Titanium Tooth Implants

Titanium tooth implants can offer a better alternative to dentures and bridges. If you are considering your options for replacing missing teeth, implants may be the right choice for you.

What are tooth implants?

Tooth implants, also called dental implants, are titanium fixtures that are surgically screwed into your jaw bone to provide a secure base for one or more prosthetic teeth. Once the implants are in place and healing has occurred, a post is attached to hold in your new artificial tooth, called a crown. The entire process could take several procedures over the course of six to nine months, but the results make the time and money well worth it.

Consider these benefits of tooth implants:

• They stay secure without the use of adhesives or clasps and do not slip, slide, or make embarrassing noises that advertise your false teeth
• They are made of high-quality materials that give the look and feel of natural teeth
• Your natural, healthy teeth will not need to be cut down to make room for the implants
• Implants are permanent and crowns usually last up to 15 years or longer
• Your jaw bone will be restored and stop shrinking, a process that progresses when teeth are missing
• You will be able to resume eating foods that are otherwise considered difficult to chew

Who can get tooth implants?

Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can have dental implants. There are some points to consider, though.

• You must have enough jaw bone to accommodate the implants. If your jaw bone is too small or has started to deteriorate, your dentist will explain the many bone grafting options that are available to help stimulate or restore healthy bone.
• Dental implant surgery is not usually covered by insurance. Ask your dentist if financing is available.
• The entire process could take up to nine months. Make sure you have the time to commit to numerous visits, procedures and the healing process.

Tooth Implant Surgery

Before your dentist begins dental implant surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive mouth exam to determine if there is enough healthy bone available to anchor the implants. You will also be asked to inform your dentist of your medical history, current medical conditions, and any prescriptions you may be taking.

If you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery, the next step will be to prepare the site of the implant. Your dentist will open up your gums to expose the bone where the implants will be placed. Using a special drill, your dentist will create a space in your bone to place the titanium implant. Finally, your gums will be sutured together and you will be asked to return to your dentist’s office in one to two weeks to have the stitches removed.

Depending on the size of your jaw bone, your dentist will choose one of the following types of tooth implants:

Root Form Implant – This is the most common type of dental implant and is shaped to resemble the root of a tooth. This implant is used when jaw bone has plenty of width and depth or when bone grafting has successfully restored healthy bone.

Plate Form Implant – This implant is flat and has a long shape to accommodate narrow jaw bones. It is inserted much like the root form implant.

Subperiosteal Implant – If there is not enough bone for root form or plate form implants, the subperiosteal implants are recommended. This implant is customized to be placed on top of the jaw bone and under the gums.

After the implants have been installed, you will need to allow your gums to heal and for the implants to fuse into your jaw bone. The healing and fusing process usually takes three to six months. Your dentist may be able to provide a temporary artificial tooth during this time if you want a filler until your crown is ready.

The next step is to have a post, which might contain zirconium to mimic the luster of natural teeth, attached to the top of your dental implant. Your dentist will again need to cut into your gums, this time to expose the top of the implant. Your post will then be attached to the implant, ready to anchor your crown.

The final step involves making your crown, or prosthetic tooth. Your dentist or prosthodontist will take impressions of your teeth to create a natural-looking tooth that blends in with your surrounding teeth. It could take several visits to get the right shape and shade. When your crown is complete, it will be cemented to the post and will make your new smile complete.

Keep in mind, it is important to maintain tooth implants the same way you would natural teeth. Brush and floss daily and see your dentist twice a year to monitor the health of your teeth and gums.