will determine the cost of dental implants for your condition. You can ask about dental insurance policies, which might cover some of the cost.

How do I know if I need a dental implant?

Dental implants might benefit you if you have one or more missing teeth. 

Cavities, tooth root fractures, bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth), gum disease, facial injury, and congenitally missing teeth are causes of tooth loss that may require a dental implant. 

Remember, only a dentist can determine if an implant suits you and what type would be best. 

Over the past 30 years, modern dental implants have proven to be highly effective. They are the most durable option for supporting replacement teeth, providing a natural look, feel, and function.

Our priority at Yonge & Seven Dental is to provide easy, convenient, and affordable dental care for you during this time of concern.

Take the first step toward your well-being by booking your first appointment today.